Last year a new shopping complex opened in the city centre of Plymouth. 'Drake Circus' the long awaited saviour of Plymouth. It had taken years of building in fact the road works and traffic congestion seemed to become a permanent fixture of the city.

The exciting day approached, the local TV company gave constant coverage on the shopping centre, radio talked 24/7 about the benefits to the city and its effects on economy. There was however a shop that got more coverage than most…Primark.

The first time I heard the name 'Primark' was when I saw the signs appearing around the outside of the shopping complex. Rather intrigued I decided to pop in during my break lecture at university not expecting much I thought I would have plenty of time before my next lecture. Although the complex was busy it seemed much quieter than I had expected. I wandered around in awe until I found where everyone was hiding. I had to find out what this Primark 'craze' hitting Plymouth was all about and I was then hooked. Unfortunately I got a bit carried away in Primark and missed my lecture.

Seeing the cheap prices and amazing top quality clothes I ran to pick up a basket and spent most of my student loan in one go. I didn't care if I would ever wear the clothes or not I just loved it all and at £4 for a jumper, £3 for a handbag and £5 for a pair of trousers I had myself a suitable outfit for teaching.

***ABOUT PRIMARK***
Primark was formed in 1969 as Penney's on Mary Street, Dublin. The company has expanded and seem to be popping up everywhere. Since discovering the store in Plymouth I have found 2 more branches close to my home and just can't help myself when I am near one.

Their motto "look good, pay less" is certainly a true one. I like the fact that my dress bought from Primark looked very similar to my mates bought in Next only difference was the £35 change I got back on my dress.

*** PRIMARKS POLULARITY***
It is easy to see why the store is so popular especially with the student population. If it's featured on the catwalk you can pretty much guarantee that it will end up in Primark a few weeks later. They are so up to date with their fashion knowledge and wearing an outfit from Primark is a safe and cheap option.

After my visit to the cinema to watch "The Devil Wears Prada" I felt the sudden urge to pop into Primark and stock up on the seasons top buys and for under £20 I didn't do too bad.

***PRIMARK PLYMOUTH***
As mentioned above Primark is a new addition to Plymouth and a very welcome one too. On the morning of its opening the shutters had to be closed due to a riot nearly breaking out. Since October 2006 it has calmed down slightly but it can get a bit mental during holidays, especially Christmas time.

The shop is set out over two floors and in relation to most of the shops in the complex it is rather large. It is difficult however to move around the shop as the clothes are very closely packed together. It can get rather untidy at busy times and with clothes, shoes, bags and jewellery on the floor it can get a bit dangerous.There are two entrances to the shop most people enter from the shopping complex (first floor) but the other entrance (street level - ground floor) can get a little busy during weekends as it is close to the bus station. You can find the following sections on the first floor.

• womens clothes,
• jewellery,
• lingerie
• hand bags
• nightwear
• mens clothes

And on the ground floor you can find

• childrens and baby clothes
• Shoes
• Home furnishings

The store is easy to browse the sections are well sign posted so if in a hurry it is relatively easy to find what your looking for. ***PRODUCTS AND PRICES***
The products may be cheap but they are also of good quality. I have to admit however that the sizes seem a little on the small size. My sister complains that they only go up to a size 18 and although being 16 the 18's are still too small. Admittedly I tend to buy a size/ 2 sizes larger as I have also noticed that the sizes are on the smaller side.

The products are very modern and can often be seen in one of the popular fashion magazines. In fact Primark is becoming more and more popular with the celebrities who have been 'spotted' carrying Primark bags.

I usually struggle to find underwear and night clothes that I can really relax in and I found Primarks own brand 'Secret Possessions' and have to admit that although costing a mere £1-£2 for underwear, £4 for a pair of pyjamas and £5 for a gel-bra I was very comfortable and felt very happy whilst wearing them. I now buy all my lingerie in Primark and I now I will be comfortable. I have looked for months for a long, cosy and warm dressing gown for the cold winter months, but have struggled to find one long enough to snuggle up in. I managed to find a cosy dressing gown which was soft and warm. It came with a pair of matching slippers for £8.

I usually take a day searching for the right outfit for teaching in. it has to be professional, comfortable and make me feel confident. I love browsing the £5 trousers, £8 shirts and £10 shoes with a £4 bag to complete my outfit. Knowing that my trousers will end up with paint on and shoes being picked to bits by ankle biters, whilst reading the class story. There is little point in spending a fortune in Per Una (Marks and Spencers) or Next. Despite the better quality I find it a lot easier to relax in clothes that I am not afraid to get mucky.

Not forgetting the complete bargains like the dress I picked up for £2, handbag for 50p, watch for £1 (it still works!) umbrella for £1, shoes for £2, trainers for £4 and duvet cover for £5. How could anyone complain?

Hearing my partners response to my first shopping trip in Primark he was reluctant to visit until he heard about the prices. In need of a shirt he decided to go along with me unfortunately he couldn't see a lot he liked. He managed to pick up a cheap pair of jeans and some new boxers. But he thought the shirts looked a bit 'girly' and were not what he would usually go for. He was impressed with the prices as he often complains at the lack of cheap shops for men.

I often find myself buying unnecessary handbags, jewellery or shoes as they 'look good' and are so 'cheap' this is a slight problem as I am currently trying to save my pennies for a deposit on a house. My obsession with Primark may have to take a back seat for a few months.

***CUSTOMER SERVICES***
Admittedly not all products I have purchased in Primark have been perfect. I bought a pair of boots two weeks ago for £6 and after 4 hours of wearing them the laces frayed beyond repair. I was quite disappointed as to buy new laces would be a little less than the previous price of the boots. I have also bought a few t-shirts or jumpers where the stitching has come apart or frayed. I have never had any trouble with returning products. I have found it very easy. Primark do insist on receipts to return goods (in their policy) however and I have witnessed a few angry customers who have been told that they cannot return their stuff because they do not have a receipt.

***SUMMARY***
I am very pleased with the stuff I get from Primark. The quality is great and I always manage to find what I am looking for. The shop is full of the latest fashion but I also know that I can buy a basic pair of trousers and a basic plain t-shirt/jumper. I always buy my essentials in stores such as underwear, pyjamas and socks. They are currently selling a range of wrapping papers, gifts bags, cards and gifts ready for Christmas. Why spend hours searching for an outfit for that night out when you can get it under one roof?