In February I set myself a spending ban. It was harder than I thought (as the world is full of cute little things I want to buy and wear/hang up/use) and there were a few points I found myself very very tempted, especially with all the sales and discount codes everyone seemed to throw out! Nevertheless I struggled through and was actually quite proud of myself come payday.
Even though I couldn’t spend I obviously window shopped (obviously), particularly in Primark which I pass through on a daily basis on my walk to work. There were many t-shirts I ooow’d and aaah’d at, both for myself and my wife, and I promised myself come March I’d snap one or two of these tops up as a little pat on the back.
With a little time the other morning before work, I went into Primark to grab myself and my wife a new top each to perk up our spirits, but as I rifled through all the size 8, 10, 12, and 14’s, I quickly realised I was going to end up disappointed. It’s not the first time I’ve had this problem with Primark. They’re renowned for their dodgy sizing and lack of stock, but I still couldn’t help but be annoyed. On my second day with no luck, I grabbed a sales assistant to help me out. She sent someone to rifle through the back room and found one of the tops in my desired size. It was the Harry Potter one, which I was thrilled with as my wife had wanted a new HP top for a while. Eventually, I found another top I wanted with only one size over 14 jammed in the middle.
I just don’t understand, when it’s clear the demand is high, why Primark refuse to stock as many 16+ sizes as they do 14-. Especially when they have ‘geeky’ t-shirts and must know their larger sizes are gone extra quick with there being so few. It’s frustrating and disappointing, even more so when their sales are littered with these smaller sizes they couldn’t shift before.
Another problem I have with Primark (and most high street stores in general, actually) is the selection of men’s and women’s popular culture clothing (comics, TV shows, movies etc). Me and my wife are both massive Marvel and Star Wars fans and the selection of men’s clothing compared to women is infuriating. Girl’s clothing must be tight fitting, pink and proclaim something about only dating whatever kind of character they’re selling. Yes, they can be great and sure they’re fun, but why is this our only option? Why can’t I have the Marvel belt or The Walking Dead t-shirt? And y’know, what if a guy wants a FRIENDS t-shirt? These gender stereotypes are ugly and useless and placed on top of the fact that women’s size availability is ridiculous it makes me really despise the place sometimes…
…but the clothes are cheap. For many years ‘geeks’ have struggled with the price tag that comes attached to our favourite obsession’s merch. It’s just one of those things when it’s your morals vs. your wallet and GOD DAMN that’s a pretty bad ass Batman top for just £6.
In closing BAD, PRIMARK! BAD!
hevbailey 