Matalan and Primark are both discount fashion chains. They sell similar products at similar prices, so it can be difficult to tell which is better.
Contents hide
1 About Primark
2 About Matalan
3 Is Matalan better than Primark?
3.1 Affordability
3.2 Quality
3.3 Durability
3.4 Exclusivity
3.5 Comfort
4 Similarity between Matalan and Primark
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6 Which Primark in London is better?
7 Who are Matalan's competitors?
8 Is Matalan an ethical company?
9 How many shops does Matalan have in the UK?
10 Who Owns Primark Now?
11 Why is Primark popular?
12 Can I use my Primark voucher online?
13 How do I redeem a voucher?
14 What is the difference between Primark and other retailers?
15 Can I shop online at Primark?
16 When does Primark open?
17 Can I reserve a specific item online?
18 Conclusion
But there are some differences between the two stores that make it clear which one wins. But before that, let's take a quick look at each of the brands separately.
About Primark
Primark is an Irish owned discount fashion store headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. It was founded by Arthur Ryan in 1969 and has since grown into one of the largest clothing retailers in Europe.
They now have over 690 stores worldwide and employ more than 28,000 people.
Primark is a fast growing Irish company owned by ABF Investments, which also owns Penneys (Primark's sister business in Ireland). It was one of the most successful companies in the world in 2017 with sales in excess of US$18 billion (£14 billion).
In addition, Primark is recognized as a leading international clothing retailer, present in 14 countries around the world. They sell everything from high-end essentials to standout style to multi-generational families and trend-setters, and it's designed for affordability.
Primark-Deal inShoes of winter boots, heels, sandals and athletic shoes for men and women.
About Matalan
Matalan is a UK-based discount clothing retailer established in 1984. The company sells a range of clothing, footwear and homeware and operates over 250 stores across the UK.
Matalan is a British clothing and homewares retailer. Established in 1984, it now has over 300 stores across the UK.
The company's name is an abbreviation of "Matalon," the name of the founder's grandmother.
Matalan mainly sells clothing for men, women and children, as well as shoes, furniture and household goods. The Company also offers a range of foods under the Matalan Food brand.
The first Matalan store opened in Runcorn, Cheshire in 1984. More soon followed, with 35 stores opening by 1989 and 100 by 1990. 1992
Matalan opened its first store outside of England in Glasgow's Braehead Shopping Centre. Further openings followed on Tyneside (1997) and inCambridge (1998).
In 2001, Matalan became part of the FTSE 100 Index when it was bought by Philip Green's Arcadia Group for £900m.[2] In 2006, Matalan acquired New Look[3]'s outlet division, which included 80 stores.[4] Further expansion followed in 2007 with the acquisition of Debenhams' 13-store branch portfolio.[5]
Matalan has been around since 1986 and is part of the Steinhoff International group, which also includes Orsay, O'Neill and Conforama.
Is Matalan better than Primark?
To determine if Matalan is better than Primark, let's compare their differences and specifics.
affordability
Matalan and Primark are both discount clothing stores. They offer similar products at similar prices, but there are some differences between the two.
Matalan offers a wide range of affordable items that are perfect for travelers on a budget. Their prices start from just £1 and go up to £2,000 depending on the size of the item and the cost of manufacture
Primark offers cheaper prices than Matalan, but they are still quite expensive compared to other retailers like H&M or Zara. The average price for an item at Primark is around £15-25, while most other stores charge around £5-8.
Quality
The quality of Matalan shoes is better than the quality of Primark shoes. The reason for this is that Matalan offers a much larger range of products than Primark and therefore needs to invest more in R&D and production facilities.
This allows them to offer better quality products at a more competitive price. It also means they don't have to rely on cheap labor from China or other countries where workers are very poorly paid and conditions are generally poor.
After To statesman, Primark Is allegedly Work with 450 The factory In China ab October 2021. Mass-producing products in China affects their quality and makes them appear less authentic.
China is also known as the mother of counterfeit products. So it is almost impossible not to confuse originals with fakes.
The Matalan shoes I bought were of a much better quality than the Primark ones. They are made from genuine leather, which makes them more durable than plastic or synthetic materials.
They also come in half sizes to make them easier to get on correctly as they are not too loose or too tight (though if you have large feet you may still find that these don't fit).
I have bought two pairs of Primark shoes in the past and both broke after a short time. The first pair was plastic and didn't last long.
The second pair was leather but still broke after a few months. I also had trouble getting them to fit me properly because they weren't half sizes - they were only whole sizes, so they were either too big or too small.
I have bought shoes from both stores and I have to say that the quality of the shoes in Matalan is significantly better. The Primark shoes are flimsy and fall apart after a few wears, while the Matalan shoes last forever and don't break!
I think maybe that's because Matalan is a much bigger company with more resources and maybe better quality control. However, Primark has quality control, but it is not as effective as Matalan.
durability
Matalan's shoes can be a bit more expensive than Primark's but they are really good quality. I have some Matalan shoes, they last a long time and don't look cheap at all.
I have bought many shoes from both places and I prefer Matalan. The quality is better, the styles are better and they last longer.
Matalan shoes can also be worn in the rain! So if you're looking for something a little more casual for the summer, Matalan has a pair of beautiful sandals that will suit you!
Primark shoes are affordable but don't last as long. You can notwear them in the rain, except for the winter or rain boots. I got a pair of Primark sneakers and they only lasted a few months and went bad.
exclusivity
The main difference between Matalan and Primark is that Matalan sells all of its branded products while Primark sells other companies' brands as well as its own
(called "Primark Plc").
- variety and style
Matalan is a British clothing company that sells a wide range of items including shoes. Matalan shoes are generally cheaper than Primark shoes, but are still high quality and durable.
If you are looking for something cheap andcomfortable shoesthen Matalan is the place to be. They have everything from sandals to boots and they are all very good quality at great prices.
You'll find Matalan shops in most towns and cities across the UK, making it easy to shop there even if you don't live close by.
The other thing about Matalan shoes is that there are many different styles so there is something for everyone!
Primark shoes come in different varieties but they are limited compared to Matalan's.
Comfort
Matalan shoes are better than Primark shoes. I have tried both and I can tell you that Matalan is more comfortable, looks nicer and is much more durable.
£12 for my pair of Matalan shoes and they are comfortable, fit me perfectly and look great.
Primark's were £6 but they aren't as comfortable and don't fit as well (I know that from trying them on).
I would say if you want a pair of shoes that will last then stay away from Primark but if you are looking for something cheap that you can only wear in the summer then go for it!
Similarity between Matalan and Primark
Aside from being low cost fashion retailers, both brands have a good return policy.
Matalan does not offer free returns for online or in-store purchases unless customers receive faulty or damaged goods. If you wish to return your purchase for any other reason, you will be charged £5 per item returned.
It's not known if Matalan offers customer service via phone or online chat, but there is an FAQ section on its website where you can find answers to common questions about the brand's policies.
Another benefit of buying Matalan shoes is that they come with a guarantee. If you purchase a pair of Matalan shoes and they do not fit or are not comfortable, they will be replaced with another pair of shoes free of charge.
This means if you buy a pair of Matalans and they don't turn out to be what you expected, you can easily return them for an exchange or refund.
This also applies to Primark. You can easily refund any item you buy from Primark within 28 days of purchase. However, the item must be in salable condition with the original receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Primark in London is better?
The Primark onTottenham Court Roadis the best in London because it offers almost all Primark products. Also, there are fewer tourists fighting and lugging around for produce here compared to the Primark store on Oxford Street.
Who are Matalan's competitors?
Matalan is a low-budget fashion store that serves as a home goods retailer. Its main competitors selling similar products arePrimark,Flussinsel, Burlingo Store, Express, J Crew und Next Store.
Is Matalan an ethical company?
In terms of ethics, Matalan's overall rating is:"not good enough."Although animal pelts, exotic animal skins, furs or angora are not used, some animal products have been sued in the initial production phase.
How many stores does Matalan have in the UK
Low hat230 shopsIn the United Kingdom. As of April 2019, Matalan has 230 stores in the UK and a further 30 international franchise stores in the Middle East and Europe. They are all supported by their growing robust online channel.
Who owns Primark now?
TheAssociated British foodnow owns Primark and Primark is the company's most successful division.
Why is Primark popular?
Primark is popular for establishing its brand as a low-budget retail store where everyone can buy beautiful fashion products. Also, Primark offers sales and discounts to people.
Can I use my Primark voucher online?
Yes you can. Shopping with a voucher makes your shopping experience quick and easy. On our website you will find current offers and can save money!
How do I redeem a voucher?
Just follow these simple steps
- Choose your items from the range of products we have in store or online.
- Add them to your shopping cart and click "Checkout" to enter your address details, payment method and delivery preferences (if applicable). If you are using a promo code, simply enter it in the space provided after entering your address details and click apply.
- Confirm your order by clicking "continue" and also check your order summary
as shipping cost before you confirm the payment by clicking "Pay Now".
What is the difference between Primark and other retailers?
Primarkoffers a wide range of products from leading brands and its own brand at affordable prices in store, online or via our mobile app.Primark stores have a fun, vibrant atmosphere and we pride ourselves on being a shopping destination for everyone.
Can I shop online at Primark?
yes you can shoponline at primark.com/us.
When does Primark open?
Primark stores open at9 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Some shops may open at 8am on Sundays. You can find the opening hours of your local shop here.
Can I reserve a specific item online?
No, Primark does not currently offer this service.If you would like to reserve an item online please visit our online shop www.primark.ie/shoponline where you can purchase items before visiting our stores.
Diploma
With all the points above covering affordability, quality, durability, variety and convenience, you can say that the Matalan brand is better than Primark.
That's not to say Primark isn't a good brand. It's a wonderful brand but less competitive than Matalan.
So what do you think of both brands?
FAQs
What is Matalan known for? ›
As a leading UK and International omni-channel retailer ranging from womenswear and menswear to homeware and furniture; Matalan offers something for all.
What brand is Matalan? ›Matalan is a British fashion and homeware retailer based in Knowsley, Merseyside. It was established by John Hargreaves in 1985, and is still owned by the Hargreaves family.
Where do Matalan clothes come from? ›Matalan started in 1985 from humble beginnings when our founder, John Hargreaves, opened a market stall in Liverpool with a vision to bring quality fashion and home products to families at a price they could afford, giving customers the great value we're still famous for today.
What is Primark's competitive strategy? ›Limited Operating Costs
As Primark's main selling point is price, the company must forgo expensive advertising almost completely, instead relying on "big bags and big savings" to convey their message. They also place their cheapest items at the front of the store, attracting passing trade and word of mouth.
- Primark Stores Ltd. 12,815. $193.2M. ...
- New Look Retailers Ltd. 15,451. $14.5B.
- River Island. 8,507. $1.2B. ...
- Next PLC. 26,836. $5.7B.
- Marks and Spencer PLC. 65,000. $13.3B. ...
- Debenhams Retail Ltd. 27,187. $2.4B.
The closest competitor to the matalan.co.uk is next.co.uk that ranks 7089 worldwide, 259 in United Kingdom. According to our estimations next.co.uk is getting 15.6M visits in January 2023 and the authority score of this domain is 86.
What has happened to Matalan? ›Like many of its peers, Matalan found its finances severely strained by the pandemic, prompting the Monaco-based Mr Hargreaves to provide substantial financial support. In recent months, global inflationary pressures have impaired margins, while supply chain challenges have had an impact on stock availability.
Is Matalan in America? ›Matalan currently doesn't ship to America. They don't actually offer any international shipping at all. If you want to shop on Matalan in the USA you'll need to use a package forwarding company like forward2me. We reship parcels from the UK to the US every single day and work with respected couriers.
Why is Matalan called Matalan? ›Matalan is a British retailer that specializes in shoes and clothes at up to half the equivalent high street price. Matalan was founded by John Hargreaves in 1985 and named after his two boys Matt and Alan.
Is Matalan closing down? ›Matalan plans to close sales process, announce new owner in early 2023.
Where is Matalan products made? ›
The "classic" items, jeans and polo shirts, are sourced early in each season from factories in Taiwan, South Korea, China and India. The more fashionable ranges, which need to be bought closer to the season, are ordered from Egypt and Turkey so Matalan can adapt to fashion tastes.
Is Matalan an ethical company? ›Matalan is a member of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex) a not-for-profit, organisation that works to deliver improvements in ethical business practices in global supply chains.
Who are Primarks top competitors? ›- Matalan Retail Ltd. 13,531. $1.4B.
- River Island. 8,507. $1.2B.
- New Look Retailers Ltd. 15,451. $14.5B.
- Next PLC. 26,836. $5.7B. ...
- Arcadia Group Ltd. 11,904. $1.3B. ...
- Boohoo.com PLC. 5,720. $2.4B.
Our business is based on doing a few things differently from other brands, which is how we keep prices low: We sell a lot of items. This means we're able to create savings by buying in bulk for all our stores. We do very little advertising.
Why do people like Primark? ›It is price combined with an overwhelming large number of fashion items to choose from in their stores. At the bottomline, they sell the kid-in-the-candy-store feeling, the Oh-My-God-I-can-buy-all-of-this-and-still-have-money-left experience. That is their value proposition and that is why they are successful.
Who has bought Matalan? ›Matalan has confirmed it has been acquired by a group of investors including Invesco, Man GLG, Tresidor and Napier Park, in a debt and equity deal, as reported by Drapers yesterday (15 January). The retailer had been looking for a £350m credit bail out.
What are the demographics of Matalan? ›While we believe that Matalan has a wide appeal, our frequent Matalan customers are typically between 35 and 55, from lower socioeconomic demographic groups, and predominately female.
Who are the Reject Shop competitors? ›The Reject Shop's competitors and similar companies include PT Joenoes Ikamulya, Inova, F. Lima and Cello. The Reject Shop is a retailer of consumer goods. PT Joenoes Ikamulya is an online retailer that offers consumer products.
What are Matalans company values? ›Here at Matalan we work together, there's a real sense of belonging and trust, with great teamwork, continuous learning and real career opportunities and rewards. Above all that, we're a business that's proud to be a Value Retailer, one that's going places, and delivering year on year growth.
Who is H&M biggest competitor? ›H&M competitors include Arcadia Group, Abercrombie & Fitch Company, Uniqlo and Avenue Stores. H&M ranks 1st in Overall Culture Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
Who are best and less competitors? ›
- Intimate Expressions. retail. 45 employees.
- InterAct. retail. 4 employees.
- USA Drug. retail. 72 employees.
- Greenwoods Menswear Ltd. retail. 55 employees.
noun A small Hindu flute used with bayadere dances.
Has Matalan been taken over? ›Matalan's interim chairman has stepped down after the takeover of the fashion retailer was completed by a group of its lenders. Tim Issacs took on the role in September after founder John Hargreaves left in order to bid to take control of the company himself.
Does Matalan use sweatshops? ›Cheap labour and poor working conditions mean that brands like Matalan can sell clothes at bargain prices, and keep their profits at the top of the supply chain. Matalan is complicit in the sustained underpayment and exploitation of workers, now it must step in to ensure that workers receive their legal entitlements.
Is Primark similar to Walmart? ›Prices in Primark stores may be similar to what you find in Walmart (WMT). But the store atmosphere is very different. It strives to be young and edgy -- similar to H&M or Forever 21. In September, Primark opened its first U.S. store in Boston.
What is the UK version of Walmart? ›Asda store front, United Kingdom.
What is the Primark of America? ›Primark is an international retailer that offers customers the latest fashion, beauty and homeware at great value prices. Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penneys brand, Primark today has 399 stores across 14 countries in Europe and North America and employs more than 70,000 people.
Is Primark British or Irish? ›We've kept our strong Irish roots but today you'll find Primark up and down the UK, across mainland Europe, expanding into Central and Eastern Europe and just getting going in the US.
What did H&M used to be called? ›H&M's story begins when founder Erling Persson opens the first store in Västerås, Sweden, selling women's clothing. The store is called Hennes.
Why is it called Primark? ›However, the Penney name could not travel to Britain as the American retailer, J. C. Penney, had the right to use the name in the region. Primark was the name born from that and, since then, all stores opened around the world have adopted it.
What is replacing Matalan in Oxford? ›
Matalan store set to be replaced by Lidl. Picture via Google Maps. SUPERMARKET giant Lidl will be opening a new branch in Oxford. The new branch will be opening in Templars Square Shopping Park in Cowley, in the empty unit where Matalan used to be.
How many Matalan stores are there currently in the UK? ›Country | Number of retail stores | Population per retail store |
---|---|---|
England | 187 (80%) | 301.00K |
Scotland | 27 (12%) | 202.33K |
Wales | 14 (6%) | 225.21K |
Northern Ireland | 6 (3%) | 315.67K |
Discount retailer Matalan has opted for a refinancing package with four lenders that gives them a controlling equity stake. Invesco, Man GLG, Tresidor and Napier Park will reduce their £200m debts and provide £100m of new equity and offer new shares to potential investors, including Hargreaves.
Is Matalan a fast fashion brand? ›Matalan is a British fashion retailer founded in 1985 in the City of Preston, United Kingdom, by John Hargreaves. The multinational clothing-retail company sells fast fashion for men, women, and children.
Who founded Matalan? ›Matalan founder and chair John Hargreaves has said he's "disappointed" at the debt and equity deal for the retailer that led to him being dropped from the battle to take hold of the business.
Does Matalan make money? ›The Liverpool-headquartered discount fashion chain has posted losses before income tax and exceptional items of £20.8m for the 26 weeks to August 27, 2022. The company had achieved a profit of £1.3m during the same period in 2021.
What is the most ethical brand? ›- Pact. For: Men, Women & Children. Categories: All Clothing (Basics) ...
- TAMGA. For: Women. ...
- Wearwell. For: Women. ...
- Made Trade. For: Men & Women. ...
- Hanna Andersson. For: Babies & Kids. ...
- Tentree. For: Men, Women & Kids. ...
- Girlfriend. For: Women & Unisex. ...
- ABLE. For: Women.
People often ask us how we can offer such great prices while running an ethical business. We believe in affordable fashion that's available for everyone – but not at the expense of the many people who help make our products. Fair pay, safety, and healthy working conditions are essential to our mission.
What is the weakness of Primark? ›Weaknesses of Primark
Many people argue in defence of Primark that the company offers rock-bottom prices resulting in small profit margins. Therefore, online trading may not be suitable for Primark due to high shipping and return costs of products.
Primark is famous for providing cheap-as-chips fashion to the British high street. But that reputation sometimes butts up against a growing concern from shoppers regarding the negative ethical and environmental impacts that are often side effects of cheap stuff.
Who are Primarks main customers? ›
Mostly single, Primark's audience are often journalists, students or musicians, with the largest contingent located in the UK. Over the past few years, Primark has dedicated budget to securing influential partners who could uplift each sector of its business.
What is Primark most famous for? ›Primark is a leading retailer specializing in the sale of clothing, accessories and footwear. The company was started in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969 by the Weston family. After its success as Penneys, it expanded into other countries.
Is Primark a designer brand? ›Primark is a firm fast fashion brand, and often bears the brunt of fast fashion criticism due to its ultra low cost items.
Where do Primark get their products from? ›Characteristic | Number of supplier factories |
---|---|
China | 450 |
India | 108 |
Bangladesh | 106 |
Turkey | 82 |
Known for its quick fashion, basic styles and most prominently, small price tags, Primark has a distinctive offer within the fashion market, with many opting to love or hate the brand. Whatever your opinion of Primark, it can't be denied that it is a very interesting retailer.
Who are Primark's target audience? ›PRIMARK has targeted customers under the age group of 35 years which are fashion conscious. It offers products at a very competitive prices and with a reasonable quality this strategy used by PRIMARK is known as value for money strategy.
Why are clothes at Primark so cheap? ›"Primark's prices are low because Primark operates differently to other retailers," he said. According to Martinez de Larramendi, here's why: Primark orders clothes in very big volumes so suppliers are able to offer lower prices to Primark because they can achieve efficiencies of scale, such as ordering fabric in bulk.
What is Matalan like to work for? ›Great! Management are supportive and you have the opportunity to develop. Lovely team and we all support each other. It's a great place to start if you are looking for a first time job in retail.
What age is Matalan for? ›Yes they employ younger people so it's cheaper. 16 and up.
Which store is best to work at? ›...
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How many Matalans are in the UK? ›
How many Matalan retail stores are there in the United Kingdom? There are 234 Matalan retail stores in the United Kingdom as of February 02, 2023. The country with the most number of Matalan locations in the UK is England, with 187 retail stores, which is about 80% of all Matalan retail stores in the UK.
Is there a Matalan in USA? ›Matalan currently doesn't ship to America. They don't actually offer any international shipping at all. If you want to shop on Matalan in the USA you'll need to use a package forwarding company like forward2me. We reship parcels from the UK to the US every single day and work with respected couriers.
Are Matalan stores closing down? ›Matalan plans to close sales process, announce new owner in early 2023.
Is Matalan going under? ›A group of financial investors are reportedly close to securing a deal that will see them take control of Matalan. According to Sky News, prominent senior lenders such as Invesco and Man GLG have submitted a proposal that will see them put in around £100 million of new funding into the fashion and homeware retailer.