Northern Ireland

DUP councillor demands Primark sells 'vital' coronation items in Northern Ireland

Lisburn DUP councillor Paul Porter.
Lisburn DUP councillor Paul Porter.

A DUP councillor has demanded Primark stock products marking the coronation of King Charles after saying he has received "complaints from constituents".

Lisburn and Castlereagh Alderman Paul Porter said he has written to Primark's chief executive to demand answers as to why coronation-themed items sold in other parts of the UK are not available on the retailers' shelves in Northern Ireland.

Mr Porter said in the letter that he was "seeking clarity" on the issue, adding that such items were "vital" in celebrating the occasion.

Among clothing sold in Primark stores in Britain ahead of this weekend's coronation are t-shirts emblazoned with a union flag and 'Long live the King'.

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Other items for sale include clip-on union flag hats costing £2.50 and a red,white and blue beaded necklace with the same price tag.

The Manchester Evening News reported last month how shoppers had hit out at "tacky" coroantion-themed products in Primark, including a £3 t-shirt.

“As you will appreciate, the coronation is being eagerly anticipated by many people in Northern Ireland," Mr Porter wrote in his letter.

“As a constituent part of the United Kingdom, we will be playing a full part in the nationwide celebration of this historic event.

“To enable events such as street parties, lunches, BBQs and community fetes, availability of merchandise, clothing and coronation memorabilia is vital.

“Primark enjoys great success in Northern Ireland, and many within your loyal customer base are disappointed that merchandise available to GB customers is not currently available in Northern Ireland stores.

“I look forward to hearing from you, and to hearing when NI stores will be stocked with coronation items.”

However, a spokesperson for Primark said: “We have never stocked any products featuring national emblems in our Northern Ireland stores.

“This is based on local market and customer considerations.”