Penny's/Primark

deise gal · 14-02-2008 1:08am #1

Just decided to start a thread with what people really think of Penny's. It clearly has some followers as every time you go into town those brown bags are everywhere!!
I have gotten some lovely things from Penny's especially bags & scarves and not forgetting there socks !!!!

Whats your opinion of Pennys?
What would you buy in there?

doctor evil · 14-02-2008 1:10am

Awful quality.

May be ok for bags and scarves but I wouldn't if the colour in them ran in the rain.

unreggd · 14-02-2008 1:14am

the first time i went i was like OMFG THIS PLACE IS 'MAZIN LOYK!!

but every since its just been a handy place for Boxers and socks

They usta do some nice hoodies, but havent seen ne lately

Hopefully they upgrade/branch out and open Euros!

14-02-2008 1:39am

I think it is really good if your a shopaholic, because you have a binge and afford to eat after.

I haven't been in pennys in years.

indiana jones · 14-02-2008 2:15am

was in oxford street for the opening of the big primark store there which as you know is the same as pennys. there was a huge que there and a stampede when the doors were opened and people got hurt. ... so yea, its popular. its getting like h & m was for cheap yet cool clothes.but still its throw away clothes. you are never going to have anything from pennys for years and years because its such good quality.

Kintarō Hattori · 14-02-2008 2:20am

Walk into Penney's and you see that it generally attracts a certain type of customer. The kind who doesn't think anything of wearing pastel colours with their bright white addidas 'trainer's.

It's fine for boxers, cheap work shirts and socks, but that really is about the height of it.

sudzs · 14-02-2008 10:44am

Awful quality.

Similar items in Dunnes are worse quality and cost more!!!

I love Pennys!!!

doctor evil · 14-02-2008 10:49am

sudzs wrote: »

Similar items in Dunnes are worse quality and cost more!!!

Dunnes has better quality, I find Penneys clothes to have a weird cut to them.

Dunnes may be a bit dearer but its not going to break the bank plus its Irish.

Saruman · 14-02-2008 10:51am

I like Penneys for Jeans and cheap work slacks etc. Im a Guy so far less fussy and i think we have a better choice in Penneys as we do not need to follow fasion trends etc.
Heatons is the same, although Heatons is just that little bit better in quality and the odd euro more expensive sometimes.

sudzs · 14-02-2008 10:56am

Dunnes has better quality

I find a lot of stuff from Dunnes get unravelling loose threads after a few washes where a similar item from Pennys will not.

I find Penneys clothes to have a weird cut to them.

Well they fit me allright!!!!

Sugar Drunk · 14-02-2008 11:08am

I buy all my work clothes in penneys. They are great for underwear too and accessories/jewellery. Things go out of fashion so quickly id rather spend 10 euro on something than spend loads and only wear a few times. I always get complimented on my work clothes - if you can co ordinate clothes well and know what suits you, you do not need expensive clothes to look good. Id rather spend money on my skin and body than on clothes as even the most expensive beautiful clothes wont look well on a bad hanger

smurphyk · 14-02-2008 11:09am

Pennys is alright for underwear or tights and leggings but thats about it.

ggirl · 14-02-2008 11:23am

I agree with Sugar Drunk - it isn't what you wear it is how you wear it! I love clothes and shopping but have a limited budget so find Penneys is ideal for updating my wardrobe without breaking the bank. I am virtually the only one of my friends who shops there regularly because others think Penneys isn't good enough quality etc. Yet you wouldn't believe how often I am complimented on what I am wearing - and people never fail to be amazed to find out where the outfits came from. It makes me laugh that after years of this happening these girls still don't think Penney's is any good. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to treat myself to Marc Jacobs or Stella McCartney but since I can't I have learned to mix Penney's with other high street stuff and be happy with how I look. As I said, it is not what you wear but how you wear it!

smurphyk · 14-02-2008 11:37am

ggirl wrote: »

I agree with Sugar Drunk - it isn't what you wear it is how you wear it! I love clothes and shopping but have a limited budget so find Penneys is ideal for updating my wardrobe without breaking the bank. I am virtually the only one of my friends who shops there regularly because others think Penneys isn't good enough quality etc. Yet you wouldn't believe how often I am complimented on what I am wearing - and people never fail to be amazed to find out where the outfits came from. It makes me laugh that after years of this happening these girls still don't think Penney's is any good. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to treat myself to Marc Jacobs or Stella McCartney but since I can't I have learned to mix Penney's with other high street stuff and be happy with how I look. As I said, it is not what you wear but how you wear it!

Agreed, Its not what you wear its how you wear it!!

LadyMayBelle · 14-02-2008 12:27pm

socks and tights etc are grand, they go threadbare after a few wears, so I have started buying more expensive bits and pieces as they do last longer..but their bags, jewellery are all fine , cheap and cheerful..it's a pity their shoes and boots aren't better quality, I love where they are going with the ankle boots etc but they don't last long in this weather!! I suppose it is true you get what you pay for!
tshirts and string tops are again, cheap and cheerful. Actually got one pair of jeans in there for nine euro, I needed a pair for work and didnt want to wear my good ones at work, and was quite surprised that these fitted, and actually got a few compliments! I was stunned!
I do love Penneys, but you can't beat H+M....:)

Suzywuzy · 14-02-2008 12:44pm

Yeah, I kinda like Penney's ... usually for bags, socks, scarfs, etc. Although I find after buying a bag and using it for a while, the quality on the inside of the bag isn't great, resulting in the fabric tearing quite easily. Other than that, they're ok, particularly for stuff for a night out if you fancy something new and colourful.

As for the rest ...

Dunnes - Yeah I like it ... a lil better than Penney's sometimes.

H&M - Don't like them at all !!!

fobs · 14-02-2008 1:51pm

Don't like penny's stuff at all. Think the quality is really bad and they never state where the clothes are made. They are great for younger people who might want fashionable rather than quality/longevity but for work prefer Next/Zara/Monsoon.

LuckyStar · 14-02-2008 2:02pm

Penneys is fine for socks and tights but their clothes stretch after a wash. Their underwear falls apart too. Their boots are horrendous- I had blisters all over my feet from wearing them for 1 day. The soles on them are practically made of tissue.

azezil · 14-02-2008 2:30pm

Dreadful for sizes I find, it's like they're catering for fat little umpa lumpa's! Their shirts are like tents on me and as for their slacks, seriously, its the only shop I've ever been in where I've found a 34" waist with a 30" leg! *boggle* Any other shop and it'd be the other way around, i.e. the right way

simu · 14-02-2008 2:37pm

I only go to shops that provide a pleasant shopping experience - good/unobtrusive music, helpful staff, tidy and well-laid out, uncrowded, unusual clothes and so on - so Penny's is out. Anytime I've gone in there, I've turned at the doors because it's so unpleasant inside. Also, I'd rather save up for better quality clothes that I really appreciate than buy poor-quality cheap stuff. You'd swear there was a fashion famine on the way you see people frantucally buying because there's a three for two offer on or some such thing.

Gran Hermano · 14-02-2008 4:34pm

Cheap nasty disposable clothes catering for the lowest common denominator
in 'fashion' - much like Dunnes.

xzanti · 14-02-2008 5:06pm

I went in there last night looking for a black string vest to go under a dress, they had every psychedelic color under the sun, but black, and I guarantee if I had found one, it would have something like 69 or sportschic or some sh_ite emblazoned across it

.... Sorry rant over..

I do like their socks though..

chuci · 14-02-2008 7:00pm

i hate the shopping experience in there its too bright and loud and buggies are hitting off you ankles children wailing. its just the worst experience ever. as some one said their socks are grand for a few washes then begin to go a bit threadbare. the underware unravels and it scratches. its ok for tights the bags you might find something nice in there. id rather shop in zara river island or oasis the clothes last longer look better don't stretch in the wash i know they are a bit more expensive but its worth it.

Peyton Manning · 14-02-2008 7:03pm

Its a disgusting place. Wouldnt be seen dead in there.

14-02-2008 9:46pm

azezil wrote: »

Dreadful for sizes I find, it's like they're catering for fat little umpa lumpa's! Their shirts are like tents on me and as for their slacks, seriously, its the only shop I've ever been in where I've found a 34" waist with a 30" leg! *boggle* Any other shop and it'd be the other way around, i.e. the right way

A size 30" waist would you a male "size zero" not exactly standard for an irish male.

MIN2511 · 14-02-2008 11:20pm

Ah, i do shop there they have nice accessories, umbrella's, night wear, vests, socks, t-shirts e.t.c. As a girl you realise that sometimes quantity is better than quality

I do still go to boutiques, high street shops, don't let fashion dictate you!

My friend and i call it "Pennies from heaven"

Gekko · 15-02-2008 1:36am

slave labour, hate the place

Dord · 15-02-2008 2:47am

azezil wrote: »

Dreadful for sizes I find, it's like they're catering for fat little umpa lumpa's! Their shirts are like tents on me and as for their slacks, seriously, its the only shop I've ever been in where I've found a 34" waist with a 30" leg! *boggle* Any other shop and it'd be the other way around, i.e. the right way

LOL I was just going to say that. It pisses me off greatly. I saw a pair of jeans in there before that were 36" waist and 28" leg.....I kid you not! Must be a lot of fat midgets around.

phasers · 15-02-2008 10:33am

best shop ever

you get great little jumpers and cardigans, tshirts, shoes and socks

I shop a lot and I love buying cheap little things, I don't expect something durable and long lasting.

You get a few good wears, throw it away and buy something new!
I don't buy trousers there though, they're all made for short people

chris_oc · 15-02-2008 12:15pm

has to be said,its good for presents!!and dont act like you wouldnt!!:D:p:D:p

i would NEVER by a pair of jeans in there tho!

the odd aul' cheap shirt for €4 for work is good! or ties!v. good for ties!!

azezil · 15-02-2008 2:39pm

Moonbaby wrote: »

A size 30" waist would you a male "size zero" not exactly standard for an irish male.

A mate of mine wears jeans with a 26" waist, does that make him sub zero? *grin*

aluapnaej · 15-02-2008 3:33pm

It's ok for some bits and pieces but I can't help but wonder how on earth they can afford to sell clothes so cheaply? God knows the conditions of the workers who make them, then again more luxury brands (nike etc) have been accused of using sweatshops too so if I was to think about it too much I probably woulnd't buy anything!

beanyb · 15-02-2008 4:20pm

Penney's can be great, you just have to shop selectively and ALWAYS try things on, because the fit can be totally ****e on a lot of things.

The best way to wear anything decent that you come across in Penney's is with something more expensive. It'll look cheap if you dress ALL in Penney's clothes. People regularly look at me in complete shock when I tell them something I'm wearing is from Penney's!

fuzzywiggle · 15-02-2008 4:51pm

I buy socks and beach wear for holidays in there! They do nice bikinis, shorts, skirts and string tops etc. Things that you'd only wear once anyways so might aswell get them cheap.

Serpentine · 15-02-2008 5:35pm

eo980 wrote: »

Walk into Penney's and you see that it generally attracts a certain type of customer. The kind who doesn't think anything of wearing pastel colours with their bright white addidas 'trainer's.

It's fine for boxers, cheap work shirts and socks, but that really is about the height of it.

Funny! Exactly my experience of it!

I personally don't go near it, lots of my friends do but they're into getting cheap trends whereas I don't follow fashion & prefer quality over a quick fix. As for their scarves/bags, I know they're cheap but I've heard about them ripping/colour coming off etc after a few uses so its really false economy in my book

Lola123 · 15-02-2008 6:13pm

phasers wrote: »

best shop ever

you get great little jumpers and cardigans, tshirts, shoes and socks

I shop a lot and I love buying cheap little things, I don't expect something durable and long lasting.

You get a few good wears, throw it away and buy something new!
I don't buy trousers there though, they're all made for short people

This is exactly why I love it..... and I'm short(ish) so I can wear the trousers.
Some of the stuff is a bit tacky but some of it, if worn with the right stuff is fab. I'm always flattered to get compliments on my clothes (I adore shopping and all things fashion related) and people are always surprised when I say i got stuff in penny's!

Deadevil129 · 15-02-2008 6:49pm

I find the place very hit and miss. I've bought things in there that haven't lasted a single wash and other things that somehow have still held up much longer than some more expensive thing's I've bought. It's great for little bits and pieces although I'd never buy jeans or pants in there, they have the most awful fit i've ever come across.

pinklady2 · 15-02-2008 9:39pm

Pennys is great. I do think that you need to have the eye to Pick out the right items..I find the quality of their Bag,clothes & shoes very good noting I have ever bought has fallen apart.:p

When I do wear something from Pennys I am always asked where did you buy that..I think that says it all. The pennys in Swords is the best one I find it is always spotless and never to mad either.

I do not think it attracts a certain type of client either, I do not know what Pennys some people shop in...:)

~nop~ · 15-02-2008 9:56pm

Love pennies. Wouldnt buy the jeans but cardigans, tshirts etc are all brilliant.
You can really see celtic tiger ireland coming out in this thread, the arrogance of some people!

speedboatchase · 15-02-2008 11:03pm

Arrogance? Penneys is absolute slave labour cheap ****e. If you cared about the quality, fit and design of your clothes then you'd know Penneys stuff holds up in none of these categorys. If you're only buying socks etc in there then fair enough but if I had known a girl had bought an entire outfit there I'd have a good laugh.

Penneys is to fashion what pot noodles is to food

Kintarō Hattori · 16-02-2008 12:12am

~nop~ wrote: »

Love pennies. Wouldnt buy the jeans but cardigans, tshirts etc are all brilliant.
You can really see celtic tiger ireland coming out in this thread, the arrogance of some people!

No it really is cheap muck. The quality of the clothes isn't great at all. I bought the odd t-shirt along the way and just don't wear them, they don't fit comfortably at all. I bought some trousers for work, they are very poor quality. They really are only good for the likes of small things that either don't matter such as socks and underwear or things like shirts and ties.

In relation to women's clothes it's plain to see the poor quality of many of the items. There is an old saying that 'You get what you pay for' and that's certainly the case with penney's.

The general consensus within the thread seems to be that they are fine for small items but a no-no for main items of clothing. They have their place, just not as a fashion mecca. There's no arrogance on display here, just common sense.

simu · 16-02-2008 2:12am

If anything, Penney's is a symptom of the Celtic Tiger - people happy to buy clothes that fall apart very quickly and keep replacing them. In the old days, they used to buy the best quality they could afford and keep repairing things for years!

jezza · 16-02-2008 5:20am

no way would i be caught in pennies god

Garret · 16-02-2008 2:12pm

their womens is sooooooooo much better than their mens

pinklady2 · 16-02-2008 6:37pm

speedboatchase wrote: »

Arrogance? Penneys is absolute slave labour cheap ****e. If you cared about the quality, fit and design of your clothes then you'd know Penneys stuff holds up in none of these categorys. If you're only buying socks etc in there then fair enough but if I had known a girl had bought an entire outfit there I'd have a good laugh.

Penneys is to fashion what pot noodles is to food

I knew that the issue of Slave Labour would be brought up, I looked into this as I buy whole outfits from Pennys (shock), I was worried about what I was contributing to by shopping there...I mailed a group who are very active in their fight against Child Labour and asked them about child labour and Pennys to find out if they were still linked to it. That was last year and I have gotten no reply.

I wonder why there has not been more media coverage /protest ect.. if child labour is very active in Pennys Produce..also shops like Topshop, Dunnes,Tesco,GAP,Nike have been linked to the same and I am sure there are many more designer shops linked to same.:)

lizzyvera · 16-02-2008 7:00pm

azezil wrote: »

Dreadful for sizes I find, it's like they're catering for fat little umpa lumpa's! Their shirts are like tents on me and as for their slacks, seriously, its the only shop I've ever been in where I've found a 34" waist with a 30" leg! *boggle* Any other shop and it'd be the other way around, i.e. the right way

Hey I have a 32" sometimes 30" leg! Not 34" waist but it's not unheard of to be a size 16 in a country where the majority of adults are chubby. A 30" waist is still overweight anyway!

I like Penny's for vests and knickers mostly. Sometimes their summer stuff is great and they do a fairly good selection of swimwear, which should be cheap cos it'll be lost or thrown out after my holiday anyway.

Aard · 16-02-2008 7:39pm

I think he's talking about men's sizes...

There's no way a 30" waist is overweight.

whatsgoinon · 16-02-2008 7:52pm

Pri-mani or prada-mark as I like to call it over here is the business!! spent £41stg in there today, going to a fancy dress in a few weeks so got my bet lynch outfit, a whole heap of clothes for work, very mix and matchable and i don't care if a child gets paint all over me, great knickers too, i love them. i hate spending money on stuff thats 'in fashion' for a short period of time, I spend money on classic pieces that will stand the fashion changes, otherwise, i'm quite happy with the atmosphere label. oh and my going clubbing jackets come from pri-mani just in case it gets lost, no worries, i'll just get another one without moaning the loss of jacket

Ruthee · 16-02-2008 8:07pm

I dont see why so much judgement is passed on stuff that people buy from pennies.What does it matter to you??Nobody expects top quality stuff from there so if people want to get stuff from there,so be it...It would be great if everyone could buy top brand clothes all the time but thats not the case..

I buy clothes from there all the time and yes, some of the clothes dont fit right,like their jeans and some of the strappy tops (their tee shirts always fit great), but I find the tops in Topshop and Miss Selfridge dont fit either.Im size 8-10 and none of the tops fit right..they're always too big around the body but indecently too tight around the boobs(no big boobies jokes please,they're average).

And on the slave labour issue,theres a lot of do they/dont they arguments on the net but at least they are members of the Ethical Trading Initiative which is a step in the right direction (see list here http://www.ethicaltrade.org/Z/abteti/who/memb/list.shtml#co

(note what companies arent there)
did a little research online and all these companies have been accused of slave/child labour

Arcadia Group (Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy perkins)
Nike (if you note Converse which were bought by Nike a while back,they used to be made in the US but since the Nike have bought them they are now made in China,and there is info to suggest that they are made using slave labour)

Calvin Klein
Tommy Hilfiger
H&M
Ralph Lauren
Abercombie and Fitch

and im sure thats just the tip of a big massive iceberg..So its a difficult situation and can cause a bit of conflict for me as though i wont buy nike, ill be the first to admit that i buy pennys..aghhh..

WindSock · 16-02-2008 8:11pm

Socks, Knickers and other bits and bobs. I'm not a fan of sporting shoddily fitted, cheapy material Chinese sweatshop manufactured clothes, if I can help it.

dirtydress · 16-02-2008 11:28pm

As everyone else has said here, Pennys is good for some small items but NOT for bigger wardrobe staples. Its the same with H&M, Dunnes, New Look...all those cheaper shops. They get people in the doors due to their ability to quickly produce items that are "in fashion" and for cheap. Definitely have no problem going there but would never buy anything like jeans or everyday tops there. The quality just doesnt stand up to repeat washing and wear. I would go more for a little dress, tights and maybe some outfit-specific shoes from any of those shops.

Penny's/Primark

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