Let me begin by acknowledging that Primark clothing isn't likely to last more than a few washes. I know that, you know that, and we will have a much better relationship if we can move beyond it.
I just visited Primark last month for the first time. I'd walked by it several times but just never had an urge to go inside since the throngs of people surrounding and within the structure seemed to be outrageous. Well, I finally got up the courage thanks to my friend Georgia who absolutely lives to shop at Primark.
WOW. Just wow. How can they afford to make this stuff, ship it from Asia, and sell it in the UK for these prices? I am well aware of Economies of Scale, but seriously... jeans, sunglasses, and a shirt... all 3 for less than a meal in a pub. I do wish they would publish the country of origin on the items within their shops, but perhaps this is sort of like that American phrase, "plausible deniability."
Whilst the staff at Primark seem pretty clueless, and the sheer volume of apparel on offer can make you dizzy, I find that shopping at Primark makes me happy on a certain level. I just love bargains. Real bargains.
Some tips for the newbie:
-Budget at least an hour, perhaps 90 minutes, on your first visit. This period of time will include your browsing, try-ons, and register queue.
-Plan on spending no more than 40 quid. If you've spent more than 40 quid in one visit to Primark, you need the help of a true bargain shopper. You've picked up too many of their high-end low-end products and you should focus on the true savings.
-Don't be discouraged if you can't decide which socks to buy. There are so many types from which to choose, you can buy all of your favourites.
-The register queue may cause a slight panic attack, because you came to buy clothes, not stand in a 3-hour queue. Fear not! The queue moves swiftly thanks to the dozen or so cashiers.
With these tips, I trust you will enjoy your first visit to Primark just as much as I did. If I were the regretful type, I'd be sad that I'd been overpaying for clothes for several years, but I'm not the regretful type. I now have a clear understanding of what a fair price to pay is for a smart coat and a woolly jumper. Not more than 5 quid! read more