Primarche

Primark have opened a new shop on Oxford Street. And it's fabulous.

Don't knock/mock Primark, ladies, gents and shopping queens. Okay, so once upon a time it was widely viewed as a kind of poor man's C & A, with its clothing for, ahem, financially challenged people. But check out your local Primark and you might be in for a pleasant surprise. Admittedly the clothes aren't exactly designer or the best ever quality to be found on the planet. But many a bargain can be found in Primark - t-shirts, tops, trousers, jeans, dresses etc - and even though their stuff might not last forever, some of it still looks pretty good. Check out the model-like temptress above, if you want proof. Yes she's wearing items from Primark. Move over Gucci, Galliano et al and hello Primarche!

Years ago when I lived in Brighton my flatmate and I used to relish visiting the Primark on Western Road and rooting through its racks for bargains. And when I was a citizen of Kilburn there was a Primark on Kilburn High Road, which was tres handy. It seems that Primark and I were fated to exist within close proximity of one another.

And now there's a brand new megastore on Oxford Street. I visited it last week and was pretty impressed. It's massive for one thing, and they've got loads of stock, all nicely laid out and accessible. There's even a mini homeware department with stuff like towels, duvets, candles and lamps - all very classy looking I should add. And the quality of the clothing has markedly improved. Stone washed, fashionably cut jeans for £8! Trendy t-shirts for £3! Funky ties for £4! I had to restrain myself from going too mad and picked up a few bargains, including a very nice duvet cover set. Mmm mmm!! I can kind of understand why all those customers rioted when it first opened - although blimey, looking at the story/pictures I'm rather glad I wasn't there on the day. Take my advice and go on a weekday rather than the weekend instead. But I can't recommend the place enough. Darling, you've simply GOT to go to PRIMARCHE!!