A bit run of the mill (Matalan)

Member Name: emmachilcott

Product:	Matalan
Date:	29/05/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good range of kids clothing

Disadvantages: Not that much exciting to choose from

Matalan only opened a couple of years ago in my area, and when it first opened I was quite excited as I had heard good things about it, but now I really can't see what all of the fuss is about.

I not entirely sure why I have to have a card to shop there, and I don't like having alll of my purchases tracked for no particular reason. If you forget your card, it's so much grief at the check out, it's almost as though they don't want you to buy anything! I do keep getting a pamphlet in the post; if they are bothering to post me something, the occasional money of voucher would be nice, and might actually get me instore more often.

I've tried really hard, but I just can not get excited about their ladies clothing range. There seem to be a lot of clothes to choose from, but on closer inspection, the range isn't that big, its just that the same item is duplicated in a rainbow of colours! Their £3 tops are fine for a couple of wears, but any that I have had have quickly lost their shape so I've thrown them away. I can never find a maxi skirt that actually is maxi, I'm 5"5' and they all hover around my mid calf. The sizing is totally out in my opinion, especially for the bottom half - I'm a size bigger in Matalan which I definitely don't like!

The mens clothing is not much better, athough I find that if you see a nice item, everyone else is wearing it too! My husband has bought jumpers in the past, which were not especially cheap, and they have gone bobbly and lost shape within a few wares.

The childrens and babies range is much better, both for girls and boys. It is fashoinable and reasonably priced which is what you need when they are constantly growing out of things! My youngest son (7) is quite fussy, but there is usually something here that he can be pursuaded to have! Their neutral range of baby clothing is gorgeous and well priced; guaranteed to get you through the first few days until you pluck up the courage to leave the house to buy pink/blue (I know stereotypical, but we all do it eventually!).

The homewares range is ok, but not particularly inspiring. Its mainly seems to be in quite neutral colours, which is always safe but nothing to get excited about. I also think that the prices are about average and nothing special. There is a large range of bed linen which is good quality, and has lasted me a long time, still in great condition.

Matalan occasionally have fantastic couple-of-day sales, where most things are half price - I have stumbled upon this twice, and come away with some good bargains, these are usually late summer, and 23rd ish of December in my experience. One thing for this shop; it knows how to have a decent sale!

Maybe I'm just expecting too much from this store, and maybe I'm missing something, but this place just doesn't do it for me!

Summary: Give it a go at least once, there might be something you like