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.

Not everyone can afford to shop on good quality stores.

Most of it is crap, I like the sportswear. I rarely buy a dress or outfit, it is aimed at a younger audience. Short shorts, belly tops.

I have a few tops that lasted in good condition.

I used to shop in Primark when the kids were little/younger because they grew out of clothes within a couple of months, so they would outgrow them before they wore out. IYSWIM. So I saw no point in paying loads of £££ for something that wouldn't fit them in 8 weeks time! But I never shop there now. Most of the stuff is poorly made, cheap tat that goes to shit after half a dozen washes or a dozen wears/uses. Shoes, jewellery, bags etc, often break after a dozen or so uses.

As has been said, it is false economy. I am not a snob, but the stuff really is shite. I would rather buy clothes from Tesco F & F or Asda George to be honest, than Primark. I don't get how it's so big and successful. Their products are wank. All the ones I have bought anyway!

As you say OP, the clothes lose their shape and look like shit within a few washes. The pyjamas and underwear present as OK/decent quality, but they don't last (IME and that of everyone I know...) Some people have mentioned other shops that are poor too, like H & M, and I agree, they are shit too.

Maybe they do have some stuff that lasts OK, (some people seem to be reporting some things that are OK,) but I would be lying if I said I had ever found a single thing from Primark that has lasted long-term/indefinitely. And I have bought quite a few things from there over the years. As I said, especially when the kids were younger (the noughties,)

I have jumpers and cardigans that I got from M & S, and C & A, and Debenhams, and BHS in the noughties and 1990s that I still wear occasionally, and they look like they did when I bought them. (Even a small handful from the 1980s.) They are the same colour, and the same shape. You don't get that now. Clothes do NOT last and wear like they used to... Fair play I did pay £15, around 25 to 38 years ago, (which is about £40 to £48 in today's money,) but these garments have last 2 generations almost.

It is ridiculous to call someone a snob because they prefer to not buy cheap shit that will wear out in a few washes/uses. If you buy stuff that lasts a lot less time - you will end up spending more in the long run. Not rocket science is it?!

Extremely snobby question! We can’t all afford to shop in high end shops or somewhere like M&S where basic jeans cost £40.

I used to shop in Primark back in the day when I was slim. I kept a few dresses, I remember buying one then going back the next day for a different colour. They’re pure linen, one olive green, one black. I also have a brown linen dress I wore to a wedding, it has a broderie anglaise bodice, bit too sexy for me now! They’re all fabulous quality. I’ve only bought a body and a jumper in there in the past few years, I had to buy a whole new wardrobe after weight loss surgery so stuck to Vinted. I kept a couple of suitcases of slim clothes, those 3 dresses included. I might wear the brown one for prom.

Because the quality of clothes in places like Next, M&S etc has gone down that much that there's absolutely no point paying their extortionate prices! At least in Primark you know the quality is crap but the prices reflect that.

About 20 years ago the quality wasn't that bad, it was akin to the likes of H&M but much cheaper.
I haven't bothered now for ages. The shopping experience is so hectic and unpleasant. Quality has gone down too.

I find the stuff from Shein is similar or superior quality and much cheaper, without having to navigate crowds and huge queues etc.

Me too.

Went in there last summer and they had lovely heavy quality 100% cotton tee shirts. £7. I've worn them every week and they still look like new.

It's been proven that primark clothes are made in the same factory with the same materials as more expensive high street shops.

Tbh I felt the same as you but after having kids and having a few very minor but still worrying money issues with things going wrong with our house, using money to pay for private healthcare as a last resort and other stuff, I can totally appreciate how you can spend about £25 and get your kid a weeks worth of t shirts & leggings, a pair of shoes and some underwear and have a quid left to get them a cute hair clip or something as a treat. I know I know the quality etc etc but it doesn’t wash any different to Next in my opinion and not everyone can afford Polarn o Pyret for every outfit

I love the basics - vests etc, and like some of the household bits like microfibre hair wrap, hangers, storage etc

I can't remember the last time I bought proper clothes from there; I'm plus sized and whilst they have started stocking larger sizes, they don't look great on me

Ten years ago it might have been snobby, as they genuinely were the cheapest shop. But now they really are not. So given that they are crap and also not cheap, why would anyone shop there? Better quality and similar prices can be found in Sainsburys, Asda, Tesco and Morrisons.

Tesco clothing is great too, I love the soft jeans, do you dislike Tesco too OP?

I only buy socks from there.

This. I would have thought it obvious. Kids grow quickly.

Tesco stuff (F & F) is FAR superior to Primark! It's like night and day!

I genuinely can’t understand it. It’s not even cheap crap anymore! Their prices are ridiculous nowadays for overpriced polyester rubbish that falls apart within a few wears, not to mention most of their stuff is awful looking.

If you need cheap clothes go on Vinted - lower prices and better quality. Supermarket clothing is also quite underrated - Tu at Sainsbury’s do lovely stuff!

I don't shop there often, but have a few things from there and so does DD. Why?

Because I don't find their quality any worse than multiple other high street shops. They do sell some crap, but there are decent things, just like anywhere else.

Cheap basics. I don't by coats, shoes or bags from there, but I like their jeans and tshirts among other things. I'll never pay something like 50 quit for a plain tshirt however supernaturally fantabulous its quality is. I can afford it, but find the price ridiculous and not worth it. I'd rather pay a fiver for a basic tshirt. I find Primark's fine. Same for jeans. I had expensive denim before. It's jeans. Basic staple. There's nothing superior buying Levi's or something for me personally. I have Levises, 7 for all Mankind and few others (bought secondhand). I don't see anything special in them. Primark's suits me just fine and like someone mentioned upthread they do small size 6s which I need.

I like their underwear. Again, I don't feel the need for any 'special' stuff. I won't pay £20 for a pair of basic knickers like the ones from one of those new online shops of colourful underwear often mentioned on here. People always talk about 'comfort'. Just how uncomfortable a simple pair of pants can be? I usually buy mine in Primark or M&S, basic, plain coloured, cotton pants. They're cover my arse and fanny, they're perfectly comfy. Same with tights, I won't pay £45 for a pair of Wolfords. It's tights. A boring basic staple. That price is ludicrous.

So it's not always about not being able to afford 'better'. Firstly, define better. Secondly, I can afford it. I just like to spend my cash on other, more worthwhile (to me) things.

I still wear a pair of jeans I bought from Primark 20 years ago - it doesn’t all fall apart.

I avoid Primark because the ones near me are always packed and messy. I get most of my clothes from charity shops, anyway, and underwear/tights either from the supermarket or M&S.

i get nigtshirts and dleggings from there last a oupe of years but dirt cheap

I like the cut of their vests - they fit me perfectly. A lot of other outlets ( Sainsburys and Morrisons for example), the 'depth' of the non adjustable straps is so long my boobs are popping out.
And pyjamas.
Vests and PJs and socks and gloves🙂

I find the stuff from Shein is similar or superior quality and much cheaper, without having to navigate crowds and huge queues etc.
Hate shein, the majority of Primark factories have raised standards, AFAIK.
Shein is horrendous.
Maybe there both as bad but by shopping locally in Primark, I am supporting local employment.
The material they use is lower standard.

Because where seriously lacking clothes shops that sell the basics at a good price

I just buy what I like. Sometimes it’s Primark. Sometimes it’s supermarket clothing, sometimes it’s nicer stuff and sometimes it’s a £2 Vinted bargain

I've had a few pieces recently from primark and they aren't cheap cheap anymore but lasting better than some of my next purchases! I'm picky though with what I buy from them
E.G only their 100% cotton pjs / cardis with wool etc

I don't rate their kids clothing even for DD nursery as the sizing is wildly off and it doesn't wash well at all. Range is disappointing but then again that could be my local store

Sainsbury’s is lovely their kids stuff is amazing but it’s way more expensive than primark I was quite shocked when I went in yesterday a leggings and top set I picked up for my 2yo was £18