This week I paid my first visit to Primark, an Irish fast fashion chain that's just beginning to open stores stateside. I visited the Danbury, Connecticut location (thanks to a tip from alert Budget Babe reader @booshabear about the store opening), and while I realize this post will be a bit of tease for many of you (Primark.com does not have e-commerce yet), it may only be a matter of time before this discount clothing retailer comes to a town near you. So what can you expect when it does? Think fast fashion quality (Forever 21, H&M) in a vast yet highly organized set-up. Rather than multiple styles on a rack, as is the case at Forever 21 or H&M, Primark has fewer styles available in multiple sizes (which is juniors sizing as far as I could tell).
I liked that everything was organized by department - basics, swimwear, workout gear, knits, work wear, blouses, denim, shoes, accessories, home decor, men's, etc. - and that there was no loud booming music to mesmerize me (or wake up sleeping kids as is sometimes the case). Instead, I shopped to the sounds of a gentle electronic melody on repeat - I asked the cashier if this was always the case and she said that yes, they don't play music because they don't want to distract shoppers from the clothes. Fair enough.
I did not love the lighting in the store and the ceiling which was painted black. The neon marquee signage seemed a bit junior and dated but I can live with it. Also I was confused why most of the clothing I looked at was labeled 'Atmosphere' not Primark.
Since this was my first trip, I was mostly doing recon for you all and trying not to get overwhelmed by the incredible selection. I didn't really have a need to buy anything but I succumbed to the clearance tags...I got a $5 button-down shirt, $5 pair of olive pants and $3 beaded clutch. That's less than Goodwill. There were other items I wanted but resisted, like a $21 Celine purse lookalike, $14 Longchamp backpack lookalike as well as some $15 white denim jeans...but $15 seemed like a fortune compared to my $5 steal! I decided to come back another time for those items. It's funny how prices all seem relative; in a fast-fashion store, your eye starts looking for those clearance tags and you can easily end up with things you don't need (or even like) just because they're so darn cheap.
My advice to you if you're shopping Primark is to go in with a game plan and stick to your list or you'll get lost. But be open to those rare and unexpected gems! Don't buy just because it's cheap. Pretend you're a buyer for your favorite store or brand and use a discerning eye to pick the good from the not-so-good. Ultimately everything I bought is stuff I'll wear and stuff I'd buy elsewhere.
In case you missed my Snapchat tour of the store (my username is budgetbabe), I uploaded it to my YouTube channel so you can watch it, or just watch it below!
Keep reading for way more pics...have you shopped at Primark? What did you think?
What I bought: $5 shirt, $5 pants and $3 clutch
I did not love the lighting in the store and the ceiling which was painted black. The neon marquee signage seemed a bit junior and dated but I can live with it. Also I was confused why most of the clothing I looked at was labeled 'Atmosphere' not Primark.
Since this was my first trip, I was mostly doing recon for you all and trying not to get overwhelmed by the incredible selection. I didn't really have a need to buy anything but I succumbed to the clearance tags...I got a $5 button-down shirt, $5 pair of olive pants and $3 beaded clutch. That's less than Goodwill. There were other items I wanted but resisted, like a $21 Celine purse lookalike, $14 Longchamp backpack lookalike as well as some $15 white denim jeans...but $15 seemed like a fortune compared to my $5 steal! I decided to come back another time for those items. It's funny how prices all seem relative; in a fast-fashion store, your eye starts looking for those clearance tags and you can easily end up with things you don't need (or even like) just because they're so darn cheap.
My advice to you if you're shopping Primark is to go in with a game plan and stick to your list or you'll get lost. But be open to those rare and unexpected gems! Don't buy just because it's cheap. Pretend you're a buyer for your favorite store or brand and use a discerning eye to pick the good from the not-so-good. Ultimately everything I bought is stuff I'll wear and stuff I'd buy elsewhere.
In case you missed my Snapchat tour of the store (my username is budgetbabe), I uploaded it to my YouTube channel so you can watch it, or just watch it below!
Keep reading for way more pics...have you shopped at Primark? What did you think?
What I bought: $5 shirt, $5 pants and $3 clutch
The sizing is both jrs and misses (i double checked my jeans to make sure). The denim is shockingly good quality, but as a caveat, the sizing is not consistent, so you may be a size 6 in one color and a 10 in another. The quality of their workout clothing is hit or miss. The sweats are great, the lycra is cheap feeling and thin.
All in all, I'm slightly obsessed. I wouldn't necessarily purchase my work wardrobe there, but to take my basics from boring to on-trend, it will be my go to place.
Good point on the sizing: My MIL told me the blouses she tried on ran large. Sizing is inconsistent as you said. Thanks for pointing this out!
I can't wait to go back to see what they stock for fall, should be fun.
There is an annie sez in a strip mall not too far away that has a decent dsw in it also.