Primark in Prague: The first Czech store opens, what can you find in it?
The store is located in the upper part of Wenceslas Square in Prague, in a brand new building called The Building (formerly Květinový dům) on the edge of Opletalova Street. At first glance, it stands out from the surroundings by being all glass and white. But it is mainly decorated with the distinctive Primark logo in its traditional blue color. You won’t miss it.
Inside you will find three floors dotted with a variety of fashion items. “We have a ground floor that is a woman’s world, there are women’s clothing, beauty and health accessories and socks. Upstairs is underwear and nightwear, other accessories, shoes, household equipment. And upstairs is a wonderful children’s and male world, “ described for Blesk News Maciej Podwojski, area manager of Primark for Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic.
According to him, the offer is very wide and coincides with the offer in other countries. In other words, Czechs should not be afraid of getting worse or more expensive goods. “In fact, the warehouse that supplies this store is the same as the one that supplies Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia. We offer exactly the same prices. The only difference is the difference in the exchange rate, “ describes Podwojski.
The secret of low prices
Lightning News broke into the store the day before it opened – and prices are indeed very low. The most expensive item we came across was around 700 crowns, and that was a coat. Ordinary jeans could be obtained for about 350 crowns, a T-shirt for 50 crowns. And maybe an amazing candle in the glass for 150 crowns. There are also small electronics, travel accessories or wellness products. But prim, of course, plays clothes. Lots of clothes.
The prices are actually so low that so many questions. Primark has even been accused of unfairness in the background, such as the exploitation of workers or the use of poor quality materials, because otherwise it may not even be possible for him to afford it. According to Podwojský, however, the explanation lies completely differently.
“I think responsible fashion should be available to everyone. Some things I do differently than the competition. We do not invest a huge amount of money in marketing, you will not see any expensive ads from us, we do not run an online business, this is a very expensive matter, our logistics operations are the best, we use mainly shipping, which is much cheaper than air transport, we carry a large volume of products, thanks to which we can negotiate good conditions, “the manager listed what is behind the low price tag.
“At the same time, we are investing in things that I think customers need. But we do not invest new materials, cuts do in expensive hangers, packaging and tags, “ added Podwojski. And he emphasized that Primark is also increasingly committed to the sustainability of its products, Among the offerings, customers can find organic cotton clothing that hangs on recycled paper hangers. At first glance, it seemed to be relatively high.
Eager customers
Due to similar epidemiological regulations, only about 300 customers can be sold at a time, the number does not include staff. Protective glasses are installed at the cash registers, and disinfection stands are also placed between the goods. The coronavirus pandemic was the reason why Prague’s Primark is only now opening, it was originally supposed to happen in the autumn. The representatives wanted to be sure that the risk of infection would not be great and at the same time would not be threatened again soon.
The day before the opening, eager customers tried to get into the store, only Blesk News during this visit witnessed it again. People even conquered through the staff entrance, where they had to guard the security. She confirmed that I had to deal with it for several days, the security guard was visibly tired of it. For Day D, therefore, personnel were prepared to regulate the flow of visitors.
Pushing bags
The eager people rushed to Primark on Thursday from seven o’clock in the morning. A few tens of minutes before the opening, a queue of customers was formed on Wenceslas Square, stretching to the statue of St. Wenceslas. According to the editor of Blesk, they just broke down just before nine o’clock in the morning Disagreements in the queue and smaller ones began to overtake who would first seize the shopping bags that Primark had prepared in front of its entrance..
With the stroke of the ninth, the gates opened. The festive moment was accompanied by a well-known song from the band Queen We are champions, followed by the pop hit of the 80’s by Michal David – Nonstop. Shoppers entered the store in an orderly manner, so no races that we know, for example, from American shopping malls, took place. Inside, shoppers were waiting for, among other things, a photo corner, which was filled at the very beginning mainly by employees. After a while, the customers themselves take part in the photo shoot.
The queues to Primark were on Wenceslas Square even in the afternoon before three o’clock. According to the editor of Blesk, however, much shorter and only on the sidewalk in front of the store. People flowed much faster than in the morningwhen it was necessary to wait before the first shoppers left the store. In the morning, the first customers left about 40 minutes after opening. About 30 people did not reach in the afternoon in 5 minutes.
It was bought mainly for children
Among the first shoppers was Mrs. Nina from Prague. “I took advantage of today’s opening because I have time off. We also went to Dresden, so I welcome the opening of Primark in Prague. I think Nowadays, when many people find themselves in a difficult financial situation, cheap shopping is most welcomed. I want to shop mainly for children, “she divided Bleska, adding that she had been waiting at the entrance since 8:15.
Slávek Suchý from Liberec spent much longer in the queue, looking forward to opening in front of Primark from six o’clock. “I came to buy mainly for my grandchildren,” he said. He was among the first to enter the store and the purchase took him less than an hour. “I bought about 900, mainly summer things for the boys, mainly T – shirts and shorts. I’m glad I made it so fast. “
Mrs. Reznická arrived from Jiřice. “In Germany, I always bought for at least 5 thousand, today I spent about 2.5. But I reckon we’re not here for the last time, “She confided. She also took mainly goods for children.
Mrs. Eva stood in line from the statue of St. Wenceslas. “It wasn’t that bad. It’s time for the watch, ”She said just outside the entrance. “Besides, firefighters go here and sprinkle water, so it’s not that hot.”
Next in line is Brno
Primark’s first branch was established in 1969 in Dublin, Ireland. There are now more than 390 stores under the brand in 13 countries around the world. Its expansion into the Czech Republic does not end with Prague, the next in line is the Moravian metropolis. “We signed a lease agreement in Brno. We plan to open a store there next year, “ confirmed Podwojski.
As already mentioned, the shop does not have an official e-shop, you can only get products in the stone shop. However, they are often bought by dealers, who then offer the clothes on the Internet with a surcharge. Primark has been distancing itself from this action for a long time.