Primark (Primark)

Member Name: Mrs-LT

Product:	Primark
Date:	04/02/09 (173 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, lots of bargains to be had

Disadvantages: Have to see past the tat to find the gems

I have to say I am a massive Primark fan and I always visit the shop whenever I am indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Now at least 90% of the store is tat and looks as cheap as it is. But in a huge shop that remaining 10% of good stuff is well worth looking for.

I find that Primark is great if you go into it with a realistic and open mind. You will NOT find a lovely well-cut suit for work in there - their suits look cheap and nasty. You will NOT find a well-cut jacket in there. Some items of clothing you get what you pay for - suits, work trousers, jeans and coats being the main ones that spring to mnd (oh and of course handbags).

However Primark fills a fantastic gap in my retail life. On my very rare nights out, I like a nice new outfit (normally because so long has passed since my last one that what I wore is out of fashion!) but this means accessories too - that may only get worn once. I would much rather spend a bit extra on a nice top and get cheap accessories to match - and this is where the wonder that is Primark comes in. Yes they sell some awful tat, but they also do some up-to-the-minute necklaces, bracelets and earrings for a couple of pounds each. When you pay upwards of £10 in places like Topshop and River Island for what is essentially the same thing - costume jewellry - you really can't beat Primark! Likewise, the little going out bags they do cost £2-£5 and are ideal of you are matching them to a new pair of stilettos. I would much rather spend a fiver on a going out bag and £100 on an everyday leather bag than spend £40+ on a little going out bag I may only use once, leaving me less in the kitty for a bag that I will use all of the time. My point is that you could not get everything from Primark but it is invaluable for some things!

Now the stores themselves - well the chances are you will have one in your nearest city as they popped up all over a few years ago. They started as jumble-sale type shops which had an awful foisty smell about them - I remember walking into the one near me when it opened and walking straight back out again in disgust, but since then they have massively improved. They follow the fashion trends and have appeared in lots of the top fashion magazines - even Colleen Rooney has been known to shop in Primark! The shops are currently undergoing (or have just undergone) renovation to bring them up-to-date inside and they now look much more stylish. I have found that our 2 local branches no longer have that clothes-strewn-across-the-floor look that Primark is known for, as they are generally much neater.

They sell homewares, lingerie, nightwear, accessories, kids' clothes, womenswear and menswear.

The babywear is ridiculously cheap and they tend to have a lot of cute stuff although I do not buy it as I am more fussy with the quality of my son's clothes than I am with my own. The baby hooded towel and wash mitt sets (£3, various designs) are absolutely bargainous though!

You absolutely cannot beat Primark nighties and pyjamas! They are so cheap (sets start at £4!) and extremely comfortable. I find myself in my Primark pyjamas more often than my M&S ones. Also they do button-down nightshirts for £3-4 which are fantastic for labour and a postnatal hospital stay if you are breastfeeding, and at that price you won't care if they get ruined in labour.

Another area where Primark excels is the beachwear. Little strappy vests retail at just £1.50 which is fantastic for on the beach where they will get covered with sweat and suncream anyway. Their flipflops and shorts are also a great buy.

They also make lovely pumps starting at just £4, and on lots of occasions I have complimented women's shoes only to be told they were from Primark! Unfortunately I think their stilettos and boots don't match their pumps though as they tend to look cheap and nasty.

All in all, Primark is well worth a visit. Don't be put off if you think it looks like a load of cheap tat - most of it is, but among the tat you are sure to find a few great bits and pieces which make the visit worthwhile!

Summary: Top marks!