Primark

[NIK]

We are told that all retailers need a website these days and those who have been slow to adapt have suffered. Yet I have only recently learned that Primark, an immensely successful retailer, do not have one. I have rarely ventured into Primark as as I am not attracted by their cheap and cheap looking wares so don’t really know a great deal about them.
How can they be so successful without selling online? This seems to go against modern business models.
Is it because their client base consists of disconnected chavs?

[Doc Holliday]

External Link/Members Only

That business model works for them but of course they did not foresee a pandemic which means their sales have been zero.

They do have a website but no online sales.

[GreyDave]

   Yep . 

Luckly this title doesnt fall in to the " No relgion race or Brexit" 

Many of customers are house of multi occupation and workers the clothes fall apart pretty quickly if worn and washed ..

I brought some stuff for work and actual though after 3 wash its not woth washing again its crap so chucked it looked ok first few times I wore but it is what it is and they know who buys it ...our local seems to be hit by shoplifting gangs 2 -3 times a week its the way the place is laid out and till areas encorage it as they are no where near exits and the warren like interior full of stuff allows it

[Beamer]

We are told that all retailers need a website these days and those who have been slow to adapt have suffered. Yet I have only recently learned that Primark, an immensely successful retailer, do not have one. I have rarely ventured into Primark as as I am not attracted by their cheap and cheap looking wares so don’t really know a great deal about them.
How can they be so successful without selling online? This seems to go against modern business models.
Is it because their client base consists of disconnected chavs?

It's called Marketing.
They understand their customers and potential.  They have also identified  - albeit with some critics a manufacturing base - that meets their target audience.

[Matium]

WGs love Primark.
Bras and knickers from a pound.
No wonder it's popular.

[MilleMiglia]

One of several companies currently engaged in disputes with landlords - must say I was also surprised to discover that they are High St retail only.

[Beamer]

They are owned by a very successful business family.

[Moby Dick]

Cheap, and next door to Greggs.

Cash is king.
Can’t buy on internet if you don’t have bank account/credit card or an address (blocks of flats) that doesn’t take deliveries.

[lewisjones23]

I’d literally rather shop anywhere else.

The stuff is shite and the one and only time I went in there it was as crowded as an Indian train carriage

[Markus]

Its the only clothing store similar to M&S which lacks any kind of appeal to shop there.  I once bought a scarf from Primark because it was winter and I forgot my one at home. I binned it the next day.  Cheap polycotton crap.

I can see the appeal to mums who need new clothes for growing kids and to those who earn less. It also appeals to tourists from countries with poor exchange rates via the pound.  They have saved the high street love them or hate them. 

[winkywanky]

We are told that all retailers need a website these days and those who have been slow to adapt have suffered. Yet I have only recently learned that Primark, an immensely successful retailer, do not have one. I have rarely ventured into Primark as as I am not attracted by their cheap and cheap looking wares so don’t really know a great deal about them.
How can they be so successful without selling online? This seems to go against modern business models.
Is it because their client base consists of disconnected chavs?

In a way one might compare Primark with Lidl IMO. Most of the produce is a bit shit, some of it is good, all of it is cheap.

I go to Primark about once a year and stock up on T-shirts and a few other bits and pieces for the coming year. I get enough so that it will last for the year, and then by the following year when it's looking tatty, it's time to buy a new lot.

Apart from the odd pair of quality jeans, nice sneakers and woollen-wear which I purchase elsewhere, that's my clothing bill sorted, and for peanuts.

I should perhaps point out that I never had any luck on POF   

[Beamer]

I’d literally rather shop anywhere else.

The stuff is shite and the one and only time I went in there it was as crowded as an Indian train carriage

However you look at it, until Covid-19, they were one of the most successful retailers. But the lack of on-line suddenly become an issue.
They will return if their supply chain survives some heavy criticism.

[FLYING BLUE]

I've never been to Primark & doubt I ever will - having said that, I've never been to John Lewis or Debenhams either 

[winkywanky]

Jermyn St?   

[Beamer]

I've never been to Primark & doubt I ever will - having said that, I've never been to John Lewis or Debenhams either 

How have you survived without a single visit?? To any of them????
WOW.......

[Thephoenix]

You've only got to look at the shopping bags young people are carrying where there's a Primark in town, compared to other retailers. I think the days of buying quality clothing that might last a long time doesn't apply to young working class people now.

[Beamer]

You've only got to look at the shopping bags young people are carrying where there's a Primark in town, compared to other retailers. I think the days of buying quality clothing that might last a long time doesn't apply to young working class people now.

Primark are the masters of Marketing.

[Blackpool Rock]

How have you survived without a single visit?? To any of them????
WOW.......

Actually that's 2 of us then.

I just hate shopping full stop so if I have to venture into town once or possibly twice a year then it's still too often.
In fact I can't remember the last time I actually shopped in town as I tend to either get stuff on line (which I also hate) or go down the road to the out of town factory outlet where i can park for free and at the end of the car park so my door doesn't get bashed by some twat 

My main dislike of shopping is that it's always too busy, can't stand the crowds of people, if i'm going to buy say a pair of jeans then I go in; take a look and if there is something I like which is reasonably priced then I try it on; buy it and promptly fuck off home 

People can't believe i've never been to the Trafford centre in Manchester, drove past it 100's of times while travelling to a punt and always amazed how many soft twats are queuing to get in the car park so that it back up half a mile down the motorway 

[Blackpool Rock]

You've only got to look at the shopping bags young people are carrying where there's a Primark in town, compared to other retailers. I think the days of buying quality clothing that might last a long time doesn't apply to young working class people now.

I believe they call it "Throw away fashion" however young people with social conscience are now starting to go against it due to the environmental issues so it's possible that the Primark model won't work in a few years time anyway 

[FLYING BLUE]

Jermyn St?   

I'm more Carnaby St 

[FLYING BLUE]

How have you survived without a single visit?? To any of them????
WOW.......

I'm single
My entire career has been spent in one kind of uniform or another
I used to buy my clothes in Hong Kong, SEA or the USA - or on the odd occasion, Carnaby St. 

[winkywanky]

I'm more Carnaby St 

Beads and flowers. Nice   

[Doc Holliday]

I'm more Carnaby St 

Hidden Image/Members Only

Edit what happened to 'pointy tit' bras?

[winkywanky]

  

[winkywanky]

Back in the days of pointy tits 

[mr.bluesky]

Primark is ok for cheap t shirts to take on holiday.

[Beamer]

I'm single
My entire career has been spent in one kind of uniform or another
I used to buy my clothes in Hong Kong, SEA or the USA - or on the odd occasion, Carnaby St. 

Lucky fella.
Years ago I bought two m to m suits from a grubby back street in HK. Had to have it adjusted a few months later - I lost 3 stone -  and the guy who did it said the quality was superb. Couldn't understand how they could sell them at the price they did.

[winkywanky]

The phrase backstreet HK sweatshop springs to mind  .

[george r]

Primark is ok for cheap t shirts to take on holiday.

same here, chuck them away after the hols.

[winkywanky]

Joikng aside, they do have a tradition of quality, bespoke suits in HK don't they? Think I'm right in saying you get measured up one morning and the suit is finished the next day or so? (With perhaps one extra midway fitting for adjustment).

[winkywanky]

same here, chuck them away after the hols.

I keep mine all year.

[FLYING BLUE]

Beads and flowers. Nice   

Think of me as an ageing Steve Hillage 

[FLYING BLUE]

Joikng aside, they do have a tradition of quality, bespoke suits in HK don't they? Think I'm right in saying you get measured up one morning and the suit is finished the next day or so? (With perhaps one extra midway fitting for adjustment).

Not quite the same as it was when I was there regularly & by no means as 'cheap' as it used to be in real terms. Next day was always available but that was around 3 times the price.
I could generally get an excellent quality M2M 3 piece in the 3 day layover - ooh, I've come over all nostalgic for the days of the Empire 

[Beamer]

Joikng aside, they do have a tradition of quality, bespoke suits in HK don't they? Think I'm right in saying you get measured up one morning and the suit is finished the next day or so? (With perhaps one extra midway fitting for adjustment).

My suits were ready in 3 days instead of 2 because I added a waistcoat. Fantastic service and lovely people to deal with.

[Beamer]

I also bought 6 or 8 m to m shirts. Magnificent quality and M and S prices.

[winkywanky]

Not quite the same as it was when I was there regularly & by no means as 'cheap' as it used to be in real terms. Next day was always available but that was around 3 times the price.
I could generally get an excellent quality M2M 3 piece in the 3 day layover - ooh, I've come over all nostalgic for the days of the Empire 

You never know, they may be coming back soon, a sudden and large influx of top-quality HK tailors to ensure sir looks his very best, and all at reasonable prices too 

So long as they manage to escape before China locks the doors.

[pewpewpew]

I would guess their business model is based on impulse buying. No way they would survive selling £1 t-shirts online if that's all people buy. Once in the shop people fill baskets with all manner of cheap apparel that they don't need just because they see it.

[winkywanky]

I would guess their business model is based on impulse buying. No way they would survive selling £1 t-shirts online if that's all people buy. Once in the shop people fill baskets with all manner of cheap apparel that they don't need just because they see it.

Reckon you're dead right on that.

[MilleMiglia]

A walk around town today, and the queue outside Primark dwarfed that at other shops, including TK Maxx. More worrying was the amount of small independents that were still closed, with no indication as to when they will re-open, if ever.

[ulstersubbie]

Cheap, and next door to Greggs.

A pair of cheap trekkie bottoms and then a sausage roll, a tale of modern Britain.   

[smiths]

I have found Primark to be a good shop but I wouldn't queue to get in let alone during a pandemic.

As to their business model if it works for them and it cant of been during lockdown whereas it certainly did for some with online sites to buy on, then good luck to them. I imagine they will start selling online at some stage. Reminds me of Marks And Spencer years ago who wouldn't take credit card payments for many years, that all changed when they entered the real world. Mind you at the tine they were the biggest and maybe most profitable retailer on the High Street, that all changed.

I went to a M&S food hall before lockdown, I had to call my bank to transfer more funds into the account I was going to pay them from, fuck me they were expensive. And in fact I walked out much to my partners annoyance, I said if you want to pay those grossly inflated prices knock yourself out but don't involve me.

[smiths]

I would guess their business model is based on impulse buying. No way they would survive selling £1 t-shirts online if that's all people buy. Once in the shop people fill baskets with all manner of cheap apparel that they don't need just because they see it.

Yes indeed, that doesn't work on me as I only buy what I have planned to buy, but does work on my son.

[ulstersubbie]

I went to a M&S food hall before lockdown, I had to call my bank to transfer more funds into the account I was going to pay them from, fuck me they were expensive. And in fact I walked out much to my partners annoyance, I said if you want to pay those grossly inflated prices knock yourself out but don't involve me.

The quality is very good though, I have been in from time to time. Yes expensive but not somewhere you will do a weekly shop.

[lostandfound]

(Pre pandemic obvs) Within a half mile or so of a Primark, every second person seems to be carrying a Primark bag - so clearly very popular.

Went there before a trip to Thailand and stocked up on cheap undies and socks which survived being washed by the laundry across the road from my hotel surprisingly well. Personally I'm pleased Primark exists as an option for clothing so cheap as to be almost disposable.

[Ali Katt]

The quality is very good though, I have been in from time to time. Yes expensive but not somewhere you will do a weekly shop.

This. It's a bit like Waitrose where I go if I want something different like a weird coffee or a food present for someone. Also what people don't mention is M&S have an incredible selection of wine and the craft beer is now really good. You can't buy Gigondas or Mikkeler in Aldi.

[LLPunting]

Primark sell to the impulse buyer, a buyer that can't readily undo their choice before they hand-over the cash i.e. on-line shoppers are of zero interest.

All clothes retailers had a big problem with wear-and-return when customers became more dishonest and exploited shops who were trying to drive sales by offering a returns policy beyond consumer rights obligations (when they were established).  It happens across the full-breadth of the price-point, brand and quality scales.

Here's their returns policy on change of mind: External Link/Members Only

They sell cheap items that will be more inconvenient and costly to return to store than it is to just throw away.

Arguably they also cater to the sort who can't be bothered to clean their clothes after wearing.

If they can find a way of creating short lifetime bio-degrable "fashion"/"expression" wear made of materials from renewable resources that do not displace native flora and fauna then they'll have latched onto a winner.

[ulstersubbie]

Also what people don't mention is M&S have an incredible selection of wine and the craft beer is now really good. You can't buy Gigondas or Mikkeler in Aldi.

True, quality ciders as well!

[King Nuts]

We are told that all retailers need a website these days and those who have been slow to adapt have suffered. Yet I have only recently learned that Primark, an immensely successful retailer, do not have one. I have rarely ventured into Primark as as I am not attracted by their cheap and cheap looking wares so don’t really know a great deal about them.
How can they be so successful without selling online? This seems to go against modern business models.
Is it because their client base consists of disconnected chavs?

My youngest kids love going to my local Primark. It's a three-floor job, and may have been a Debenhams or something else in the past.

Hard to argue with kitting them out with complete summer outfits, shoes etc for around 30 or 40 quid each. Could spend double or triple that, easily, in M and S or Next. More like five to ten times that at Harvey Nicks. Even more in some poncy Shoreditch boutique.

And of course, after 12 months it doesn't fit them any more anyway.

So here's the issue: it's all made in places like Bangladesh. Is that ethical? How far's this current 'slavery' obsession going to go?

And then there's the disposal of all the discarded clothes. Apparently we're clogging up landfill with cack, wear-it-and-chuck-it clothes.

[winkywanky]

My youngest kids love going to my local Primark. It's a three-floor job, and may have been a Debenhams or something else in the past.

Hard to argue with kitting them out with complete summer outfits, shoes etc for around 30 or 40 quid each. Could spend double or triple that, easily, in M and S or Next. More like five to ten times that at Harvey Nicks. Even more in some poncy Shoreditch boutique.

And of course, after 12 months it doesn't fit them any more anyway.

So here's the issue: it's all made in places like Bangladesh. Is that ethical? How far's this current 'slavery' obsession going to go?

And then there's the disposal of all the discarded clothes. Apparently we're clogging up landfill with cack, wear-it-and-chuck-it clothes.

Never had you down as a Primark kinda guy, KN. But why the devil not? It's pragmatism and practicality.

I think most major stores have had exposées about where some of their stuff's made and the conditions, certainly not just the cheapo stores like Primark. That'll be partly down to the stores for not trying hard enough to be aware of what goes on (the buyers?) but also down to the countries/factory owners in question and how they apply their labour laws (if they really have any). So long as a store doesn't try too hard to bust their balls over the price (and is aware of local conditions and wages generally), ultimately they're keeping those people employed.

The bigger issue IMO is the way that some of our UK consumers buy cheap clothes almost as if they're disposable. I buy at Primark and I'll wear stuff until it's not fit to wear any more, and if stuff gets outgrown by growing kids, that's just normal. But a lot of people are buying every week and chucking it away after one or two wears. Pathetic.

[RogerBoner]

Its a good shop in which to chat up people who menstruate.