News that Primark’s profits have soared 19% in the last four months shows that Yet across the board people are feeling the effects of the recession – so where is the compromise? It seems that instead of changing their buying habits, people are simply buying cheaper goods.
Whilst this is great news for budget retailers like Primark, Matalan and Peacocks, is it false economy in the long run?
I’m sure we’ve all been disappointed when the gorgeous top you bought for a bargain £5 fell apart the first time it was washed. Many would argue that at £5 you’ve got your money’s worth. I’d have to disagree.
Welcome to the world of fast fashion where the trends change so quickly that it’s now become accepted to buy an item, wear it once and throw it away. The rise of social networking sites such as Facebook make it harder for people to wear the same outfit more than once and still look ‘cool’. After every night out, ten pictures of you appear tagged on the internet and before you know it, it looks like you live in the same dress. For all they know you probably sleep in it too. Suddenly an old school friend has set up a group pledging sponsorship and setting up a fundraising initiative to buy you a new one. Not a bad idea, actually…
But is it really acceptable? Ok so I might be exaggerating about the Facebook thing, but you get the picture. Is our very British love affair with Primark reaching the level of dangerous obsession?
To state the obvious - throwaway culture is not good. From an environmental and ethical viewpoint it is obvious to see why. From an economical viewpoint, it could be argued both ways – it’s cheap and cheerful initially but often cheap clothing doesn’t last. In the long run you’ll probably have fewer clothes but will have spent a fortune on cheap tat. What a legacy. But what if the environment, ethics and money were no object? Would Primark’s profits be rising whilst other high street retailers struggle to stay afloat? I think not.
It all boils down to people’s perceptions of style. Generally speaking, style does not constitute wearing the same as everybody else. Personally I can’t stand seeing other people wearing the same outfit as me and that is what this mass migration to Primark stores is leading to. It will happen all the time.
Fashion faux pas’ anonymous groups, ‘She stole my style’ Jeremy Kyle, £billions lost to the economy due to gridlock in Primark stores. I can see it now and it’s depressing.
On the up-side, the news has increased my desire to learn how to knit. At least if all the other designers and clothing retailers go down the pan, I’ll have something original to wear. So if you see a girl wandering the streets wearing a single piece of string draped round her neck, don’t laugh, it’s supposed to be a scarf…
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