Don't buy on Amazon, visit us in our stores to find the best value.

As statements made on twitter by High Street stores go, the one made by Primark yesterday was pretty extraordinary.

The fashion retail chain took the step of releasing a statement on its social media channels after finding out that some of its products were being sold on Amazon.

They were particularly surprised at that being the case, because Primark revealed that they do not have a commercial partnership with the online behemoth.

In fact, Primark have no online shop at all. Products are listed on their website, but instead of being able to add to your cart, you are directed to the nearest store where they are available.

It appears that some enterprising souls had taken it upon themselves to right that and are offering Primark products - unsurprisingly at huge mark-ups on Amazon.

Sky News have reported that some of the store's Disney and Harry Potter ranges are selling for double the cost of the in-store price.

In the statement, Primark said: We do not have a commercial partnership with Amazon and any Primark products which appear on the site are being re-sold by third parties, at higher prices.

"We encourage our customers to visit us in our stores to find the best value."

Owned by Associated British Foods, Primark operates from 200 store sites throughout Britain, including on Boots Corner in Cheltenham and at King's Walk in Gloucester.

In a forecast last month, Associated British Foods said they expected a four per cent rise in sales this year, bucking the trend of other retailers who rely heavily on their online operations.