Primark staff reveal the secrets of the shop… from the best times to visit to the ‘thick’ book of BANNED customers in every store
Three former and current employees have spilled the beans on daily working life in the budget retailer...
PRIMARK staff have revealed the shop secrets we're all desperate to know.
From the best times to shop from the secret list of BANNED customers every shop has, here are eight of their revelations.
1. Shopping time
If you're looking to bag a must-have item, head to Primark either first thing in the morning or an hour before closing.
Employee Ella Mai : "These will be the times when our recovery on the floor is at its best."
2. The banned book
Every Primark shop has a thick folder called the "book of faces" detailing the customers who aren't allowed in the shop, former employee George Allen told the .
He said the book is crammed full of CCTV close-ups of people who have "nicked, conned or otherwise behaved badly in the store".
All members of staff are asked to study the book, so they know who's not allowed in.
3. Discount deal
Apparently it's quite easy to get discounts on damaged or faulty items.
Foundation marks on your white top? A tiny rip on an otherwise gorgeous dress?
George says you can expect to get 10 per cent shaved off the price "without debate" - simply by pointing it out at the till.
4. What's that smell?
According to George, "urine and faeces on the shop floor is pretty common" - but, never fear, it's always cleared up quickly.
Speaker announcements like "cleaner to menswear, code two" alert staff to expect a bodily fluid. Gross.
5. Hard work
George added that the "hardest staff" are put on the ground floor, which can be like the "Wild West".
He added: "An angry alcoholic wandering in off the street would not be surprising."
6. Taking stock
Don't bother asking staff if they have something in another size.
According to George, the stock room is a "massive room filled with cardboard boxes and it’s basically a lucky dip.
"In the six months I worked there, I found one item successfully, which was actually quite a proud day."
7. Speak up
Bizarrely, employees have a choice of two voices for the automated announcement which tells you which till to go to.
Staff have a choice of either male or female, according to .
George reckons the male one is louder and more effective, so shoppers might expect to hear that one more regularly.
8. Perks of the job?
Unlike pricier shops, Primark staff don't get discounts - Demi added.
However, they do get 10 per cent off during the Christmas period.
In related news, a Primark-loving fashion blogger has revealed her top tips for bagging the budget store's must-have items, and she says it pays to ring ahead.
Sun Online has contacted Primark for comment.
