Why is it that all the Ciao surveys that I get sent nowadays only have a reward of 10p? Or am I the...
Why is it that all the Ciao surveys that I get sent nowadays only have a reward of 10p? Or am I the only one that's getting those ones? Alexandra x (arrrrgggghhhh - it's gotten worse, the last one I received was only 5p!)
Member since:03.02.2006
Reviews:54
Members who trust:31
This review is on the Primark store in Manchester City Centre (which is actually quite a posh store compared to some of the others I have been to).
The Primark philosophy appears to be pile it high and sell it cheap. They sell their own brand clothing and accessories for women, men and children plus a small amount of household goods, bedding, towels etc (not electricals).
***The Store*** The Manchester store is located on the old Lewis' building right in the heart of the shopping district at the top of Market Street. The shop is split onto two levels (womens and mens on the ground floor, childrens, lingerie, footware and homewares on the 1st floor).
The store is a warren of aisles in no particular order and clothes are usually strewn across the floor and thrown in untidy heaps on top of the display cabinets. Many of the display racks are at a height that is dangerous to those who are vertically challenged and you could easily poke your eye out on protruding metal arms.
The changing rooms are a challenge in themselves. Be prepared for a very long wait
to get in there (usually around 15-20 minutes) and make sure that you take anything that you might want to try on and even some stuff that you don't just to make the wait worthwhile. Once you are in there, the cubicles are actually quite a good size and have a full length mirror and lots of hanging space.
TOP TIP: I have found that, say you wanted a pair of size 12 jeans, take at least 4 pairs of the same jeans in the changing rooms with you. All the 4 pairs of jeans will probably be slightly different sizes - some will have larger waists, some will have longer legs and some will have more room at the hips. It's pot luck what you get so the more you try on the better fit you will get. This is common throughout all their clothes.
***The Clothes*** Accessories start from around 50p and range from tights to sunglasses, junk jewellery to handbags and shoes. Most things are under £3, shoes are usually around £8-£15.
Adult clothes start at around £1.50 and they cover most needs, casual, suits, evening tops, swimwear, nightwear, lingerie.
Kids clothes come in baby clothes right up to a teenage range and are in pretty much the same price range but start from 50p for baby clothes. As with the adult clothes the range covers most wants - casual, nightwear etc.
TOP TIP: If you are in Primark and see something that you think you like, buy it. If you decide to wait a couple of days while you think about it, it is my experieince that the liklihood is they will have sold out of whatever it was that you liked, except for a few size 18s. Once something has sold out they rarely get any more in.
***Household Goods*** Primark also sell a range of bedding and bathroom accessories. Bed sets start from around £5 for a single rising to around £12 for a King Size set.
This section of the shop is mainly textiles buy they do sell a few ornaments and vases.
***Returns/Customer Service*** If you can't be bothered trying something on and decide to buy and try it on later or if you need to return a faulty item it's not too difficult to return goods to Primark, just be prepared to queue for a while. It is very easy to get your money back so long as you have your receipt and yes they do give you your money back and don't just offer a credit note.
The staff in Primark are on the whole not the most helpful bunch. They very rarely know where anything is within the store and if you ask them anything the usual answer is "sorry but I'm new here". I can only imagine there is a very high turnover of staff because everyone I have spoken to appears to be a very recent employee. On the odd occasion you do manage to get hold of someone who has worked there for more than a week and they will try and help you.
I've never had to complain about anything at Primark so cannot comment on this service.
***Value for Money*** Now you pretty much get what you pay for. Don't expect the clothes to be particularly long lasting - which is okay as the clothes are usually the latest trend and will probably be unfashionable in 6 months time anyway.
I bought a pair of trousers for work at the start of last year for the bargain price of £6 - they are machine washable and are just starting to go a bit shiny from ironing. 18 months wear for £6 - not bad in my books.
***Conclusion*** If you want very trendy low priced clothes then Primark is your shop. If you manage to find anything in there costing more than £15 then you have hit their expensive range (last year they were selling mid-length suede jackets for only £25!).
If you like your famous labels, give this shop a miss!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I find there sizes are a bit poor but then I have a funny shaped body! They are great for cheap pants and socks and stuff - I just wish there was one of these in Milton Keynes! x
donovan74 10.10.2006 23:04
Good review. Wearing Primark boxer shorts right now and there very good. : ) donnie.
bluerose28 27.08.2006 22:23
I've never been to Primark because there's not one near me, how long do their clothes last, do they wear out quicker/fade/tear etc. faster than other more expensive brands or do you find them around the same?
Laura
-x-
Advantages: Very Cheap - Good Selection of Clothes For Everyone. Nice and Bright. Disadvantages: Long queue's for the tills and for the lift - can get very busy at times.
niclemamy 20.11.2001 (21.11.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Primark (Shop)
Jun 17th, 2006
very helpful by (99%):
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