Primark has confirmed it is conducting a review of its unisex changing rooms policy after a woman has complained two men walked in on her.
Earlier this year, the fashion giant decided they would no longer have separate male and female changing rooms at its stores across the UK.
Instead, they would be opting for the introduction of gender-neutral cubicles that allow people of all genders to change alongside one another.
But now, a woman has taken to social media to share her recent experience, and her account has prompted the chain to confirm it will “review our approach to fitting rooms”, reports The Manc.
Charlotte Kirby, 25, uploaded a tearful video to TikTok last Friday 23 September, saying that two different men pulled back the curtain of the cubicle she was in on separate incidents while she was trying on clothes at the Primark store in Cambridge.
Image: Primark
Ms Kirby said she felt she needed “to get the word out” with her video.
“I was just in Primark in Cambridge and I was trying on some clothes and it was a unisex changing room, which I’m all for and I love that because it makes everyone feel included,” Ms Kirby explained in her now-viral video.
“But twice men opened the curtain and walked in on me.
“Luckily, both times I was wearing clothes but I could easily not have been. It was two different people but they were clearly from the same group. There was so many changing rooms available so it’s not like they just were checking if someone was in there or not.
“The first time, the man just walked in and the second time he said before ‘have you tried it on? Can I see?’ and then he did it [opened the curtain]. Both times I was so shocked and I said ‘oh, sorry’ as if it was my fault.
Image: Trafford Palazzo
“I just want to say to everyone to please be careful, and if you are going in a changing room, don’t go in on your own. I know I will never be doing that again."
Ms Kirby said the staff at the Cambridge Primark branch were “amazing” when she told them what had happened, and they even walked her back to her car after afterwards as she did not feel safe.
Primark says customers who are uncomfortable changing in a unisex fitting room can speak to a member of staff at any UK store, who will then direct them to “easy access” changing facilities that have a lockable door.
In a statement addressing Ms Kirkby’s experience, a spokesperson for Primark said: “We are really sorry to hear of this customer’s experience.
“It shouldn’t have happened and we’re urgently investigating.
“We are currently reviewing our approach to fitting rooms in our stores to ensure these are always safe and inclusive spaces for everyone.”
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Dogs Trust Leeds is looking to find a ‘forever’ home for their loneliest dog
Clementine Hall
Meet Edie, the lovely Shar Pei at Dogs Trust Leeds who has had 41 first dates at but still hasn't found her 'forever' home.
Edie is a beautoful 7-year-old Shar Pei who has been waiting to find her forever home longer than any other dog at Dogs Trust Leeds.
She joined the charity back in 2020, after the death of her owner.
Edie has spent over 4,000 days at the charity and has been adopted 41 times, but is still yet to find her forever home.
We're not crying, you are.
Edie is described as an 'amazing dog' who can be'very shy initially but with a little time and plenty of treats she will soon be nudging you for a bit of fuss!'.
Image: Dogs Trust Leeds
Dogs Trust Leeds states: "She’s also worried by other dogs, but she’s proven that in a home where she won’t see them up close, she is a dream. She's been for sleepovers to her handlers home and she was the perfect house guest! Very relaxed, fully housetrained, and happy to just chill out. We know that in a peaceful adult only home where she’ll be the only pet she will thrive."
"Edie is the most loving and gentle natured dog and has come such a long way since first arriving in our care. Her handlers all adore her due to her zest for life. She's super affectionate and loves plenty of snuggles!
"She enjoys getting out for walkies or playing with her toys and she's absolutely smashed her training. Off-lead playtime is another favourite hobby for her so she will need to have a secure garden to play in. So if you’re looking for a very loving companion, you have a quiet and predictable routine and have time to gradually settle her in, add our Edie to your favourites now!"
If you'd like to welcome Edie into your home, then find out more here.
The Hoot -
28th September 2022 
