To Primark or not to Primark

shellsuit

Miss_Ratty wrote: »

Read No Logo and then make your mind up...it seems that a lot of people who shop in any place which may have bad practices either don't know what goes on, pretend that it doesn't, have been made to believe that one person doesn't make a difference or or that "these people" would be worse off if they didn't support the trade that enslaves them. Most aren't given food or shelter (unless you count sleeping under your sewing station as a home). Its only a small step away from slavery. Controversial view perhaps, but there's more than enough information out there for people to find out for themselves. Boycotting labour practices does not automatically mean that you are spending more money, just spending wisely and in a more informed way.

What would those people do and how would they live if they didn't have these jobs though?

larmy16

Someone mentioned Primark being like hell? I have to agree, especially in the summer. My local Primark is literally baking in the summer. It must be so awful for the staff, with no access to fresh air, being in a mall.

They bring in these air conditioners but because of the size of the store they have no effect.

So it's not just the overseas workers who suffer

maro11

Shopped in Primark once, bought a pair of kids PJs . The material was really pretty but when I put them on my DD they were so shapeless, the legs were so wide and short.
I cannot deal with all the clothes thrown everywhere.
If you shop in the sales, Gap and M&S you can get children's clothes cheap and better quality/fit.

patchwork_cat

Miss_Ratty wrote: »

Read No Logo and then make your mind up...it seems that a lot of people who shop in any place which may have bad practices either don't know what goes on, pretend that it doesn't, have been made to believe that one person doesn't make a difference or or that "these people" would be worse off if they didn't support the trade that enslaves them. Most aren't given food or shelter (unless you count sleeping under your sewing station as a home). Its only a small step away from slavery. Controversial view perhaps, but there's more than enough information out there for people to find out for themselves. Boycotting labour practices does not automatically mean that you are spending more money, just spending wisely and in a more informed way.

No Logo is talking about designer brands. That is exactly my point - you can shop at Next and it will be made in the same factory under the same conditions as Primark. Perhaps if you feel guilty about shopping at Primark buy there and donate a bit to improve the lot in the third world - ( I seem to be recommending giving to charity a bit these days , must be the season of goodwill!!! Yeah right, goodwill at Xmas!)

Another aspect about the book No Logo that I disapprove is Naomi Klein is profiting from these workers just as much by writing an expose! Would it not be better for a true philanthropist to make the information accessable to all for free to educate themselves rather than preaching to the converted as it is only they that will buy and read the book!