Why do people shop at Primark?

[sweetpumpkins]

I know people will say it's because it's cheap. But the odd bits I've had from Primark in the past have fallen apart, looked crap or lost their shape after very few wears. So to me it's false economy, as I end up having to replace it soon anyway.

And it's not even that cheap anymore. I visited a shop recently to have a browse and many of the products are not much cheaper than other high street shops that are better quality. Supermarket clothing is often cheaper and lasts longer.

I've never understood the big fuss.

Because it's there. It's just about the only clothes shop left on the high street,and I'm not going to traipse miles to the retail park.

I used to buy clothes from Primarny - esp work suits they were great quality and no where near £70 for a jacket, £50 for matching trousers/skirt or £35 for a matching waist coat that Debehams or other stores were charging. That was decades ago, mind. In fact I just gave a 3 piece suit and matching shirt to a charity which looks new and I used to wear it a lot - I think I spent about £50 on it at the time I bought it.

But today, the quality isn't as good so I don't buy as many clothes from Primarny, but beauty products are really good as are suit cases and towels.

I recently did a quick trip with my son who says you cannot beat their mens joggers. He also picked up a really lovely jacket and some denims, so many be men's clothes are still good...

I've got Primark clothes that I've had for 10+ years.
Otoh I bought my son a lovely outfit in Next when he was a toddler. It lasted maybe 5 wears. (I've also got a friend who is adamant I'm wrong about this because she's weirdly obsessed with Next)

The only thing I've noticed is that they have far less 'mix and match' Pyjamas than they used to and I don't always like the top and bottom sets.

I've a good few bits from there and in general they wash really well but I don't buy nylon etc. I would say that I've had more expensive things that didn't last well from other places. I really like the winter coats too and they last years.

Long vests, jersey summer maxi dresses, huge range of non-wired bras.
Great for 100% cotton flannel pj trousers in winter, much loved by my DD
The occasional interesting and cool housewares, bargain sale bedding (again they do 100% cotton, lots of places don't).

Like anywhere it's also full of stuff I don't like much but you learn what things are good where.

I don't really buy from Primark now, as it doesn't last and makes me sweat but if you are skint it is cheap and fashionable and you can only afford to spend a little at a time it makes sense.

I tend to agree with the critics of fast fashion. We all buy too many clothes these days in comparison to even 20 years ago. They are cheaply made, using pollutant fabric and they end up in landfill or washed up in some 3rd world country like a form of clothing colonialism.

Primark are bad but loads of other high street stores are worse.

Capitalism has done its job. Told us we need more and more so we keep buying this crap. And I’m just as bad as anyone - although I am consciously now only buying what I need. The growth of second hand is a good thing.

Clothing is cheaper now than it was 20 years ago. It’s ridiculous.

I don't buy anything other than the odd emergency bra or knickers when I'm travelling from there.

it is getting more expensive but so is everywhere else. I am not a snob and go there to have a browse and have generally been happy with the things I have bought. My most recent purchases include a blue jumper that washes beautifully and looks good, some very pretty tapered candles, a fab mascara and an umbrella. Wouldn't buy foot wear as my poor old feet can't cope with cheap shoes and all the bras I have had from there have been rubbish. wires that have poked though and straps that lose their elasticity very quickly. I avoid it after school is out, all those girls in a state of high excitement filling the shop are too much for me but I am sure they are having fun

There is some shit stuff but I find jeans gym top and PJ’s great value and quality

Currently sat here in socks, t shirt, fleecey pjs and dressing gown....all from Primark!
I think they are brilliant for night wear and sports wear. Also their undies are pretty decent.
You have to be picky though IME. You can find good quality fabrics and well cut items but some stuff is poorly made. Besides some of us just happen to have a Primark budget so that's where we shop. Oh, and it's one of the few clothes shops left in my High st so i love going for a wander round.

I really don't get clothes snobbery. My favourite t shirts for the summer are from Poundland (they wash well and fit me perfectly).

I love it for children clothes, especially for the character clothes which my daughter grows out of so quickly. I used to buy lovely Jojo dresses for her but sadly they don’t satisfy her Elsa obsession. (Still good for unicorns though!)
In terms of womens clothes I really struggle. They just don’t fit my shape (short and size 12) and the shoes all tend to pinch me.
The home bits and toys etc at Christmas are fab though. Had some great stocking fillers last year. Ooh and wrapping paper is good value too.

They’ll probably need a wash pretty soon then! 🤣 (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

It’s OK. 😂

Penneys used to be great for basics , it was cheap and good enough quality I have a few things from there that I bought years ago and still wear , it's gone very dear lately and the quality isn't up to much anymore. I find most clothes now just don't stand the test of time

It tends just to be PJs and socks for me now from there, I hate that most of their tops are cropped or skin tight! I’m not overweight but I still don’t want my belly on show

They do very good cotton pajamas. Last year I got two cotton every day dresses just to throw on and got lots of compliments. Their organic T-shirts are better quality than Hush. Leggings, tights and socks are fine.

Tottenham Court Road branch is fab. I just avoid at the weekend.

You can't buy man made fabrics and expect them to last and look good if you're washing them to death and drying in a tumble dryer.

Stop washing things so often. Wash clothes on a gentle wash, slow spin, don't use biodegradable washing powder, and dry preferably outside, but on a rack inside if you can't. Turn clothes inside out before washing. If items lose body use starch when ironing.

I can't understand people moaning on here when they're washing all wrong and not putting anything into maintaining them.

I agree about the cotton bedding.
Basics are good, t shirt bras-some in cotton which is getting rare these days- plain vests, shorts, socks, nightwear etc.
My teens are fussy but usually manage to find something they need each visit!

I'm a very careful shopper and there are things I buy only from primark, I check seams and material thickness and I'm happy to change buttons to lift a garment.

I buy mens t shirts as pyjama tops, the fluffy socks, flip flops to wear in the garden, some makeup items and hair accessories.

I think it's great for people on a lower budget and for kids clothes. Some of the homeware is fine, throws and such.

I've had stuff last years from there tbh.

I don’t anymore,it’s not cheap,I went in today just in the off chance,£15 for some kids pjs!just all looks like it’s aimed at the very young generation.

exactly this

the Vimes Boot Theory no longer applies because you don't get better quality by spending a bit more anymore - everywhere else (at least on the high street) uses the same cheap materials, they just mark it up more.

you can spend £50 on a t shirt and it will still bobble or lose its shape, so better to spend £5 and replace it

You can spend £20 on a pair of tights and still rip them on your first wear if you catch them on something, so better to spend £2. Who cares if they won't last you a decade, neither will the expensive pair (although tbf I have some stuff from primark that is still going strong after years).

People can't afford and don't want to spend a money on more expensive items when they aren't of significantly better quality.

Even if you do find something that is good enough quality to last, you are relying on never losing or gaining any weight, never changing your personal circumstances, (i.e. moving from working in an office to WFH, or to being a SAHM), not caring about what's in fashion or not, and the item never getting accidentally stained or ripped or left behind or stolen- all of which are highly unlikely over a period of 5, 10, years!

(when I say 'better' I mean from an individual economic POV, obviously not better for the environment).

Ditto. I don't know why I would want to.

My kid have passed down primark joggers through all 4 of them. We then donate them so hundreds of wears over ten years for £4. My eldest bought sweaters for college he is wearing five years later still looking great. I don't but lots in primark but for certain things it's a great shop. The kids stuff lasts long enough to be passed down.

Its an awful place but if you can't afford better then I guess that's why.