Fast fashion giant Primark has announced an extended partnership with global IT consultant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) across 17 countries in Europe and the US.

The retailer said that the move will help it transform its technology operations within the next five years, with TCS supporting its global growth plans.

The strategy aims to make the Primark’s IT operating environment more ‘resilient’, ‘reliable’ and ‘efficient’, the consultancy firm said in a statement.

The partnership is focused on strengthening Primark’soperational stability, providing standardisation and consistency across the retailer’s IT operating arm, with a focus on reducing time-to-market for the retailer.

The extended partnership will also seek to implement a more agile and product-based operating model, through intelligent automation and DevOps technologies for optimised application development, testing and maintenance processes.

TCS previously supported the retailer in improving its cybersecurity capabilities, to further improve the stability and reliability of Primark’s processes and systems.

Andrew Brothers, chief information officer at Primark, highlighted the strategy aims to turn the retailer into a more efficient technology-led global organization able to quickly adapt to industry demands and requirements.

“Working with TCS will allow us to respond to market trends and customer preferences in a timely manner, ensuring that we continue to deliver quality products at the best value for our customers.” 

Shekar Krishnan, vice president and head of retail at TCS, added: “The fashion industry is continually modernising its entire value chain—from conceptualisation, to design, to production and retailing – with innovation-led initiatives to achieve environmental, social, and governance goals. We’re thrilled to support Primark’s mission to offer affordable fashion for everyone and its global vision for growth.”  

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