Shopping hell, financial heaven. (Primark)

Member Name: Rhiana

Product:	Primark
Date:	18/04/09 (231 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, cheap, cheap and the kids clothing at least are good quality

Disadvantages: If you've been in one you will already know, if not...read on.

I am not a regular shopper in Primark, entirely due to the fact that, despite being the only city in Cumbria (and the main shopping center for a huge area encompassing Cumbria itself, south west Scotland and parts of Northumberland) we don't actually have one. Carlisle City Council deemed it too low class back in 2002 when Littlewoods closed and Primark took over a vast majority of its stores, and were also concerned about the effect such low class clothing would have on existing retailers.

So like many in my area (particularly since the closure of Woolworths and Adams leaving very little choice in kids clothing retailers in our area) I make a quarterly pilgrimage to Primark in Newcastle or Sunderland (in all seriousness, I actually have a grandmother in Sunderland so incorporate my shopping binge with a visit to her)

Primark began it's life as Penny's in Ireland (where it continues to trade under that name) and is a low cost budget fashion retailer supplying Women's clothing, accessories, children's clothing, men's clothing and household goods. Despite it's budget price, Primark has surged in the last 5 years as one of the most popular fast fashion chains, with some of it's more sort after items selling for 5 times it's price on Ebay.

Depending on when you shop, Primark can on first impressions look like a bit of a nightmare. It gets extremely busy, and the merchandise can at times resemble a very messy jumble sale. Avoid weekends and school holidays, and try to go early morning or late afternoon. There's not a great deal of staff o be found on the shop floor, but to be honest, it's not a store you would really ask if they had your size out the back. I have never used the fitting rooms as the ques have been way to long. The checkout area's are vast, the que usually massive, but Primarks have lots of cashiers ringing the tills and the que moves very quickly. Don't expect fantastic service though. It's ok, they do what they need to as fast as they can, but haven't time to invest into friendly chit chat. Primark have a 28 day returns policy, and a dedicated counter for returning or exchanging items. With a receipt I had no problem returning an unwanted item.

The reason I enjoy a trip to Primark so much is to stock up on clothing for my 4 year old daughter. A recent trip saw me spending just short of £50 on a coat, 2 dresses, a jogging suit, a skirt, 4 t-shirts, 2 pairs of summer crops, 2 cardigans, 2 nightdresses, 6 pairs of socks and 10 pairs of knickers. Phew!. My daughter is at an age where her clothes need to be robust enough to withstand her boisterous and tomboy play, but at a price that doesn't break my heart (or bank balance) when they are stained with grass or get holes in them and need to go in the bin. I've had no issue with the quality of Primarks children's clothing, in my opinion they rate as highly as many other, mid range children's high street retailers. I've never experienced any problems with washing (I don't use the tumble dryer just in-case so can't comment in this area) and they last until my daughter ruins them, or outgrows them. The underwear packs are one of my favourite bargains, being of similar quality to that well known high street shop, but at a fraction of the cost (£1.50 for 10 pairs of girls knickers!)

I have bought the odd item of clothing for myself, mainly tops, which I have felt have been reasonable quality and I've been impressed with and a coat last year, which at £15 was fantastic quality (everyone commented on how nice it was and where shocked to be told it was from Primark). I would buy more for myself but being a size 14, there is never anything available in my size. Ladies wear seems to be rails and rails of size 8's, so I'm guessing the more petite amongst us do well from Primark.

The shoe department isn't really my thing. The shoes look very high fashion and very good prices. Unfortunately I'm not one who can suffer for the sake of fashion so shop elsewhere for footwear. I have bought pumps in the summer for £4 which lasted a few month, so felt these where a good buy.

And finally, where I treat myself, the accessory department. I love accessories, but probably like a lot of other mums, see them as an unessential so generally don't splash out much in this area. In Primark however I can stock up on fashion Jewelry, hair accessories, bags and scarves from just £1.

I am aware of the controversy surrounding Primark and it's ethical working practices in 3rd world countries. While I do feel an element of guilt, my opinion is that Primark is targeted due to its raging popularity, my own feeling is that other, more expensive retailers have equally if not more questionable ethics. In 2006 Primark signed up to the Ethical Trading Initiative and claim to be working hard to improve working conditions and ceasing trade with those companies with poor conditions. However Primark where again criticised for ceasing to trade rather than work to improve existing conditions. You might wonder why, if I feel guilty, I continue to shp there. It's because I agree with the train of thought that everyone boycotting Primark can only do more harm than good at home and abroad, for it's workers.

Overall I rate primark 4 stars (I wondered about 3 stars but I like it too much...I wish you could award half stars!). I can't find it faultless. Sometimes it's an awful experience if you shop at the most busy periods, and size ranges in ladies clothing are seriously lacking. However I will continue to do a quarterly binge trip to stock up on essentials and not so essentials that won't break the bank.

Summary: Fill your basket, you can afford to here.