This past Winter I discovered the pleasures of the Irish clothing store 'Primark'.
I quite expect the Woke Bleeding Heart Brigade will accuse me of supporting far eastern sweat shops, etc, but as far as I'm concerned, along with millions of others, they offer great value for basic everyday items. Their store in Brighton is HUGE.
Over a period of several months, I equipped myself with two pairs of ratting shorts, two pairs of going-out shorts, three pairs of sunglasses, two pairs of trousers, a scarf, and a Russian style 'ushanka' hat. No single item cost me more than £13.
Everything I bought was of above average, to good, quality; except probably the £3 sunglasses. Like many people I lose, or break, sunglasses quite often, so I need a good supply. One pair broke before I left England, and my current pair are feeling dodgy. I now have only the third pair (above) in reserve.
I shall need shoes when I return to Brighton, and my first call will definitely be to Primark. I used to buy 99% of my clothes at M & S; but no more.
I was very pleasantly surprised by Primark, they are worth a visit. Next you'll find me shopping at Aldi; actually, you won't!
I've had my current sunglasses, with prescription lenses, for almost twelve years now.
ReplyDeleteI hate clothes shopping, nothing fits a short, round (fat) person.
I had a pair of my oldest son's 'cast-off' Ray Ban sunglasses for about the same amount of time. Sadly they wore-out and fell apart. The new ones (above) are very poor replacements.
DeleteI have started volunteering at the local Hospice charity shop. Sorting through the bin bag mountain of donations it seemed that most of it had Primark labels. Quick, disposal fashion it seems.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's more of a young person's, quick change, store. But at the same time there's plenty for everyone.
DeleteI have just thrown my late husband's Serangheti sunglasses and case away as I sat on them, uncased, in the car. He had them before we were married and I had them when he required prescription lenses for driving. They were at least 45 yrs old and served us both well. RIP.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame. I took a pair when we were clearing out an aunt's house back in the 60's. I had them for years, I think they dated from the 1940's.
DeleteWe might all have to start shopping in Aldi/Lidl when our Gas/electric bills start coming in !!!! I haven't bought anything from Primark ..... not because I don't want to but there isn't one near me. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI always thought of Primark as a shoddy Chav's shop, but it's not that at all. If you get the opportunity, visit one and you'll see what I mean. I've become a fan.
DeletePrimark is owned by Associated British Foods who also have Fortnum and Mason in their stable. They also own Twinings, British Sugar and much much more. An excellent company. Primark regularly has the best showing on its balance sheet.
DeleteMaybe worth a punt on ABF? Good long term investment.
DeleteYou will no doubt already have it in your portfolio via investment trusts.
DeleteQuite possibly.
DeleteTHIS BLOGPOST WAS SPONSORED BY PRIMARK
ReplyDeleteP.S. As you don't shop at Aldi, I presume that, like me, you shop at Lidl.
Neither. Here I shop at Leclerc, and in Blighty I frequent M & S, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's.
DeleteActually, you should give Aldi a try. They have some things that I use only from their store, and the quality is great!
ReplyDeleteI did visit one once in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, but didn't think much of it. I might try again in Brighton.
DeleteIt seems you've topped off your wardrobe quite nicely. I'm not familiar with Primark. Maybe they are not in the US.
ReplyDeleteI don't know where they operate outside of Ireland and the UK. However, I wouldn't be surprised if they turn-up at a town near you sometime soon.
DeleteClothing is very much a global economy, many of the seemingly western brands, actually use the same labor in the world economy. Fabrics and details may vary, but unless you are buying designer labels, they are all made in emerging economies around the world. Buy what you want, the sweat shop employees need the work, and are better off with the job, than without.
ReplyDeleteThat's always been my attitude. They may not be earning the crazy salaries that Westerners earn, but they feed, and clothe, their families.
DeleteIt is a few years since I went in a clothing shop because of my lack of mobility. My clothes are all bought by mail order.
ReplyDeleteDo they give good sponsorship deals?
ReplyDeleteThey are a generous family.
DeleteYou'll have to accept Rachel's answer, as I'm afraid I have no idea. Most extremely rich people do good with their money!
DeleteNot sure I'd buy Primark shoes to be honest. The times I've been in their shoe area it always smells plasticky.
ReplyDeleteThere is rumoured to be a Primark in NYC. Bit of a road trip for me.
When we winter in Spain, I enjoy a dig through the local one. Socks, underwear, and cardigans are good value for money.
Aldi is in the US and my German husband goes straight to the chocolate aisle. But then he knows the chocolate and cheese aisle in Carrefour just as well!
Your husband sound like a connoisseur; once you've eaten GOOD chocolate, you never eat the inferior again. I'm not sure about Primark shoes as I've not bought any there, but I shall certainly have a look.
DeleteThe prices at Primark seemed quite similar to here after currency adjustments in equivalent stores. But the quality of the clothing was superior to here. EG Much thicker tee shirt fabric and better stitching. I noted much more clothing came from the sub-continent rather than China and South East Asia.
ReplyDelete