Ranting about Primark and Others
I can't believe it!
As Christmas is approaching and I’m trying to be good. I just need to get out a few rants and then I’ll be ready to be good! Josie at Sleep is for the Weak is the Prompt Queen in her Writing Workshop. I just love that Josie…she always gives me something to write about…thanks Josie…please never stop! So, are you ready? I can be vicious but I’m going to get it all out and feel much better afterwards…ready, steady…RANT:
- Primark is on my list of RUBBISH STORES! I had never experienced the horror that is Primark until about a month ago. Hubby, Little Miss and I went on a mini-break to Stoke-on-Trent (thanks to Amy at And 1 More Means Four) and stopped at the Stoke-on-Trent shopping centre. Primark was a major fixture and I have heard so many people rave about it. I’ve also heard many people moan about it because of the supposed sweat shops and slave labour in Third World Countries that are used to make the ridiculously cheap clothing. We ended up getting the following for Little Miss: A fleece lined raincoat, 4 pairs of trousers and a shirt for all of £23. A steal! I now know why! It’s made of completely rubbish material that will last maybe one or two uses and then lose any shape it might have originally had. We bought a pair of leggings for Little Miss, sized 18-23 months. As she wore one pair, throughout the day they got bigger and bigger and bigger…I could have fit 2 of Little Miss into these bloomin’ leggings by the end of the day! Rubbish! Yes, the clothes are DIRT cheap and are probably suitable for “throw away” clothes. But DIRT cheap is only suitable when you can get more than 2 uses out of something. There’s a certain air of desperation when you walk around Primark. Everyone seems desperate to fill the bags they provide you with…no matter what it is! I bought a pair of jeans there 2 weeks ago- £8! I know I’m not the size I used to be but by the end of the first wearing my jeans were BAGGY on me…they had expanded as well. And I don’t think that was down to me! So guess what Primark, you may have cheap clothes but I’m not going to waste my time on you EVER AGAIN!
- Avent is the maker of bottles, sterilisers, etc, etc, etc…for babies everywhere. A reliable and sound brand that many people love and trust. We are firm users of the Avent Soother/Dummy. In our house, we don’t subscribe to the “character” dummy. We have the clear, minimalistic dummy. I don’t want Little Miss’ face decorated. I prefer to see her face! We have always been able to find the clear dummies…UNTIL NOW! For some reason, Avent has decided that the 6-18 month size dummy is in need of a bit of JAZZING UP! I cannot find, in our area, a clear 6-18 month dummy to save our life. They are all DECORATED…and not very nicely either. Little Miss is down to her LAST Avent 6-18 month dummy as Daddy managed to lose the other one last weekend. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO??? Avent…DO YOU HEAR ME??? We need/want/must have CLEAR, 6-18 month dummies to the Peterborough area PRONTO!!! Little Miss’ last dummy won’t last for long!
- My local Sure Start Children’s Centre does not offer hardly ANYTHING for my daughter’s age! There’s a messy play session once a week and a music class on one morning each week (which we participated in from 3-13 months) and that’s it! Everything else is for Mums and Newborn Babies or for School Age children. What about our girls? I can’t afford to send her to Tumble Tots or to other classes that cost money (unfortunately) so that’s what a Sure Start Children’s Centre is supposed to be for…those of us in NEED! And they are definitely filling the bill for the wee ones and the school age ones but it’s time to think about all the children in the middle who are being left out. Please oh please, consider getting something for Little Miss to do…we are desperate!
- I’m going to be a grammar and spelling snob now. I REALLY can’t stand to read posts that have appalling spelling and grammar. I know I am not perfect by any means and I don’t always use spell check or get things right but if you know you don’t write particularly well and struggle with spelling, couldn’t you just use spell check and proofread your post before you hit publish? It’s just that I can’t see anything but your spelling errors and ridiculous run-on-sentences! It doesn’t seem to make a difference to the popularity of your site or traffic statsof these people but really, couldn’t they possibly TRY to spell properly? (I’m hoping there are no spelling errors here now!)
Phew…I feel a bit better now! That wasn’t too bad was it? I’m becoming a bit more mellow in my old age, I think. I thought I would have a lot more to rant about but that will do for this year. What “does your head in”? How do you feel about Primark? Are you an Avent rep who would like to gift me with several clear, 6-18 month size dummies? Let me know! Happy Holidays!
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I found primark good for clothes when the boy was too young to wreck them (and growing out of them every three months) and now he’s that bit older and takes a bit more care. That inbetween stage was useless though. If you’re after cheap but better made clothes, Ethel Austin is pretty good.
I have to agree with you on Primark clothes for children, I find them a totally false economy.
Now please, please, please keep reading my blog. I try on the grammar and spelling front, but am dyslexic
Shoppers in Primark look like they are possessed! I’ve had a couple of good items from there but the majority, especially the baby stuff, is terrible.
I try my best with my grammar. I even read Eats, Shoots and Leaves, but I think if I worried about it excessively I wouldn’t write anything at all
I noticed a look of blank horror in most faces at Primark…like “what more can I grab and stuff in this expandable basket?”. Icky! As long as you make an effort to write well, that’s all I ask for!
YOU DON’T HAVE BAD SPELLING OR GRAMMAR!!! Oh dear…it wasn’t directed at you…just a GENERAL rant. I’ll definitely keep reading your blog Mrs!
We’ve got an Ethel Austin in Peterborough so I’ll give it a look. We tend to go for H&M and even M&S has good deals and the clothing actually LASTS which is the real key anyway, isn’t it?
I haven’t been to Primark since it opened years ago, I can well believe it is not the best of quality! I must confess I did used to like their cheap tacky plastic jewellery though
Is the shopping centre in Stoke-on-trent any good otherwise? Might take a trip if so.
Advent – I know! I have been trying to get hold of a clear dummy in 6-18 too! Going to order some online I think.
Spelling – I was reading a blog not long ago and I couldn’t believe it! I make mistakes here and there, because I very rarely use spellcheck, but this one was just silly! I’m talking every other sentence!
All in all…A good rant mrs
Thanks Mrs!
Primark has cornered the market on cheap, tacky, plastic everything!
Stoke-on-Trent shopping centre…not bad. Nothing to leave home over though. If you’re up for a drive, I’d head to Milton-Keynes!
If you find a source online for the Avent dummies, let me know…we’re in the market!
Spelling…the bane of my existence…a real bugaboo with me! We all mess up now and again but then there are some…
Hi Karin, yes its good to have a rant about stuff now and again I agree. My MIL gets a few bits from Primark for Sophie now and again, socks, fleeces etc and I have to say having washed them all now several times, they have stayed in good shape, but I’m sure there are certain items of clothing which are not so good.
As for dummies, well Sophie still has her Avent ones and I recently bought some new pink ones from Tesco that you can see in the dark…we keep losing them too..!!
As for the Sure Start Childrens Centre, I have to say we are very lucky to have received these groups in the beginning (free of charge) and although we only have two groups available at the moment, you really should take advantage of them, the kids love them.
I might consider the Jelly Beans again in the future Emma, it’s just that Little Miss wants to move and groove…not sit and clap! We’ll see though. Messy Play conflicts a wee bit as Little Miss goes to her grandparents in the afternoon so I can have a few hours to work. She needs a nap beforehand or she’s a crabby Little Miss so that pretty much leaves out Messy Play. But again, we’ll keep it in mind. I’m not HATING ON the Children’s Centre. I just wish they would cover our girls age group as thoroughly as they do the other ages.
Karin, totally agree with Primark – I have only been in a few times and, although I did buy some tops, I wouldn’t normally go there. I haven’t bought anything for JJ and would rather pay a ‘little more’ to prevent shrinkage, bagging etc.
I have the same problem with Tommee Tippee dummies – they seem to have discontinued the one JJ uses—aaaarrggghhhh! I have stocked up at Wilko, the only place that seems to sell them now. Don’t know what I’ll do when they run out as they are the cherry type which he has got used to and won’t take the orthodontic ones.
Local children’s centre was good in the early days but little is on offer for toddlers – what is that all about?
Good to have a rant sometimes!
Blog looking coolio! I’m banned from shopping in Primark by the hubby because of their human rights record, so I can’t comment on them. Irony of children making cheap children’s clothes is not lost on me. I do think that you get what you pay for on the high street though, generally speaking.
Grammar/ Spelling; agree and have to restrain myself from further comment, as we all know what happened last time…
Have a word at your Surestart centre our local one is always keen to take ideas on board. They may even be able to lend you a room so that you can lead your own session!
Thanks Mrs! I am conflicted over the child labour issues as well…hence I don’t believe Little Miss will be wearing any Primark clothing in the future.
Tried pitching a “TumbleTots”-like programme to the Children’s Centre & they were very interested but wanted me to start up my own business and run it. Don’t exactly have the funds for that. Maybe one day!
Excellent ranting Karin!! World beware!!
New site looks great and thank you so much for your lovely comment at the beginning. I won’t stop, I promise. If only not to run the risk of Cafe Bebe wrath!!
Now, off to use my spell checker… x
Yes, ranting is rather cathartic, isn’t it. Seems that the underlying sentiment is that Primark is PANTS as well! Thanks for stopping by Kate!
Good luck finding your dummies. Might I suggest trying to source online?? eBay perhaps?? Let me know how you get on! 
I trust your spelling Mrs! And I don’t believe you could end up on my list but if the Writing Workshop comes to an end, you just might! You’re my inspiration! You and Rosie Scribble who prompted me to have a Blog Makeover. Thanks!
I trust your spelling Mrs! And I don’t believe you could end up on my list but if the Writing Workshop comes to an end, you just might! You’re my inspiration! You and Rosie Scribble who prompted me to have a Blog Makeover. Thanks!
Oh I’m sorry darling, but I love Primark!! Hee hee. I never buy children’s clothes from there though because I always think the girlie stuff is pretty yucky – all a bit pink and sparkly, but I love it for me. In fact all my jeans come from there and I normally buy two sizes just in case they do go a bit baggy! But then I wash them and they’re back to normal again. However, I did wake in the middle of the night a few days ago with a sharp pain in my side only to find that the underwire bit of my nighttime camisole top had come loose and was poking me! But you get what you pay for. It kind of makes me laugh sometimes! And yes, am with you on the grammar and spelling front. Drives me mad – but then bad texting drives me even madder. Don’t people use predictive text these days? I mean, come on!!! By the way, meant to write earlier and say how lovely it was to meet you finally at the zoo. Sorry we didn’t have longer to chat…always the way! xxx
Thanks for stopping by Mrs. Sorry we didn’t get to speak much either. Next time! And I won’t hold it against you that you’re a Primark supporter!
I like primark for the PJs and sleep suits. The ones I have gotten the kids have lasted ages. I also found them really handy for maternity stuff. As for everyday clothes I don’t like them. Perhaps when the kids go to nursery I’ll get stuff from there cause it’s just going to get dirty anyway. I prefer George at Asda or some lovely stuff at TK Maxx.
I have to be honest and say I don’t have much experience of Primark but the odd bits I have bought for little one and hubby have all washed and worn quite well. I guess its pot luck with what you buy!
I picked up the latest childrens centre programme recently and there are a few things for our age children. Jelly Beans (does it really matter that little miss won’t sit still she is still getting the benefit of the music and watching and interacting with other children most of them little miss’s age don’t sit still!!) Messy Play (do you have to take Ella to the inlaws on a Wed could you change the day so you can go??!!)Toddler Peep is on a friday 2pm-3pm the write up says enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and activities with your child. There is a new 90 min 10 week session starting in January called mini MEND which says It combines parent-toddler active play, parent discussion groups and childrens creche style creative play activities. Helps to encourage children to try new things. Active play sessions will give you ideas and tips for games which will keep your child moving and occupied.
So there are a couple more possibilities for you! Like you say it is free and for that reason I think we are very lucky to have it at all. They are always going to be limited on space, time and funding and I think they offer a fairly balanced programme considering those constraints.
Have to say I do agree about spellings, I can let some typos go but there is nofing wurss than reeding somefing ful o spellig mostakes!!!!!!
I’m not HATING the Children’s Centre by any means and it’s good to see there may be a few possibilities in the future. I’ll go check it out. Thanks Penny!
George at ASDA is quite good. We got some brilliant clothes that have worn well.
I think with Primark you just have to know what to buy .
I find tops terrible, i do love there (kids) jeans and and jackets. I love the Pj’s they do ,was the only place i could find footed Pjs for my 4 year old without breaking the bank. Also love it for underwear, socks, tights etc.. I almost never buy anything for myself there but for certain staples for the kids i love it.
I am proberly one of those with grammar problems but i just don’t get it . Yes i proof read and spell check but im a terrible writter . Sorry
The spelling wasn’t directed at you Mrs…just a general pet peeve I have. No one is perfect, least of all, me!
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Lucy
http://toddlergirls.net