Ok, hopefully we all know what Primark is, but if you don't here's what it is:
"Primark, the discount clothing chain beloved of bargain hunters..."
And thats exactly correct they sell decent quality clothing, and other things such as bags, shoes, jewellery, body washes and creams, bedroom soft furnishings the likes at SUPER CHEAP prices.
This is all good and well for struggling students like myself, but the ethical issues can not be avoided:
"Ethical Consumer, in its January/February edition...criticised the company for not having a code of conduct, selling leather goods and "environmentally-damaging" PVC products and for operating in an oppressive regime - China"
So, although i might rejoice when stroll blissfully out of one of their ever packed stores with a multitude of bargain finds, i can't help thinking about the individual who working like slaves to make the items - when all is said and done, how much exactly do they get from a top costing a mere £2.00?????
"If people shop in Primark because the prices are low then they must be aware that they are low for a reason," said Ruth Rosselson, a spokeswoman for Ethical Consumer. "And they must start asking questions: 'Where is this made? How do I know that this was made under good conditions?' Then the companies will realise that people care."
So there we have it, Primark defends its reputation but that still dosen't account for the rediculously cheap items they continue to sell. "Why are you bothered when you claim to be a struggling student?" i hear you all ask, it's because as well as being a student wanting to save money etc Its important to raise awareness for the people behind the products.
So next time your shipping in Primark, do think about the ethical considerations of your purchase - do we want to help oil the plugs that drive a 'sweat shop' somewhere or do we want to stand up and demand FAIR TRADE? Until Primark get their act together - i refuse to recommend this place to friends!
Its been suggested that "...shoppers buy from charity shops, try vintage clothing and seek out organic cotton. Conventionally farmed cotton is treated with 10 per cent of the world's pesticides, which the Pesticide Action Network estimates causes 20,000 deaths in the Third World every year."
The magazine lists an alternative clothing directory that includes firms such as Patagonia, Traidcraft, Natural Clothing and Footprint.
Advantages: Everything, not once have i had to return anything to this shop. Disadvantages: The ques, slighty long but don't be put off as they go down very quickly.
gemmariddle 13.07.2009 ·
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Review of Primark (Shop)
Mar 31st, 2009
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