
Primark's post-lockdown sales boost has sparked a debate about class and consumerism.
The retail giant's owners, Associated British Foods, say that their sales are better now than they were a year ago. A company spokesperson described the news as "reassuring and encouraging" as it suggests that British shoppers are willing to return to the high street post-lockdown.
But not everyone is quite so thrilled by this news. Some people raised concerns about the company's impact on the planet and alleged treatment of its low-paid workers.
Still gets me that so many people were saying at the beginning of lockdown that they would shop locally & sustainab… https://t.co/ThpcOvdhby— 🐾Alyssa Taylor 🐝🌻🐾 (@🐾Alyssa Taylor 🐝🌻🐾) 1599469886
Primark say that they are committed to promoting "environmentally sustainable practices and continuously [improving] our environmental management where possible". But they have received a "middle rating" from self-appointed watchdog Ethical Consumer and a "not good enough" rating from similar organisation Good On You.
As well as criticising their environmental record, Good On You allege that there is "no evidence" Primark ensures the "payment of a living wage in its supply chain" and that they introduced "inadequate safeguards" to protect workers and suppliers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Primark cancelled hundreds of millions of pounds of orders earlier this year, before backtracking and pledging to pay their suppliers in full after a backlash. Primark were contacted with a request for comment.
It is also adding to the destruction of the world. Fast fashion is not something to be proud of. Also during the pa… https://t.co/KuyrtrrpTg— Nimco Ali (OBE) 🔻 (@Nimco Ali (OBE) 🔻) 1599470903
But some people responded to these criticisms by arguing "we need to stop shaming people" who shop at Primark "through financial difficulty".
While Primark consumers help to make the chain profitable, they're not directly responsible for its environmental and workers' rights policies.
can we stop shaming people who have to shop at primark through financial difficulty please we know it’s a fucking a… https://t.co/k1IT1ReL4w— bee 🐝 (@bee 🐝) 1599470017
After all, Primark is far from being the only high street retailer to have faced this kind of criticism.
They just usually spark the most backlash, possibly for 'classist' reasons.
@iunarihs_ i literally hate it when people shame others for shopping in places like primark, some people literally… https://t.co/ZNJGJETZFf— Ellie🥮 she/her (@Ellie🥮 she/her) 1599470447
The cost of Primark's clothing doesn't necessarily make shopping there any less ethical than shopping at similar but more expensive clothing shops.
And now is certainly a time of particular financial insecurity for lots of people.
There's a distinction between ‘fast fashion’ & ‘cheap clothes' that I think is being missed. Cheap clothes are just… https://t.co/TW1rcDukhK— Cllr Carolyn Moore (@Cllr Carolyn Moore) 1599409587
The debate was initially fired up by criticisms of the queues of people who waited outside Primark when shops first re-opened post-lockdown.
Photos of the long queues sparked anger and ridicule.
Imagine your life being so bereft of excitement that you're willing to queue up at #Primark for ages with the hope… https://t.co/ZffTOqnSXc— Simon Doherty (@Simon Doherty) 1592215936
sorry but what could you possibly need so much that you would queue up to get into primark during a pandemic? people are actually sad 🤣— amy-lou (@amy-lou) 1592207574
But again, some people pointed out that it's a "privilege" to be able to shop for more expensive items.
It's not the responsibility of people suffering from financial hardship to ensure enormous businesses are engaging in ethical practices.
Stop being dicks about people queuing for Primark. We are in the middle of a civil rights revolution, fighting for… https://t.co/oBiZDorHoY— ◾️ VIX | BLM ◾️ (@◾️ VIX | BLM ◾️) 1592259964
People need to calm down on dragging people for going to Primark. Choose your battles. Kids need socks and pants si… https://t.co/qID1Aml7Xu— Maisey Bawden (@Maisey Bawden) 1592250558
If you don’t know anyone who’s been waiting for four months to buy cheap clothes for themselves and their children… https://t.co/VwJ9svfVzX— Sannah (@Sannah) 1592243843
Selling inexpensive products isn't an excuse for companies to forgo ethical and sustainable business practices.
But ultimately, it isn't the shoppers themselves who we should primarily be holding to account for this.
Because all too often, class prejudice festers at the root of our concerns and where they're directed.