Primark and ASOS: A match made in Heaven?

Following Primark’s surprise decision to sell its clothes online, Lydia Smyth looks at the brand’s collaboration with ASOS and asks if the high street bargain bucket can still retain its appeal.

For the first time, PRIMARK has made a selection of its clothes available online. The brand has collaborated with ASOS, one of the internet’s most popular online shopping destinations, to offer a limited trial of 21 womenswear items.

 “As an online fashion destination, ASOS delivers an edit of the brands and product that are relevant to its twenty-something target market,” an ASOS statement read. “Primark is part of that mix. As such, a small selection of Primark’s most fashion-led pieces are available on ASOS from today.”

 With prices ranging from £6-22, Primark has remained faithful to its reputation for budget prices, and is currently offering buyers to get their hands on t-shirts, parkas, dungarees and prom dresses all from the comfort of their own homes.

 Despite many high street stores extending their brands to online retail, Primark has not followed in the likes of New Look and Debenhams whose websites have gone on to experience great success. Instead, the brand’s focus has been spreading its chain across Europe, with a recent opening of a store in France and plans for a second.

 With high street prices soaring, Primark offers on trend items at much more attractive prices. Budgeters are willing to go along way to find a bargain, but for many, one of the most off-putting aspects of Primark is the store’s popularity. Whatever time of day, you can guarantee Primark to be crammed with shoppers and to lose a good few hours searching through stacks of clothing.

 Online retailing is an incredibly successful way for stores to increase their sales.  Not only will it provide the brand with an international platform, but a much more comfortable, organised and relaxed shopping experience which is perfect for those with busy lifestyles. Should Primark go on to launch its own site, it would undoubtedly be a great success.

 I personally am all for the launch. No more trawling through unorganised racks of clothes and huge check out queues? Yes please.  Other shoppers, however, aren’t quite so convinced. Many fashion and beauty bloggers have taken to Twitter to voice their contempt at Primark’s online proposal. Kayleigh Johnson of “Couture Girl”  tweeted that not knowing what is going to be in stock, and the excitement of discovering a bargain, is all part of the store’s appeal. Whilst other bloggers, such as writer of “Lulutrixabelle”  Lucy Rance, tweeted their excitement about being able to buy the bargains online.

Whatever your shopping preference, Primark’s 161 UK stores aren’t going anywhere, and should shoppers prefer to visit the actual store it’s only ever a trip to the high street away.