Cheap and cheerful (Primark)

Member Name: Mezamoo

Product:	Primark
Date:	11/02/09 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Budget fashion

Disadvantages: Poor quality

Primark

We've got a medium sized Primark in Nottingham (you should see the one in Liverpool or London, they are HUGE!) But that doesn't mean you can't find exactly what you need. The various departments are womenswear, womens accessories, womens shoes, menswear, childrens and homeware department.

Womenswear is split into smart, smart casual, casual, nightwear and lingerie. I've personally found that the trousers are always slightly too long for me, so I've always got to take them up at home. There are various qualities, obviously the more you pay for something the slightly better quality it is. I find that Primark is a really good place for basis, like t-shirts, cardigans, skinny jeans, pyjamas. Also for copycat catwalk/fashion pieces that you'll maybe only wear once or twice. I've found that a couple of cardigans haven't washed too well, but then I've had other things - like a pair of jeans for example - that lasted me over a year. So I guess it's about choosing carefully if you want something that is going to last.


It's a great place for budget accessories, like earrings, belts and scarves. It's a really good place to buy accessories to maybe revamp an outfit and bring it back into trend. I bought a pair of white parrot earrings about 2 years ago (perhaps a faux pas for some) and they are still going strong. Also good for things like hairbands, hats, gloves and bangles. The stock is updated frequently so there is usually always something new to buy and play around with.

I've personally found the footwear a bit hit and miss. I generally take a size 6 but I've found frequently that a size 6 is too big but a 5 too small, so I've not had that much luck with footwear. Having said that last year they did some copy ugg style boots for £6.00, I bought them in black, grey and beige and they were fantastic, I only parted with them this year when I was bought a pair of real Uggs for Christmas.

Not having children myself I don't personally shop in the childrens department, but when walking through the prices look very reasonable. Again I'm sure basics would be the thing to aim for here, childrens clothes often take quite a battering from playing outside and so on, so I'm not sure the quality of primark would be up to it - but that is purely an opinion not based in experience!

My partner often shops in primark for things like plain white t-shirts, again basics, he says he doesn't like the way Primark clothes feel. They do have quite a selection for men, but nothing as vast as women.

I do really like the home department, the duvet covers are very reasonably priced and they have quite a big selection, which changes every couple of months or so. They tend to wash really well too. They also sell towels, bathroom accessories and candles.

I personally think that Primark very much reflects the capitalist throw away society we live in, I personally wonder if the recession will see a trend of people moving towards quality rather than quantity? I doubt it but just a thought.

Summary: Good for basics but not for key pieces