This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/primark-in-boston-top-ten-tips-for-us-shoppers-10494897.html

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Primark in Boston: top ten tips for US shoppers Primark in Boston: top ten tips for US shoppers
(4 months later)
Primark launches its first US store in Boston on Thursday.Primark launches its first US store in Boston on Thursday.
The discount clothing retailer is starting with one store in Boston, a city chosen for its large number of students and Irish people (Primark was founded in Dublin). Compare that to Uniqlo, the Japanese fashion chain, which is opening 20 stores a year in the US, and Primark's expansion plans look pretty modest.The discount clothing retailer is starting with one store in Boston, a city chosen for its large number of students and Irish people (Primark was founded in Dublin). Compare that to Uniqlo, the Japanese fashion chain, which is opening 20 stores a year in the US, and Primark's expansion plans look pretty modest.
Primark is right to tread lightly. The US already has plenty of discount clothing retailers, and chain stores from this side of the Atlantic have a chequered history of trying to crack the US. Topshop thrived, but Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco all came home with their shopping bags between their legs.Primark is right to tread lightly. The US already has plenty of discount clothing retailers, and chain stores from this side of the Atlantic have a chequered history of trying to crack the US. Topshop thrived, but Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco all came home with their shopping bags between their legs.
Primark's success will depend on whether American shoppers 'get' it. Here's a few pointers for the uninitiated:Primark's success will depend on whether American shoppers 'get' it. Here's a few pointers for the uninitiated:
You know those rumours about visual merchandisers strategically using mirrors and clothes rails to confuse customers, until they relent and buy things? Primark has its own version: total chaos. Primark’s big selling point – lots of lines of clothes for low prices – means that stores turn into giant jumble sales very quickly.You know those rumours about visual merchandisers strategically using mirrors and clothes rails to confuse customers, until they relent and buy things? Primark has its own version: total chaos. Primark’s big selling point – lots of lines of clothes for low prices – means that stores turn into giant jumble sales very quickly.
You'd think Primark would at least make their sale stands neat and presentable wouldn't you..... pic.twitter.com/diQ6RwIS6k
Some people don’t like chaos. Especially when they think they might be beaten to a bargain.Some people don’t like chaos. Especially when they think they might be beaten to a bargain.
3. Be wary of the giant baskets
Primark, like supermarkets, provides enormous shopping baskets that shoppers invariably fill with cheap clothes. The idea is quantity, not quality.Primark, like supermarkets, provides enormous shopping baskets that shoppers invariably fill with cheap clothes. The idea is quantity, not quality.
Discounters Aldi and Lidl have started a supermarket war in the grocery sector, cutting prices so deeply that big name grocers like Tesco and Morrisons struggle to compete. Discounters - including Primark - appeal to impulse buyers, who might have just popped in for one thing, but will find themselves irresistibly drawn to ten more items on the way to the cash point because everything is so cheap. Until you have ten of everything.Discounters Aldi and Lidl have started a supermarket war in the grocery sector, cutting prices so deeply that big name grocers like Tesco and Morrisons struggle to compete. Discounters - including Primark - appeal to impulse buyers, who might have just popped in for one thing, but will find themselves irresistibly drawn to ten more items on the way to the cash point because everything is so cheap. Until you have ten of everything.
Do you think there was a sale on in Primark's shoe department?? #tuesdayshoesday pic.twitter.com/4M4lbDl0
The British are famously excellent at queuing. But even they can get antsy in Primark, where queues can take on mammoth proportions.The British are famously excellent at queuing. But even they can get antsy in Primark, where queues can take on mammoth proportions.
The queue in menswear ends on the other side of the store #busymorning #primark walsall pic.twitter.com/Obrqnsot8v
Another reason for Primark’s huge success is that it has become known for catwalk copycats. A military jacket in the style of Marc Jacobs cost just £12 at Primark, while a Calvin Klein-like t-shirt bra is £4. But be quick, the best items sell out fast.Another reason for Primark’s huge success is that it has become known for catwalk copycats. A military jacket in the style of Marc Jacobs cost just £12 at Primark, while a Calvin Klein-like t-shirt bra is £4. But be quick, the best items sell out fast.
Because, you guessed it, there isn’t one. Primark saves space by putting all the clothes straight on the shop floor.Because, you guessed it, there isn’t one. Primark saves space by putting all the clothes straight on the shop floor.
8. Changing rooms are optional
There may well be some changing rooms at Primark, somewhere in the back. But many shoppers will never see them. With clothes that cheap, many buy and try on at home.There may well be some changing rooms at Primark, somewhere in the back. But many shoppers will never see them. With clothes that cheap, many buy and try on at home.
While it seems hard to believe that Primark could be any cheaper, stores invariably have a rail or two of clothes that have been reduced even further, if you can find it. Studies have shown that only the hardiest of Primark shoppers ever make it that far.While it seems hard to believe that Primark could be any cheaper, stores invariably have a rail or two of clothes that have been reduced even further, if you can find it. Studies have shown that only the hardiest of Primark shoppers ever make it that far.
Yep there's a sale in primark pic.twitter.com/OFDxoFe4gK
Invariably, something ‘fell’ into the giant shopping basket that, once home, is hideous. So keep the receipt. And get ready to face the queue again on your return.Invariably, something ‘fell’ into the giant shopping basket that, once home, is hideous. So keep the receipt. And get ready to face the queue again on your return.