Penneys owner Primark has said it does not stock St Patrick’s Day products in its Northern Ireland stores due to concerns about the use of flags and emblems in the North.
The clothing company sells a wide range of St Patrick’s Day merchandise for children and adults in its stores in both Britain and the Republic; however, it does not stock any of it north of the border.
It also sells green-themed clothes bearing the Irish flag and shamrocks in honour of the occasion in Britain and Ireland – but not in the North.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed to Newstalk that the policy is based on concerns about the use of flags and emblems in the North.
She said Primark does not stock products featuring any sort of national emblem in the North, Irish or otherwise.
“Our Northern Ireland stores historically don’t stock any St Patrick’s Day products,” she said.
“We base our stock decisions on customer demand and local market considerations but always keep this under review, as we will in this instance.”
The company’s website urges customers to “make sure you and your pals are prepped for Paddy’s Day” by purchasing from its range of green themed merchandise.
It lists 37 stores in Ireland that sell the merchandise, alongside 16 stores in Britain.
