United Kingdom Fast Fashion Store Primark Crosses Pond to King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Primark takes up residence at the KOP Mall.

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

Is there a better time to shop the King of Prussia Mall then on Labor Day weekend just days before the onset of a new school year? In a word and for this writer, the answer is an unequivocal no.

So what was I thinking when an assignment found me at KOP’s Primark clothing store at the beginning of September? Mind you, I could have chosen a different date. Apparently, I wasn’t thinking. Still, I arrived early, hoping to avoid the crowds’ onslaught along with the potential for chick fights often known to ensue at super sales. Wise move on my part with the early call. I was able to both photograph and roam with ease throughout Primark’s various departments. Being a morning person has its benefits.

Curious about the store’s origin? Primark was actually conceived and founded in Dublin, Ireland in 1969. Its parent company is ABF (Associated British Foods); the United Kingdom serves as its headquarters. The first US store opened in Boston, circa 2015. Primark is now, according to those who provide such data, claiming fame as the fastest-growing stateside retailer. Since 2015, nine stores have opened in the US with more on the way. With these stats, Primark could soon become the fast food joint-equivalent of value-priced fashion.

So let’s talk fashion and more about this low-cost clothing, accessories and home goods haven that appeals to both style and bargain-conscious shoppers. Since I already own (and am jettisoning) too many clothes and accessories, I merely scanned the clothing sections for men and women, where Primark delivered on its up-to-date looks at reasonable prices. Same with the accessories, of which the variety and volume is rather extensive. The summertime discounts on clothing were ridiculously low. Some attractive long sundresses could be had for a measly five bucks.

Graciously gifted with a $100 gift certificate, I made a beeline to the luggage section. Most offerings were hard shell with colorfully funky designs. I needed a plane’s overhead cabin-fitting piece as well as a larger one for bag-checking. Perfection greeted me in the form of a chic black and nearly featherweight set. I’d be hard-pressed to find that type of quality and durability for less than $100, yet I did at Primark.

One final area remained to be investigated … the second level, housing home-related items. Bathroom. Bedroom. Kitchen and more. Check, check, and check. Cushions, candles and an endless array for home and hearth. Again with the modern, clean and simple. Nothing presented as what my Mother calls “dust-catchers.” New for 2019 is their Botanica-billed selection. According to Primark, we buyers are to “celebrate the beauty of nature and bring fresh spring feels into your home, with our new homeware trend. Taking inspo from lush greenery, this range focuses on grassy green hues, palm prints and minimalist aesthetic. In particular and because I’m a fan of the simplicity of Japanese culture, I’m ready to revisit and check out this “minimalist aesthetic.” Yay: no clutter and no dust-catchers!

Conclusion: Get out to KOP and give Primark a taster. Cheers!

Wall décor suggests a Primark shopping experience will be fresh and fun.

Cop the Primark vibe and style by following the mannequins suggestions, or blaze your own fashion way. Blue and platinum hair colors and precision blunt cuts make a statement on this stage.