Primark introduced its first U.S. in-store repair workshops to promote sustainability and customer engagement, offering free sewing kits and mending tutorials. While the effort aligns with a broader push for circular fashion, Chris and Anne weigh its true value for low-cost fast fashion shoppers and whether it can scale meaningfully in the U.S. market in this clip from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five Podcast, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand.

🧵 Is Primark’s sustainability initiative cutting through—or just for show?

⏱️ Time Stamps:

0:00 – Primark launches U.S. “Love It For Longer” repair class

0:18 – What customers get from the class

0:33 – 400+ classes already run in Europe

0:49 – Chris: It’s a gimmick—but a good one

1:30 – Anne: The in-store logistics don’t make sense in the U.S.

2:15 – Should Primark focus more on recycling instead?

3:00 – Why a $5 t-shirt might not be worth repairing

3:45 – Does this work better for retailers like Nordstrom?

#primark #RetailSustainability #FashionRepair #LoveItForLonger #RetailFastFive #omnitalk #InstoreEvents #fastfashion #clothingrepair #retailinnovation

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/AUSpdi73JPk

Primark has unveiled its first US in store repair classes, according to Chain Storage.

On Thursday, the global value fashion retailer launched its Love it for Longer repair workshop at its Staten island store.

Customers that sign up for the free class will learn simple mending and upcycling techniques that range from fixing hems to adding buttons or pockets.

All participants will receive a complimentary sewing kit, repair booklet, and reusable tote bag.

Currently, the company hosts nearly 400 free sessions in its stores across the U.K.

ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and France.

Chris, do you think that Primark's in store repair classes push all the right buttons, or do you think this is just a silly marketing gimmick?

Oh, wow.

You know, until you read the story out loud, I didn't even pick up the double entendre of Love it for longer.

I just think that's hilarious.

But.

But anyway, it's tough to that point.

It's.

It's definitely a marketing gimmick.

But, yeah, it's actually one.

It's actually one.

I.

I actually kind of like it a lot because, you know, we talked about, like, yoga classes and other activities that I've railed on on past shows.

Yeah, but.

But, you know, as shown by the 400 classes that the article reference that they've.

They've pretty much done with this concept throughout Europe, this, again, this event is easily repeatable and simple to execute.

I think it's pretty straightforward.

And so for those that are interested in it, I think it also probably drives traffic to the store in that day now.

And I mean, here's the point.

I know you're thinking this in your head too, but is Primark talking out of both sides of its mouth on sustainability?

Yeah, 100%.

100%.

Let's call.

Call it what it is.

But at the same time, the items are inexpensive, which people need.

Like, people need access to affordable clothing.

And so having ways to repair them or augment them could be valuable to a certain segment of their customer base.

So, net Net, I like this.

It's omnichannel and design.

It brings traffic in the store.

I don't have any complaints about it whatsoever.

Oh, my God.

Well, I'll start with where I agree with you.

Yes, I love the marketing move and getting Primark credit for sustainability.

Well done.

Yes.

You're doing that.

I love that they're creating their own content for people so that you don't have to be in a store.

There's all these YouTube videos and tutorials that they're also putting online.

So I think that's good for them from a brand perspective and definitely drives traffic and gets their name out there.

But putting it in the stores, especially in the US I think will be more work and effort than it's worth for the stores teams.

I don't think this is any, I don't think this is any different than doing a yoga class.

I think it's the same, it's the same effort for that team to clear the space, make sure that they have somebody check people in.

And I really think that when you talk about the Primark product, a five dollar T shirt is not something I'm, I'm investing time to fix.

I will just buy another five dollar T shirt.

So if I were Primark, I think I would do the opposite.

I would focus more on like a clothing recycling program with some sort of incentive to your point, because people do need affordable clothing.

But I think I would focus on like, we're going to recycle these clothes, bring your bag in and get a five dollar, you know, coupon or some sort of incentive to, for people to participate in this.

Because Even though there's 400 of these classes that they've done across a multitude of cities all over Europe, like we don't know if there's two people per class and they're just like box checked or if anybody comes to these class.

I just, I could see this from a retailer like a Macy's or Nordstrom where it does make sense to invest in like upgrading or repairing product that's of a little bit higher value.

But there's no way in hell I'm doing a repair class on a $5 T shirt that my kid rips a hole in.

Just.

Yeah, well, your point about too is like, how does this play in America versus Europe, which is the context.

Like.

Yeah, I thought that was Staten Island.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Wow.

Shots fired Staten Island.

Yeah.

Wow.

But, but, yeah, but no, it's a great point.

And you know, it's actually, you know, the, the, the, the differences between the American and European consumer we're going to touch on in the next headline too.