Bangladesh’s garment industry has secured a strong global boost as Coleen Rooney signs a multi-million pound deal with Primark. The upcoming athleisure collection will be largely produced in Bangladesh, reinforcing the country’s position as Primark’s largest sourcing hub.
Behind the celebrity endorsement lies a deeper supply chain reality. Bangladesh remains Primark’s largest sourcing destination. Industry data indicates that the retailer sourced more than $1.2 billion worth of garments from Bangladesh in the last fiscal year. With nearly 94 percent of Primark’s global apparel supply chain linked to Bangladeshi production partners, the Rooney athleisure line will primarily be manufactured in Savar and Gazipur industrial clusters.
Primark sources from 17 countries globally. However, Bangladesh contributes the lion’s share of its inventory. According to Associated British Foods, around 74 percent of Primark’s clothing range now uses recycled or sustainably sourced fibers. A significant portion of these sustainable garments is manufactured in Bangladesh.
Primark has included 97 Bangladeshi factories in its resource efficiency program, saving around 880,000 cubic meters of water. The Rooney collection will also be produced in LEED-certified green factories, strengthening Bangladesh’s position in sustainable manufacturing.
Annual sourcing growth from Bangladesh has been expanding at an estimated 5 to 7 percent. The Rooney athleisure range further elevates the production profile. Instead of focusing solely on basic T-shirts, factories are now engaged in performance-driven, value-added athleisure products that demand advanced fabric engineering, technical finishing, and higher compliance standards.
This shift aligns with Bangladesh’s broader strategy to move beyond cost competitiveness toward quality-driven and advanced manufacturing.
As Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation in 2026, this collaboration signals global buyer confidence and opens new opportunities in premium athleisure and non-cotton segments.
If the Rooney range performs well in the UK and European markets, it could open the door for more celebrity and designer collaborations to be produced in Bangladesh.
