Primark, Part 3
Once we realized that, we were very surprised that there was such an abundance of stock by the time we got in. Looking at Primark’s website and PR photos we noticed that there is even a photo promoting the quick re-stocking of shelves. Another disconcerting element was realizing that British sizes do not correspond to American sizes. Los Angeleans, specifically celebutantes, hover at a Size 0 and worry when they bloat to a Size 2. British sizing is not so kind at all. They’re size 10 is the equivalent to a US size 6 (which was Princess Diana’s size, btw). So it wasn’t with much joy we were pulling out and buying size 14, 16 and 18 (corresponding Euro sizes are 42, 44 and 46).
It was the only store we not only considered shopping at, but actually was excited about it. We got the above coat, albeit in a much more subdued ivory shade (replete, still, with hints of metallic). It was an astonishingly low 20 pounds, and a reasonably priced $40. We got another coat (15 pounds) with, as our traveling companion, and BeansTalk staffer, noted, “with the largest buttons ever.” It was called gray, but in our universe we would describe it as taupe. We also got a very cute black shirt top, priced at 3 pounds. We also got another black top and one in fuchsia, both were 8 pounds. We got a very cute dress we love and wore on the return home trip, for 10 pounds. We loved it. Loved it. Primark also had men’s clothing and home furnishings, too. BeansTalk’s chairman also got something he loved.
When will Primark come to the U.S.? We’ll certainly keep you posted.
Even though we realized that a high percentage of British women would be wearing the exact same things we purchased, we were comforted that wouldn’t be the case when we donned our new apparel in the U.S. (we had the misfortune to buy a top at Target, but after we saw the fourth woman wearing it, we returned it, all the more careful in the future to avoid such distinctive purchases).
If you are traveling to Europe anytime soon and would love some fast fashion at the very best price (and excellent quality, too), we’d highly recommend you make a must-stop at a Primark (or Penneys if you’re in Ireland).
