Primark secrets exposed by workers – grim two-word code to extra discounts

Primark has become a firm-favourite with bargain hunting shoppers since it opened in the UK five decades ago.

The retailer’s branch in Derby launched 50 years ago today, with almost 200 opening since. With everything from T-shirts and shoes to homeware and headphones, the popular store sells almost everything you could need.

Workers at the store have now lifted the lid on some of the secrets for shoppers. These include “hidden sales” and the disgusting ‘common’ code word staff often call out over the tannoy.

Grim tannoy announcement

Former Primark worker George Allen told DerbyshireLive that “urine and faeces on the shop floor is pretty common". He says shoppers who hear a “code two” know that staff have found bodily fluids that need cleaning up.

'Mr Brown' code word

Poleighh Soper, who worked for Primark as a store assistant, revealed how Primark workers tip-off security guards if they believe someone is stealing. It means they can deal with the issue slyly.

Poleiggh, in her TikTok video explained a false name is called over the tannoy so security can head to customer services. She said: "Have you ever heard somebody over the tannoy go 'could Mr Brown please come to the customer service checkout'.

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"Let me tell you who that is. Say your security company, that stands by the door and make sure nobody is stealing, say their name is like Brown's Security Services, that's who they're calling.

"So when they say 'can Mr Brown please come to the customer service checkout', they're actually calling for security. They just don't want the customers to know that."

Poleighh also explained that staff are not allowed to accuse people of stealing. But if you are buying a makeup bag, or something similar, they often remove the tissue paper inside the check if it's empty.

'Secret sale'

Award-winning shopping expert and person stylist Lisa Talbot told the Sun that the “fast turnaround” of stock means you are “never a few weeks” away from a sale.

But she said there are two specific times of the year where the biggest sales could be on. They said: “Typically we get the big seasonal sales just before and after mid summer and Christmas, but to be honest, you're never more than a few weeks away from Primark's next store clear-out.

"With such a fast turnaround of stock, mainly weekly, Primark pretty much has a section for sale items throughout the year as a way of moving through stock fast and making way for new collections that come into store."

The average spend on a pair of women's trousers, a T-shirt, cardigan and trainers would come to around £55. Although shoppers could bag them for £30 during a “secret sale”, according to Lisa.

The retailer however denied it held “seasonal sales”. In 2021, a spokesman said it offers “amazing fashion at amazing prices all year round.”

Getting extra discount

A former sales assistant who began working for the brand in 2017 has revealed there is one way to get a discount from Primark. But she concedes that it is “not easy”.

In a TikTok video, she revealed that a lot of people often ask for a bit of extra money off. But are regularly turned down because the prices are “so low” already.

Staff however she said do get a 10 percent discount at certain times. She said “only way” to get money off is if a product is faulty.

She explained: "If a t-shirt has a little tear in it, or there's a stain on it, or there's a chip in a piece of homeware - that's the only way you're going to get a discount"