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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask what, exactly, is the problem with Primark?

233 replies

waltermittymissus · 31/08/2012 21:41

Seems that it's a dirty word on mumsnet lately.

In Ireland it's called Penneys and people love it (I think!)

Anway, just wondered if you think it's awful why is it awful?

OP posts:
Pickles77 · 31/08/2012 22:45

Tis true- how often do you walk past someone and think 'oh, they're wearing a primark tshirt not a MS one'

You don't- you can't tell.

princelypurpleparrot · 31/08/2012 22:46

I can't face shopping in there usually as it's a bit of a bun fight. I've bought the odd thing for me but they've been pretty poor quality and haven't lasted for long. But, my BF buys stuff in there all the time and looks fab.

I like the vests / sleepsuits / pj's for babies, but I've found the baby / toddler stuff comes up really small so I have to be careful on sizes. I much prefer H&M for funky and cheap kids tee-shirts etc. Their stuff lasts really well.

nikcname · 31/08/2012 22:47

Nothing ever fits DS, is skinny and tall, so shop at Marks (for school stuff) as BHS/Primark also seem to cater for wider kids.
We go to JD for the rest.

My problem with Primark is that it feels like a jumble sale/boot fair. It can't just be my local ones as I've been to two near me then others in Essex and Bromley.

There are people trying stuff on in the aisles, no one seems put stuff back where it should be, the poor staff probably can't because they are trying to deal with the knee deep queues.

Is just a horrible experience to get a pair of socks/knickers/jeans/jumper etc for cheaper.

pictish · 31/08/2012 22:49

That's the other thing too - it's a sweaty jumble in their shops and noisy as fuck. I don't have the shopping stamina for Primark. All that activity and queueing...so much polyester.

WorraLiberty · 31/08/2012 22:50

I tell you what I have noticed.

Most of the people I know who would loudly tell people they wouldn't be seen dead shopping in Primark, have certainly changed their opinion of the place since the recession.

Suddenly they think it's the bee's knees Wink

Pickles77 · 31/08/2012 22:51

worra you stalking me?Wink

cantspel · 31/08/2012 22:58

I dont know what you all do to your clothes to shrink them or have the transfers peel.
I bought a flintstones transfer t shirt in primark last year and have worn it at least once a week since. It hasn't shrunk and the transfer is still in tact.

I have socks and pants still going strong after a couple of years of wear and belts, bobbles and other bits and bobs that i have had so long i cant even remember when i bought them.

pictish · 31/08/2012 22:58

I don't know either. I wash everything at 40 and line dry, so....

WorraLiberty · 31/08/2012 23:01

worra you stalking me? Wink

No I'm just following you closely...trying to get a peek at your label Grin

SPsFanjoSponsoredByFemFresh · 31/08/2012 23:01

I'm sat in my Primarni clothes now. Everything done to the underwear is from primark.

The shorts i have had 2 year and the top a year.

I buy clothes there all the time. For both me and my son.

If anyone wants to judge then they can suck my left bollock Grin

cantspel · 31/08/2012 23:03

I wash at 40 unless heavy staining, line dry and use whatever liquid or powder that is on offer and i have never had anything fall apart after a couple of washes.
But i also have some plain cotton t shirts bought in july from the edinburgh woolmill that have gone baggy after a couple of washes.

AgentZigzag · 31/08/2012 23:06

'If anyone wants to judge then they can suck my left bollock'

I always suspected you had hairy hands and drove a Scania.

Proven right, again Grin

pictish · 31/08/2012 23:13

Well I apologise if my opinion on Primark is unpopular.
I do not like TK Maxx either, and I think Asda's kids clothes are rubbish as well. I still have to shop in all three because budget dictates, but it doesn't stop me preferring and sometimes opting for better made clothes.

Stone me in my sleep then. Grin

EnglishGirlApproximately · 31/08/2012 23:16

Agree about baby socks - 5 pairs for £2!

Scarves are brilliany and last years, socks and pjs too. Best thing is the jewellery - I make my own but it's cheaper to buy loads from Primark and pick it apart than to buy beads and findings from a supplier. I can go in with a tenner and get loads.

OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos · 31/08/2012 23:19

Much as I love the place, Primark on a Saturday afternoon is hell on earth. On weekdays, it is much better.

somedayma · 31/08/2012 23:20

their socks used to be awful, threadbare after a few wears. They're much better now but still not amazing. 2 quid for 5 pairs though, can't complain!
Their t shirts lose their shape and the seams get all twisted which is annoying.
The jeans are great, last forever.
Homeware is great!
Cotton knickers go all baggy in the arse after a while.
Their shoes are SO CHEAP! but don't last long. Good if you want a cheap update to an outfit or whatever.
sheets are terrible, they go all bobbly v quickly.
make up wipes are great!

somedayma · 31/08/2012 23:20

oh, and jammies are brilliant! Right now I'm wearing a pair of

somedayma · 31/08/2012 23:21

oops. a pair of pj bottoms I bought in 2008

SPsFanjoSponsoredByFemFresh · 31/08/2012 23:22

agent Grin how did you guess

PilgrimSoul · 31/08/2012 23:32

I equate penneys in Ireland to the uk relationship with woolies. It brought affordability to the high street. Of course now penneys is part of associated British food, but I think we still see it as peculiarly Irish.

ElectricMonk · 31/08/2012 23:43

I like Primark's basics - the plain, stretchy vest tops and t-shirts have a high cotton content, look nice, wash extremely well, and are reliably available. I can't say the same about any of their competitors other than Peacocks (and even theirs aren't quite as nice), even the slightly more expensive ones.

Their tights, scarves, bags, underwear, belts etc are also very good quality, especially for the price :). Everything else is pretty variable in quality though, and far too synthetic for my liking.

AgentZigzag · 31/08/2012 23:43

It was your yellow rollie stained moustache that gave it away Fanj.

WorraLiberty · 31/08/2012 23:46

somedayma I'm sat in my old Primark jammies too and I love them.

Is it just me, or are they made for people with short arms and very long legs though? Grin

I have to hold the legs up to go up and down the stairs....

threesocksmorgan · 31/08/2012 23:48

i got a brill vest top for dd from primark a while back, David Bowie on it.
primark is a good shop sometimes,
people love to slag shops like primark and ASDA off as it makes them feel better off.

trixymalixy · 31/08/2012 23:48

Their jeans are v long too. I need a 34" inside leg and the regular jeans are slightly too long.