Primark has brought its Love It for Longer clothing repair workshops to the United States as part of its wider sustainability strategy. Initially launched in 2022 under the Primark Cares initiative, the free workshops aim to encourage customers to extend the life of their garments through basic repair and upcycling techniques.
Offered in-store at no cost, the sessions teach practical skills such as hemming, button replacement, and pocket additions. Open to all experience levels, participants receive a complimentary sewing kit, repair guide, and reusable tote bag.
“Over the last three years, we’ve hosted hundreds of repair workshops in our stores across Europe and the UK and are excited to roll out this offering in a handful of US markets – a major sustainability milestone for the brand and our conscious consumers,” said Kevin Tulip, President of Primark US. “We know that educating customers on repair is a small step in our journey to becoming a more sustainable business, but through our scale, we can reach many people and hopefully spark some change in how people care for and wear their clothes.”
The first US sessions have launched at Primark’s Staten Island Mall store in New York and at Tysons Corner Center in Virginia. Additional workshops are scheduled for 12 June, with further expansion planned in the New York and greater Washington, D.C. areas.
“Bringing our free Love It for Longer repair workshops across the pond to the US has been a long-held ambition for us. We know people want to make their clothes last longer, but often just need a little help getting started. These workshops give them that – because sustainability shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone,” commented Lynne Walker, Director of Primark Cares.
To date, Primark has held nearly 400 sessions across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and France. The workshops form part of a broader commitment to reducing textile waste and promoting garment longevity – central pillars of the Primark Cares agenda.
As of 2024, 66% of Primark’s clothing is made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials, with a target of 100% by 2030. The retailer has also introduced a Durability Framework to improve garment lifespan and tackle waste. On the emissions front, Primark has achieved a 21% year-on-year reduction in Scope 1 and 2 (market-based) emissions, representing a 52% decrease since 2019.
In October 2024, Primark entered a three-year partnership with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) to further its efforts in reducing textile waste and extending product lifecycles.
