Well we move in less than two weeks, so in an effort to have some new London adventures in my remaining days here, I went to the new big Primark in Oxford Street.
My previous visits to the £4-for-a-dress bargain store at the Hammersmith branch were short and impulsive. I remember why now. The store, while sprawling over a former C&A/Allders space, does nothing to add anything to the customer experience.
Thought I was being clever going in before lunch but it was already crowded. Like it was a Saturday and someone had said that the British economy would collapse unless more people bought A-line linen skirts and floral print dresses. After picking up 10 items, not trying them on, and then gradually my sensible gene kicking in and realising I didn't actually like half of them, I spent £38 on five items.
Was nearly £48 as the daft bint at the till (who was ironically giving till training to a new girl) put one item through twice and so had to escort me to the separate customer services area where she did sweet FA to get the attention of one her 'colleagues' to refund my £10. After 5 minutes I said "Are you going to do anything?" and she said "We have to wait for someone and we can't go over there as they (other frustrated shoppers who had been queuing for ages) might think we're pushing in" to which I replied. "Yes but I am not here to bring some of your cheap and nasty clothes back, I am here because you did the transaction wrong YOU FKG DOPEY C*NT NOW GET IN THERE AND GET ME MY REFUND." That last bit might be a bit different to what was actually said.
Left feeling that whilst a bargain, the place is still a shop for scumbags - that includes the staff. Went straight over the road to New Look where it was peaceful and quiet and got some better quality stuff for not much more. And the staff were nicer.
Will only be back to Primark when I need a pair of shoes for £2. Even in the cheap end of the retail universe, the shopping experience counts for everything in my book.
Look forward to similar adventures in Westwood Cross shopping centre. Broadstairs!
