Lefties, the rapidly-expanding discount chain owned by Zara group Inditex, has launched its first UK store
Zara owner launches cut-price Lefties in UK to rival Primark
Zara has launched its new fast-fashion brand Lefties in the UK – in a major challenge to Primark. Lefties, the rapidly-expanding discount chain owned by Zara group Inditex, has launched its first UK store this morning in Liverpool One, the city’s top shopping complex.
The Liverpool branch is the first of three that will open this year. Lakeside in Essex and Metrocentre near Newcastle will follow.
Xavier Rus Riera, Lefties general director, declined to say how many stores Inditex planned to open in the UK. Xavier said: “We don’t have a number; we’re trying to meet the requirements of customers. It’s like football we will proceed match by match.”
READ MORE DWP confirms extra £439 for state pensioners who retired before 2016
Riera said Liverpool had been chosen as the first outlet as it was a city with a vibrant young population that as a port was “open to the world” and “has a great personality”.
Riera said: “The UK is a natural next step offering an exciting destination for our brand. We believe there is a strong opportunity to bring our proposition to UK customers, offering quality fashion and home collections for the whole family at accessible prices through a seamless in-store and online shopping experience.”
Lefties’ online store offers its full collection, with free delivery on orders over £49 and the ability to order or return items for free in store.
Richard Lim, the chief executive of the industry analyst Retail Economics, said: “Lefties’ arrival in the UK reflects successive waves of disruption across the apparel market.
“Competition has intensified from Chinese commerce players such as Shein, while the huge momentum behind pre-loved platforms such as Vinted has further fragmented consumer spending.”
He added: “This is a direct challenge to Primark ’s heartland. Lefties gives Inditex a stronger foothold in value fashion as the fight for the value-conscious fashion shopper is only getting more intense.”
