Everything you could possibly want under one roof! (Primark)

Member Name: princesslilo

Product:	Primark
Date:	04/11/09 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap and trendy clothes

Disadvantages: Quality is not always 100%

The Company
Primark originally started out in 1969 as Penneys in Dublin - Ireland. In 1973 they made the move to Britain and the company grew slowly from there. They celebrated their 40th anniversary this year and now have 191 stores worldwide including stores in Spain, Germany and The Netherlands with a further two opening soon in Britain.

There has been endless columns about Primarks clothes being so cheap because they are produced in 'sweat shops' abroad. Their website suggests that they are committed to providing the best possible value to customers but not at the expense of the people who make our products.

So how do they keep their costs down?

Primark boast that they pass on their savings to customers by cutting costs in other areas than the production. They say that they don't have a budget for advertising as they say this is done by customers and word of mouth. (I have never really thought about it but I have never seen an advertising campaign for Primark but they are regularly shown in various fashion and girly magazines) They also buy in bulk so that they pass the savings onto their customers.

I have found that a lot of people are embarrassed to say that they shop in Primark. When asked where they purchased an item of clothing from they turn all sheepish and say that it's really old and they can't remember. I don't really see what the big deal is. If I see something that I really like then I buy it. I does not bother me that it is not a designer name or what shop it has come from.

Primark fashion tends to follow many of the catwalk trends a mere 6 weeks after they have appeared on the catwalk. This means that you can have what they call 'fast fashion' at a fraction of the price.

I have also heard a lot of people say that even if you wear it once it's a bargain. OK, so the quality of the clothes are not fantastic but I have a fair few pieces in my wardrobe that have stood the test of time and are probably on their third year. I have had the odd top that shrinks in the wash of the seems of a long sleeved t-shirt are all twisted but you learn how to pick the diamonds in the rough.

I have not once purchased a bad pair of jeans from Primark. You can pick up a fashionable pair for as little as £6 where as in the likes of TopShop or River Island you are more than likely to spend £35 upwards.

I love Primark as you can get everything under one roof. From your underwear, trousers/skirts, tops, jumpers, jackets, pyjamas and shoes to towels, plates, bedding, cushions, umbrellas, jewellery, Christmas decorations and bags. The list is endless!

One thing I will say is that I don't think Primark are as cheap as they used to be. Once upon a time you could pick up a nice chunky jumper for about £6 - now they can be as expensive as £16. I personally would not pay this as they are now other shops whose prices are more competitive. Their coats are almost double what they used to be as are a majority of their shoes.

Everybody who visits Primark will know what I mean about the tidyness of the shop. A lot of the t-shirts, jumpers and tops are folded neatly on display stands. Well that is how they start the day anyway! A couple of hours into the day and you have to contend with clothing just thrown onto the floor or just screwed up on the stands which can be off-putting and pretty unsightly to say the least! I have even been asked if I wanted a job there as I folded everything back up after I looked at it!

You must visit a sale at this store at least once. Items are marked down by at least 50% - if not more. I recently purchased a £12 pair of jeans for £3 and a £10 jumper for the bargain price of a pound! Add a pair of £3 ballerina pumps and that's a whole outfit for £7!

They have changed their dated white and navy plastic bags for brown paper bags with chunky handles that can be used over and over again. Their changing rooms are large and spacious but their ultra bright lights make them very hot and stuffy when you are trying a few items on.


Primark would definantely benefit from an online store. A lot of towns still do not have a Primark which is why a majority of the popular items end up on Ebay for up to four times the price. Maybe we will see this in the future and hopefully would not put their prices up too much.

I will be giving Primark 4 stars out of 5 due to them not being as cheap as they used to be and the quality of some of their garments.

Summary: A great store if you are on a budget