The girls call it Pradamark! (Primark)

Member Name: katyboo123

Product:	Primark
Date:	29/10/09 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Value, designs, range

Disadvantages: Sizes could go a little bit larger

Primark is a fashionista on a budget's place of heaven and salvation. I don't tend to follow all the latest trends, but my sister is always in the latest high street fashions and they all come from Primark. There are several reasons for this, mainly the price, secondly the bright unusual shades and patterns you can find there, thirdly and most importantly you can find items in there for a fraction of the cost of even New Look, which is quite a budget brand anyway.

Price
I recently bought a pair of black pointed flat ballet style pumps for £4. A pack of 7 pairs of plain cotton black, white or multi coloured socks are £2. For that price, you could probably afford to wear them and throw them out rather than wash them! In New Look the same ballet pumps are at least £10-£12 and whilst the quality may be slightly (and I mean slightly) better, next month they probably won't be 'in' so for £4 I will just put them in my cupboard and leave them there until they are back on trend. You can pick up beautiful baby clothes dirt cheap, like 2 pairs of jogging bottoms for £2.

Quality
A lot of the reviews on here say the quality is poor. I suppose you could say this, particularly with the accessories, gems fall out of the rings (what do you expect for £1.50), handbag clasps break and shoes split after a few wears. However, as with all high street stores, if a product is faulty you are entitled to take it back and exchange it, so I don't see this as a problem. I have basic items like underwear sets, plain t shirts, jeans and jumpers which I have literally had years. So I think it balances out, I have had plenty of mileage from Primark bargains.

Range
As well as high street fashion copies, Primark have a fantastic basics range which never goes out of style. T shirt bras are £2. You can also get jumpers in soft acrylic for around £4. These are normally styled for the season, linen trousers in a variety of colours and lengths for £8. In addition to ladies wear, they stock clothing for children from new born upwards, menswear, home wares and now they have just opened their Christmas shop, which includes gifts and cards / wrapping paper. 25 Christmas Cards for a £1? Perfect for the kids to give out to their friends at school. They have sleepwear - the PJ sets are perfect for Christmas presents, and at £3 - £5 they are an absolute bargain

Sale
Often Primark has a sale. When me and my partner were in their recently they had mens winter jackets for £3, reduced from £8. It's always worth checking out, particularly in the ladies accessories range. I have quite often picked up neck scarves and little handbags for less than a quid.

Mess
You will find a lot of mess in Primark if you go to the store post 10am. A lot of the items are on folding tables, and after a few people have picked them up and found their size, it gets very messy and difficult to find your size. Be an early bird, and get their for doors opening.

Sizing
Primark stock size 6/8 - 16/18 in ladies sizes. Some stuff can be very large fitting and some, very small. It is the best idea to go in and try things on, particularly bra's as you cannot take them back.

Conclusion?
I read an article on money saving, which suggested that you swap one of your tins of Heinz Beans for a Supermarket own brand, and so on with your other essentials. Apparently, doing this can save you a fortune, and you will eventually come to enjoy the own brands. I think its the same with Primark. If you are a student, or a busy Mum without much spare cash, don't be too reluctant to try Primark for your basics at first, and then move on to the more bold and beautiful designs. Items from here are absolutely perfect for customising too, as you haven't spend much on them in the first place.

Happy Bargain Hunting!

Summary: Quick cheap fashion, which you can AFFORD to put away when it goes outta style