Matalan (Shop)

The very first Matalan store was opened in Preston in 1985 and over the past 16 years has grown to become a brilliant success story.

Matalans sell a wide variety of womans, mens and childrens clothes as well as an extensive range of homeware goods. If you like to wear named clothes then Matalan is well worth a look as they sell names such as Wranger, Lee Cooper, Playtex, Sloggi and of course Kelvin Klein. If named clothes aren't your thing then maybe have a look at their own range of clothes which offers excellent value for money, although do be aware of the sizing as they do tend to come up small!

Some of the products you find in Matalan will be half the price of other big named shops. They are able to sell their stock at such discounted rates by buying in huge quantities and passing the savings (well some if it anyway!) onto us..the general public.

Most of the Matalan stores are based in out of town retail park and some of the building do resemble warehouses which is another factor in keeping their costs low. The buildings though, do tend to be large and so they do carry a high amount of stock so I am sure that if you look, you will be sure to find something you like.

To shop in Matalan though you do need to become a member. You simply fill in a small registration card and do have to pay £1. This will then give you life time membership and you will save that £1 in your first shop. They charge £1 to cover the admin costs and so keeping the actual prices of goods low.

Matalan now have over 100 stores all over the UK and they are currently the fastest growing clothes retailer so that makes them bigger than the likes of Dorothy Perkins and River Island.

So what do they sell then?

LADIES WEAR

They sell a vast variety of shoes, most of them their own brand. They go from very basic flip flop types, to very nice "going out" shoes. Their clothes selection is quite large and cater for different people. You will find basic t-shirts and jumpers, blouses, skirts and trendy tops, right through to very nice suits. The price is always very reasonable although do bear in mind that you do sometimes get what you pay for. They also have quite a large underwear section where they sell big names such as Pretty Polly and Slogi at very cut prices.

MENSWEAR

Very similar to ladies as in they sell mens shoes that start from very basic deck shoes right up to highly polished shoes. The mens selection of clothes isnt as large as the womens but they do sell T-shirts, shirts, trousers, jackets and coats. If you are after a paid of Farrahs then I would recommened this shop as I have never found them anywhere cheaper. The suits also offer very good value for money as they certainly dont look cheap and nasty.

JEANS

Never buy a pair of jeans unless you look in Matalan first. They only downside is that they dont sell Levis but other makes such as Falmer and Pepe are very very cheap indeed. If you arent bothered about a brand then try the "zantos" jeans. They are Matalans own brand and cost a very reasonable £9.

CHILDRENSWEAR

Its this department that really lets Matalan down. I find that they isnt really much choice, especially for under 2's. Their sizing also has alot to be desired as a pair of shorts that I bought for my eldest (size 4-5) fitted my youngest who is only 18 months! They sell shoes and nightwear as well as the clothes. They now sell school wear that is very cheap but they only seem to have a limited stock.

HOMEWEAR

This department has expanded so much in the last few years. They sell pillows, quilts and duvet sets and curtains. For the bathroom they sell towels, mats, showers curtains and all the little nic nacks like soap dishes. For the kitchen you will find cutlery, saucepans, mugs and cockery. There is quite a choice in the homewear department and they do sell some lovely things all at cheap prices of course.

The stock at Matalans does seem to change on a very regular basis as I believe they have deliveries most days. The only things that regualary seem to be in stock are the items that are featured in their catalogues.

Matalan is always worth a look because you never know what you may come out with.