CQ Live Birmingham: Primark, New Street
If we’re talking bargains in Birmingham, then Primark has to be the first port of call. When it first opened the three-level shop was considered a Primark Superstore, the biggest branch in the Midlands and thus the first stop for most bargain hunters shopping their way through the second city. It still rivals the likes of Oxford Circus in terms of size, but can’t rival it in terms of order. Even on a weekday, visit it any time after midday and you’ll walk into a jumble sale.
Still, Primark shoppers are used to long queues, pushy customers and fighting over that last Anna Sui style mini dress (£12, but selling out super-fast). It’s all par for the course when you’re finding such fantastic bargains, so a true bargain hunter will deal with it.
Key items I spotted on our visit included swirly vintage style shifts down from £12 to £4, oversized Hollywood sunnies for £1, Darimeya style floral tunic tops for £8, shoes with Perspex inlays for £14, metallic button detail boots in a great pewter shade and loads of bikinis down to £3. Also keep your eye out for £8 grey leopard print shrunken cardigans and chiffon blouses with gold trim and wide sleeves. They’ll be perfect additions to your winter wardrobe.
