A recent buzz surrounds campus about the grand opening of Primark. Originating in Ireland, the “fast- fashion” retail store has gained incredible popularity throughout the United Kingdom. In late September, Primark brought the brand to the United States for the first time, with the opening of a store in Downtown Crossing.
While the opening was deemed a success by the company, it was not an overwhelming event. A spokesman for the company stated that this is exactly how the company started in the U.K., and now there are over two hundred stores throughout Europe. The company is expecting word-of-mouth to increase the US store’s popularity.
So what is Primark? Primark is a European clothing company that serves men, women, and children, and offer clothing, shoes, accessories, and travel necessities. After hearing amazing reviews from friends, my roommate and I decided to see if all the hype was worth it. In my opinion, Primark seemed to be an oversized version of H&M. Each of the four floors had its own identity, which made shopping much more manageable. The clothes were cute and trendy, comparable in both style and quantity to things currently on sale at Forever 21, H&M, and Zara. The prices however, were significantly cheaper. Sweaters were between $8 and $12, shoes were under $20, and pajama sets were $10. I walked away with two sweater, a skirt, three pairs of pajamas, and a makeup case for under $50! With those prices, I was expecting the clothes to fall apart. While they do not make for timeless pieces, I can confidently say they will make it through to the end of the season.
The dependable quality, flattering styles, and unbeatable prices will allow Primark to grow tremendously in the United States. The company already plans to open stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Overall, Primark was a great discovery. I typically buy classic pieces with long-lasting quality, but Primark is an excellent way for Collegiettes to supplement their wardrobes. It is also a convenient resource for those outfits you’re only planning on wearing it once. If you haven’t been there yet, get your roommates together and spend an afternoon shopping in Downtown Crossing!
Sources:
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/10/primark-irish-retailer-opens-flagship-store-boston
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/09/21/primark-could-change-the-game-for-us-retailers.html
http://www.ksf-global.com/blog/retail-design-primark/