Primarni (Primark)

Member Name: CAFCGirl

Product:	Primark
Date:	15/08/09 (80 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Prices, choice offering,paper bags in some locations

Disadvantages: How people treat the place and staff

Now I might not be telling you anything that you cant read on the other 360 reviews on Primark and you'd think I might have opted for something that doesnt have a review a dime a dozen, but hey everyone's experience of a product or service is different, and so you may care for mine....

I consider myself really unlucky. I don't have a Primark in my local city of Canterbury. Why? I hear you cry, its a bustling city in need of affordable clothing for the student population the three universities it has! But No, the big-wigs from the Cathedral opposed to plans stating it bought the Cathedral City into disrepute..... but yet are more than happy to allow a store selling bootleg Nike clothing to operate.... I digress...

Its really sad because I love Primark, if I could I would buy a t-shirt that read "I heart Primark". Its affectionately known between my mum and I as "Primarni"....
So what do I love about it, well I love the fact that it is actually now one of the leading high street retailers with a very quick turn around from the collections appearing on the cat-walks and its "versions" appearing in stores, I think its actually something like 2 weeks!

Dependant on your location you'll find the stock choice catered for local demand. I've been to six different locations. One catering for the more teenage market, with its leopard print leggings and fluro t-shirts, another catered much more for the mid 20's professional wanting to make a statement at work but not for London prices, others are more focussed on homewares, or accessories etc.

I often use Primark for essential clothing, I dont tend to buy a lot of the fashion trend items unless they are a trend that is an evolving one, such as when military, which then became utility, which then was mixed with victoriana. I may be one of the few people that doesnt actually use Primark for the throw-away fashions, but then I like to take care of my stuff, and get a good wear, plus I'm also not a fashion diva.... which probably explains it a lot more.

I must confess I didnt much like it when all the prices were advertised with the no VAT price, I liked the round numbers, meant I could keep track of what I was spending.

It is mainly because I don't have one locally that when I do go I generally have a bit of a blow-out. When I saw Primark blow-out, it generally comes to around £70 and I feel like I've got a whole new wardrobe!
T-shirts I always opt for the ones with additonal stretch/lycra, they wash up better and keep their shape for longer. Socks, pants and pyjamas have also been great investment, and I've got a number of them after a few years.

I've also been really lucky to always be able to find a rack with red penned item. The trick is however is not to trick yourself into thinking you need it because a winter coat is suddenly £3. I always try to think if I would have paid the full price for it, and I can get it cheaper than yes, if not, then I don't really want it/like it that much.

I have bought a fantastic weekender bag in there before now as well, and a rather camp gent asked me if it was Orla Keily..... Oh how I clapped my hands together in glee.....

What would I avoid, generally things like towels. Cheap towels are generally never high absorbency. I am however really looking forward to when my husband and I are blessed with our first child, baby-grows and the such like are such a good price, and for something that is going to be growing at such a rate why would I pay £10 for a pack of three when I can buy a pack of 7 for £5..... its almost madness that other people dont realise.

Shoes wise, the quality has often been erractic, and I wish they would put a bit more into the modern day wear footwear for work, rather than illuminious stilettos......but hey if I'm saving money on the rest of the outfit perhaps the hubby will allow a splurge on footwear....???

Store layout wise I have seen Primark put a lot of effort into re-vamping their stores and making them much more high street rather than just cheap retailer. However you can never get away from the fact that because items are a lot cheaper, people will treat the place like a bootfair. I'm always really careful to go by the sizing on the tag rather than the hanger, as often this kind of attention to detail isnt always followed. I choose my times to visit Primark carefully, early mornings is always best just after opening before the benefit crowd get in there to rob the place, or late in the day however that when the queues are shorter but the place is a real mess.

Other than that all I would ask is that people treat the staff with a bit more respect, especially when it comes to returning things, why would anyone think that buying a pair of shoes for £6 would mean they are suitable for your 8 year old child to wear to school every day for two terms and then get annoyed and demand your money back when the strap breaks. I mean, be fair!

Just because it offers lower prices doesnt mean the staff deserve lower respect..... besides if it wasn't for them, I might be without my £2 flip flops, and I am just not prepared to take that risk....

Summary: I Heart Primark