The Primark handbag looks similar to one by a designer brand, but there’s a significant price difference
Primark is selling a “stylish” £5 bag that could easily be mistaken for a more expensive version by a designer label. Popular with shoppers looking for budget-friendly fashion, the high street retailer could have another hit with its latest handbag. Its Textured Zip Top Crossbody Bag resembles Ted Baker’s Stina Double Zip Croc Effect Mini Camera Bag, yet has a much smaller price tag.
The Ted Baker bag is currently fetching £89 online, offering Primark shoppers a hefty saving on a similar style. Both black bags share key features such as a croc-effect finish, a cross-body strap, a zip fastening across the top of the bag, and gold hardware.
The style is so similar that shoppers could pair the black Primark bag with any outfit they’d plan to wear with the Ted Baker bag. While both bags are small and sleek, they differ somewhat in shape.
Both bags have a rectangular shape with rounded edges, but the Ted Baker style is more angular, with a flat front panel. It also has two zipped compartments, and it features the luxury brand’s logo.
According to the product descriptions, neither bag is real leather. Primark’s bag is made from 100% PVC-coated textile, and Ted Baker’s alternative is 100% polyurethane.
Primark describes its style as a “textured crossbody bag with zip closure and a compact shape for easy everyday wear.” The full description reads: “Add a sleek finish to your look with this textured zip top crossbody bag. Its stylish, raised texture gives it a modern, elevated feel.
“The secure zip top closure keeps your essentials safe, while the crossbody strap makes it easy to go hands-free. Compact but roomy enough for your phone, keys and everyday bits, it’s a great pick for day-to-night plans. Whether you’re heading out for errands or dressing up for the evening, this bag adds an effortless style boost!”
Meanwhile, John Lewis’ description reads: “From Ted Baker, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap. Complete with two zipped compartments.” It adds that the bag has one internal slip pocket.
Unlike Primark, the retailer’s website allows shoppers to leave reviews. The bag has an average rating of 4.6 out of five. One happy reviewer said: “Beautiful Bag. Good size to put phone keys make up and small purse in. Its like the Tardis. Small on the outside, big inside. Comfortable straps. Easy, smart and great price.”
A second thought: “This really is a perfect ‘little black bag’. Just large enough for the bare essentials – keys, phone and a comb – the two sections ensure things are easily accessible. The bag is very well finished off, with gold trim on the inside. As well as being stylish, it seems robust, with quality zips and a good length strap.” But another wrote: “Although outer dimensions are available and I thought would be suitable for my needs the inside is very small.
“I’m not able to fit my Samsung in there (unless I remove the case) and could just about but a few cards, keys and maybe a small hand sanitizer. Strap seems much cheaper than other Ted Baker bags I’ve owned. Lovely looking but impractical.”