Penneys operator Primark is set to open stores in the north east of the United States. Primark products are sold in Ireland through the Penneys chain.

The first store is to be opened in Boston by the end of 2015, with further stores due to open by the following summer.

Primark has stores in nine countries in Western Europe and says it has made the decision to open in North America "after extensive research".

Primark has signed a lease for some 70,000 square foot of selling space in the Burnham Building - which is currently being renovated - in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Burnham Building in Boston, where Primark will be housed 

The site was previously home to Boston’s famous Filene's Department Store.

Negotiations are under way to open further stores in the north east, through to the middle of 2016.

Primark has some 38 stores in Ireland and 162 in the UK.

In May 2006, Primark opened its first store in Spain - which has since grown to 38 stores. It also has outlets in The Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium and Germany.