NOW CLOSED Talk to M&S about their kidswear and win one of two £100 M&S giftcards

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

As you may have seen, we're working with M&S over the next few months - the Mumsnet M&S panel are going to be putting shapewear and the Simply Fuller Longer range to the test, and now we're asking all MNers to tell us what you think about M&S kidswear.

Here's what M&S say about their Kidswear: "We believe that at M&S you can find great value and fashionable kids' clothes. We also want to make shopping for kids' clothes as stress-free as possible, so we're asking Mumsnetters for their feedback on all things kidswear-related so that we can continue to improve our ranges."

We've provided some questions below to get you started, but please feel free to add any other comments you have as well. Everyone who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £100 M&S giftcards. Please note, we want your honest opinions and we don't want you to do any research online before you answer the questions below so no cheating now!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

Love M&S kids clothes and have bought loads from there for my now 6 month old little girl. Also shop in Next and wherever else I see somthing pretty (including second hand stuff).

Only complaint is that my LO is on the smaller side (14lbs now) and the arm lengths tend to be a bit too long on the sleepsuits and jersey tops...the up to a month sleep suits she had fitted until she was 3 months old (great from a value perspective for me!!).

I like the value range but agree with other poaters that it's all v pale pink and blue...more neutrals/brights please (classy but not gaudy please). Also would like more mix and match items with some added basics from 6 months (plain t's etc).

Price/quality is a consideration for the staples (vests, sleepsuits) and I want cute/pretty things that are practical and easy to get on for everything else at a reasonable price as they wear the things for such a short amout of time.

I also buy from the older range for other family members and these have always been gratefully received and well worn.

Overall thumbs up - only advice would be not to go too trendy on the clothes for under 10s, particularly girls as want to keep my LO looking her age!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

**I buy school uniform from M&S as I find it is good value for money compared to other brands. I particularly like the boys' trousers with adjustable waists. I also buy some swimwear, underwear and PJs from M&S too as they are good quality and a good price. I think the clothes are good quality and always trust them to last, but I consider the clothes a bit bland and average. For me they fall into the middle, I get cheap everyday bits from Primark or Tesco and tend to get nicer items from Next, Oilily, Ralph Lauren and Hackett.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

For everyday clothes, playing at home, sportswear, I want cheap clothes that I don't have to be precious about. they can get dirty without me caring if the clothes get stained etc so price is key. For uniform I want clothes that will wash well for a reasonable price, but the fit is important, on trousers especially. For going out clothes and party clothes I will go for a designer label and I am happy to pay more for those items.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I prefer to buy online for convenience sake and so I can compare different shope easily.

I regularly buy clothes for my daughter (10 months) from M&S. I like the quality of most of the clothes and the general lack of sickly sweet logos and pictures. The prices of items is a bit unpredictable but some items seem very good value. The cut of some items means that they can be worn for more than the 3 month period on the label. I have noticed items in the older children's ranges and am looking forward to shopping in them, in fact there has been the odd item I would wear myself it was bigger! I like that there is a range of styles and fabrics, not everything is pink and sloganed. I also buy in John Lewis and Gap Kids, mainly in the sales.

The most important factors when shopping are price, fabric, comfort and neutral style.

I currently mainly shop instore. I don't look online first. We just go in if passing. It is easier to shop interacting with a baby in a pram or sling than trying to entertain her while I am online. This may change when I have less time when I go back to work.

The prices in baby and kidswear are variable. I would buy more if the prices overall were lower. Dungarees in the baby girl ranges would be nice. Slightly slower turnover of stock would also be welcome - a few times I have gone to buy a bigger size to keep by because I really like something but it will already be gone a week or two later. Bring back the £4.50 jegging-style leggings!!!

Use of organic cotton would be good - I know my Mum would buy up the shop if this was used.

They babywear for newer babies is heavily dominated by whites and sugary pinks and blues. A bit more variety would be nice.

I would definitely have bought more sleepsuits if they had those cuffs that fold into mittens, and had them up to a year old, or even older. DD has excema and I will only buy these suits as she scratches herself at night. However they are hard to come by and usually the mittens aren't available after 6 months. Common complaint amongst Mums of babies with skin problems ime.

My above comments pertain primarily to babywear. Mittens on sleepsuits would be my number one suggestion.

see now you don't want to be giving vouchers to regular customers do you? that'd be silly, you've got them already. what you want to do is give them to me and entice me into your store that i haven't been in for aaaagggggessss and i'll be a new convert and you'll make dividends on your vouchers see?????

single mum remember, bit disabled and soon to be a student. you know you want to.....

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? I buy some, especially in sales or the things that are good value anyway (e.g. nice cheap fleeces). Think they have some lovely things (though not everything), and are good for boys' clothes that are not too aggressively styled (not all red/black, skulls or "trouble" slogans like some places!). I would buy more if it was a bit cheaper. One problem we have had once or twice is too-small neck openings with no buttons or stretch (had to alter one lovely fleece as it just wouldn't go over DS's head even though he was still well within that size). Other things we buy are a mixture of supermarket stuff, occasionally Boots, or places like Gap, Next or Pumpkin Patch when they have sales on.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Don't give a monkey's about the label, esp. at their age! So, a combination of cost, style/design (esp for boys' stuff, see above), and to an extent, quality (but less than with adult clothes as they will be grown out of fairly quickly so won't have to last as long).

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? Mostly in store. Online takes a while and you don't stumble across nice bargains in the same way. I don't often set out to buy kids' clothes, just pop in if I see a sale or grab something in passing in the supermarket - I usually buy stuff in next size up when I see it cheap, so don't often have to go looking for something specific as have most things already.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Reduce prices, more boyswear (think there is less than for girls at the moment), have good boys' things which aren't too stereotyped for all ages, plenty of non-pink girlswear, more offers.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? They are pretty good with some lovely things, but I would like more of the varied colours (I know you already have some), not just the eternal powder pink/baby blue/cream aarrrgggh!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? Yes I have bought quite a few clothes for both my DCs from M&S. Partly because there isn't much choice where I live, partly because I really like some of the designs and styles and partly because they are the best quality baby grows I've come across recently for DC2. I buy from other places like Sainsbury's, Boots and Next.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?! It's a complicated combination for me involving price/quality/style/colours/what I think DS will actually wear now he's an opinonated 4 year old/what the crazy season's are doing/what's on sale

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? I tend to buy instore, sometimes with specific things in mind (eg, the next size of baby grows/onsies, shoes), some times it's take DS and see what he likes/is within budget. I have bought a few things on line though as it's a good way to get sizes that aren't available in store.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? They boys selection for preschoolers has gone down hill a bit over the last year or so and I don't buy as much for my DS as I might do. Also they kids trousers have really large waists this year. I bought DS a pair of cordaroy trousers last Dec and have had to put a big strip of elastic on the back to hold them up, and even then they still slide a bit. The way the waist band is sewn I can't run a cord inside, and there are no belt loops or adjustable elastic pulls. This has been a real turn off buying him trousers from M&S since. He is a very active, skinny wee thing, not a chubby lazy child who never walks anywhere which, sadly appear to be the type of child that the boys range is being aimed at now.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? I would like to see LESS of the pink/blue girlsvsboys baby clothes. I HATE pale pastel pink and blue and far prefer bright cheerful colours, even on a new born. Esp as I didn't find out the sex of either DC so was stuck buying boring white/cream for the early things. That said I have bought DD some really lovely baby things this year and if I could afford the prices I would have bought more. I have come across the big waist problem a couple of times and DD did end up with a pair of trousers that she frequently crawls out of. I have been really impressed with the vests (after having vests from a well known baby specific brand fall apart several times), though only being able to buy pink patterns is frustrating.

I've been buying loads of newborn clothes for my daughter recently but I've practically given up on m&s. I've tried to buy on line and the vast majority of stuff is out of stock and anything in stock in little sizes is pink or that awful 'tatty teddy' brand!! I couldn't even get an m&s maternity bra!

That said, a friend sent me a pretty m&s blue boat print dress, which seems good quality.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

DS is now 2 and a half, and wears aged 3-4 clothing. We're just about still managing to dress him in clothing free of stupid slogans and cartoon characters, mostly between Gap and M&S. It looks like this will become harder and harder in all stores as he gets older. I particularly dislike any writing which reinforces the idea that 'I am a boy, therefore I behave badly', or that makes children into walking adverts for Disney. Design-wise, I avoid anything with skulls or camouflage.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

I don't know if it was just that our local M&S is small, but I couldn't find anything unisex that wasn't just plain white. (I don't like pastel pinks and blues, so tend to do all baby clothes shopping from unisex ranges). Because of this frustration when my son was a baby, I don't even bother looking in the M&S baby section when shopping for gifts for friends' babies.

My DCs wear a fair bit of M&S clothing, mostly school wear and underwear, which I have found to be good quality and easy to care for. It is quite pricey, but my DCs get at least 3 years out of clothes so worth it for me.
I like that you can get school uniform any time of year, as DS has a talent for getting a giant hole in the knee of his trousers just at the moment when no shops stock any uniform (except age 14+), and I like DD's military coat, as it is school uniform compliant yet waterproof and sturdy.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes, my overall opinion of it is positive although I think it is slightly overpriced and very gendered with too many motifs when compared with H&M for example who probably make my favourite children's clothes. I also buy from Zara and from Joules in the sale (not at full price). I also buy from JL when I need something more classic.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

The most important factors for me are cost and style and colour/design.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I used to use Asos a lot online when they did children's clothes and for the Joules sale I shop online. I dont need to see them to buy children's clothes and the fit isn't a worry.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

I think there are a lot more girls than boys clothes in M&S and the girls clothes are far too girly. I would like more school uniform year round. My children dont just grow in August. I would also like more classic clothes - ie staples, like Uniqlo for adults but for children. For example, apart from JL you cant buy a nice blue shirt for an 8 year old boy

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

I think they are too flouncy and again, far too gendered.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

I like the M&S kidswear but there is not a big enough range to kit my DDs out completely. The quality is always good and it is usually on trend, an important factor for tweens. The cost is about average, I used to think it was expensive but other shops have caught up. The quality is usually great and if not, they are good about returns. DD likes the bra/croptops and at age 10 they are just the right thing.
I tend to shop around a lot so don't stick to one shop.
~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
Price is a huge factor but I want quality and style for my money. I don't care for labels but am aware of how important it is for tweens to feel they have the right clothes.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I trust the sizes in M&S to be spot on so happily buy online or instore. I will browse with the DDs online to see what they are like and then keep an eye out for good deals/sales.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
As my DDs get older, they would like their clothes but me more fashionable. M&S is nearly there but has a way to go. I like to compromise between what the children like and what I deem age appropriate. A value range that keeps the M&S quality would be fantastic.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
I have only bought the baby range as gifts. There are some lovely pieces but as one off purchases I couldn't say if there was enough variety or not.

I always buy school uniform shirts and shorts/trousers from M&S. The quality is great and the price is exremely reasonable. I like the adjustable waistbands, as my boys are both fairly slim and I always have trouble finding clothes to fit them.
Having said that, I find the rest of the range for boys always comes up on the large side and my 10year old is now objecting to having to wear Age 8 clothes so I very rarely buy other clothes from M & S.
I usually buy on line because I hate shopping in RL, although the M&S shopping experience is usually better than most, very polite staff etc.

I had a lot of M&S baby clothes, and again they were excellent quality although the babygros were huge, DS1 was 7lbs 4oz so not teeny tiny but the 0-3 months clothes swamped him. My DCs had a lot of hand-me-downs from my sister's children, so I can definitely vouch for the quality as they had a lot of usage!
DS1 now wants to wear branded sports stuff almost permanently so M&S wouldn't be my first choice for him, except for something more smart. DS2 is very fussy and is not keen on tops with fussy pictures and logos, more plain coloured t-shirts would be great.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes, I have bought from time to time. I have recently bought my 4 year old son a sun suit from M&S as I liked the style (so did he!) and I took advantage of the 20% off summer clothes deal.

I like the multipack of plain/striped t-shirts that M&S often do but am not so keen on the character stuff.

In general I like plain and bright clothes for DS that are comfortable and hard wearing. My favourite place to shop for him is H&M.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Quality, cost and colour/design in that order I think. Brand/label is not so important.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

Mostly in store so that I can assess quality and size before buying.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

Better pricing and less character stuff. And more choice for boys please.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Actually, I really like it. I think there's more bright colours in the M&S baby range than in other shops' ranges. I have bought presents there before and would definitely do so in the future.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes, I have bought M&S kidswear. I really like it. I particularly like the girls ranges, lots of options other than just bright pink. They?re dressing up outfits are very good quality. Sometimes, it is rather expensive for basics - socks, pants etc?I buy clothes from George for basics ? leggings, pants, socks, PJ?s, but also Sainsburys are great value and wash really well. I love to go to Next or M&S for ?outfits?.
I love M&S boys elasticated waists, we always buy these because at aged 4, it?s much easier for him to dress himself and go to the loo etc?.He starts school in September and I will be looking at their schoolwear to see if I like it.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Labels don?t matter to me at all. I like material, quality ? if it will wash well and the colour and design. Cost comes into it, but I'd rather spend more on clothes that will last.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I always shop on store, never buy kids clothes online as I like to see it in person. The only exception is sometimes I might buy off Ebay, bundles of named things.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

Staying away from too much ?character? and thinking outside the box for both sexes. Would love more strong colours for girls, not so pastel! Bright turquoise/greens.....The colours for boys are not imaginative. More offers/promotions on multi buying packs.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Not enough variety. Material is lovely, recently bought a freind a babygro and it was very soft. But, I think the designs are very dull. Would love to see some very bright designs, more imaginative. Since babies can see black and white, I?d love to see some strong geometric designs in black and white!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
I've bought it occasionally, more typically it's bought for us as a gift for DD. I really like the quality, and the range of colours in the girls clothes in that it's not just pink. I've had a few M&S Hand-me-downs which are on their 3/4 child and they're still holding together which is very impressive in my view

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
Cost and Quality are the highest ranking concerns when it comes to clothes, I don't mind paying a bit extra if I know it won't fall apart or lose all it's colour after 3 washes. (also anything that's not pink features high on my list, but DD disagrees)

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I tend to shop online as my nearest town is about 30 minutes away (and I hate shopping) but if I am in town with DD we'll do a bit of clothes shopping and let her, within reason, pick what she likes.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I really like M&S kis clothes, and I like the fact that the girls clothes starts as young as age 1 (not 3 like some stores) (although it does mean I need to occasionally mean that MiL will buy stuff that's really not age appropriate for DD)

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
I like the baby range and think it's cost effective and good quality especially given how quickly they grow and change size in the first 2 years.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes. Yes - a regular buyer. Good quality and reasonably priced when compared to Next/John Lewis etc. Boys trousers often have adjustable waists which is very important! Sizes are usually reliable meaning that I can buy without seeing in person/thinking too hard. I also use John Lewis, Gap, Next (a bit), Tesco and Sainsburys.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Mostly quality. I also like boys clothes that aren't plastered with horrid statements like 'here comes trouble' or camouflage. My 3 year old isn't trouble (any more than any other toddler!) and he's not a soldier. He also has to have clothes that he can manage himself at preschool - so trousers that can be pulled up and down on his own but that won't fall down. I have a baby girl too and like designs for small girls that are for small girls, not ghastly versions of adult fashions. All clothes need to be washable and tumble-dry-able.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

Mostly buy in store as delivery options are limited and seem to take a while (compared to click and collect for John Lewis at my local waitrose). I sometimes do research on the website first but it usually bears little relevance to what's in store so I only do this rarely.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

To be honest one of the biggest things would be to lay out the children's section better. In several stores (I regularly shop in Cambridge but also in Darlington and Poole) the rails are so close together, even in the baby bit, that you can't get even a single buggy through (and when I had to use a double it was impossible). They don't always hold a good range of sizes in store of the basics (eg baby vests/babygrows) so I have gone in for things on several occasions and not been able to get them. My husband when we've been out has actually said he's not willing to shop in there as we can't get the children round. He's not very patient but he's got a point.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

The newborn/small baby girls stuff is a little bit too pastel pink for my liking. It gets better when they get into the next age range. I think having a bit more neutral newborn stuff/brighter colours is better. So I like some of baby Gap's reds/navy/orange/purple etc. Also, I've recently been looking for lightweight/ knitted jackets/cardigans etc and there's not a lot out there.

I loved the baby boy stuff when my son was little. My favourite shop for that.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

• regular buyer, good quality & good value and not too many tacky disney characters - nice smart bright neutral clothes, and bright colours for boys

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

• not covered in disney brands or similar, nice and bright for boys, smart, cost, quality

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

• in store only

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

• I would buy more winter clothes and coats in M&S if they all had reflective strips or designs on them, I didn't buy a winter coat for my son in M&S this year because I bought a somewhere else that had reflective train designs on it! - safety first! also reflective strips down winter trousers would be good

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

• I love the red fleece lined jeans, they are brilliant for winter, please keep stocking them. I would like to see reflective materials used more in winter clothes

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
I buy some school uniform basics, & girls' jeans. My overall opinion is the quality is quite hit-and-miss. When it's good, it's very very good. And when it is bad it is horrid. Generally I buy H&M for everyday stuff and stock up with Boden, Monsoon & Gap in the sales.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
I very much buy two different types of clothes: everyday ones have to be good value, plain basics that wash well, & the better sort for weekends and parties and the like which are all about colour/design/quality.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I can't often get to the shops so tend to shop online. I'm often frustrated by M&S's inability to get all their stock online or keep a range of sizes in stock once they have done it.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? Better stock control so you have a fighting chance of actually buying the thing you want. Less character/slogans and more decent quality prints in good clean colours. More natural fibres - wool, cotton - and less viscose/acrylic/pollywollydoodle.

~ I usually buy children's/baby clothes from m&s either as gifts or if I have a gift certificate myself. I would usually by my son basic clothes from either tesco or asda. He grows out of them so quickly I try not to spend too much. The clothes that we have had from m&s are noticeably better quality and do make better hand me downs.

~ cost is the most important factor to me with design and colour and quality following that. I like plain things without logos and prefer items without characters on.

~ I would by most items in store. I think you get a better idea of quality and sizing by seeing them in store. However when I recently looked for specific formal wear for a wedding I had a look online first. However I bought that in bhs in the end. The m&s range was very limited (no pun intended!)

~ baby wear is always a lift ride away (with a pram) which can be a nuisance. There is never as much boys wear but that is true in every shop. I would say most the girls wear looks age appropriate which I do like. I think as most the m&s children's wear I buy is as gifts so I like the smart coats/jackets/knitwear as they make lovely gifts. If I buy for my son I look for items that need little ironing!

~ I always buy purple, yellow, green, white, red baby clothes I hate the pink, blue, beige ranges. Babies just need baby grows and a little cardigan. I think maybe baby grows could look more like daywear and less like PJs. Little gloves are a nuisance and never stay put. Maybe the could be on little strings like mittens in a coat.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

I am a regular buyer. I like them. I buy them for my 4 year old son and my 1 year old daughter. I also buy them as presents for various friends and family's babies/kids. I buy them because of the good quality attached to them (perceived and actual), and right sizing (I feel that they would on average fit the child rather than have to do a guesstimate with other high st brands), and reasonable price. Also, relatively easy access to them on my high st. Oh, and easy returns policy in case it doesn't fit. I also shop at supermarkets (sainsbury's once a year when I'm near that at my inlaws, tescos occasionally), h&m.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

probably a complicated combination of all of these. cost, quality and fit are probably the three top factors.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

in store. I've yet to try online just because I've not had much time to browse. I just go and see what's on offer.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

more deals, more promotions like say '3 for x amount of money from a wide range'. So for example, I don't necessarily need 3 sets of trousers, or 3 t-shirts. but I might need 2 t-shirts for boys and 1 t-shirt for my daughter. so this way, I'll be encouraged to buy 3 items (and spend more money!).

I think there's a lot of pink! I'd love for them to have a wider range of colours/products. So not just pink/reds for the girls and blue/browns for the boys.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

more colours. less beige/brown/white!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes I have bought M&S kidswear. Particularly school uniform and underwear which is well-priced and excellent quality. As far as non-uniform goes, I wouldn't say I am a regular buyer, as I find the clothes a little on the pricey side; also, the DCs are at a very style-concious age, so don't like anything too childish-looking or bright. Other places I go to are H&M, Next, Primark

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Style, in combination with a good price. Quality is most important for items which get a lot of use, like uniform

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I shop online or in store, however, our local M&S is quite small. I just go in the the DCs if there is something specific they need

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

Improve the older/teen clothes, and keep the prices lower

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Too long since I bought baby clothes, I'm afraid!

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

I have bought stuff, yes and I love the variety. Things are quite original and different to what I have found elsewhere. The sizing is good and things wash up well meaning they are lasting well. I also buy things from asda, matalan, JL and debenhams.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Cost is a factor, yes as things often don't last v long especially considering growth spurts! I like things that are comfortable and minimal effort when it comes to washing/garment care. I also like things that look nice and are a little different.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

A mixture of both- I do tend to look online first, though.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

Bring the prices of things down by around 15-20% and I would buy a lot more than I do currently!

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
I think the variety is good, but that you should look at what sizes you sell the most of and stock more of them. I find that 9-12 month stuff of the most popular designs tends to be out of stock a lot of the time at my local branch.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? I buy all school uniforms from M & S, underwear and some summer clothes. I buy other clothes from John Lewis, Boden, Gap

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?! Design and style, then quality and cost. I buy school uniforms because I know I can get a year's wear out of them, and I always use the multibuy offer. Same for underwear, and summer T shirts

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? I do both. I always check in store for school uniform first, to check material and sizing

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? You could improve the quality. I won't buy anything that I want to last more than one season/school year. The school trousers are all apart at their hems now. I don't buy anything that i want to pass on from one child to the next - all my Boden and John Lewis stuff lasts far longer. I'm afraid I tend to use M & S for cheaper clothes, which I can throw away when they grow out of them

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? Dont know, I'm afraid. I didn't buy any baby clothes from M & S

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes regularly , I like it , generally I find the quality good, the sizing pretty much ok but have to be careful . I buy becuase it is convenient and practical for my usage. I regularly buy from Debenehams and Next for children, once in a while from Boden.

When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

NOt bothered by the 'label' but cost , quality, durability,and relaibility with M&S generally you know what you are getting.You could do with putting a shoe size chart ( that you could print and measure the childrens feet and maybe include average widths that could be measured as I find most of the shoes boats and so I don't buy them on line.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

99% of the time as I am overseas I shop online. I do tend to start offf with what they need but often do get sidetracked. SOmetimes I have wanted to buy say a bag or sunglasses to match an outfit but you don't post those items which is a pity as then I have to hope that they are available in a store and find somebodyto go and collect / and then post on...

Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

I only have girls to only look for boys items as gifts. If you reduced the overseas postage I would buy more as I tend to wait and do a bulk order. I would like more leggings,seatshirts/ pants as they are the items I use more, coloured, different from the run of the mill boring stuff. I am just entering your older girls range but up to now my daughters like what I buy.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Pity you started your overseas postings too late for me to take the full benefit of the baby ranges. However when I am in the Uk teh store I use seems to have a large range of reasonably priced items ..Often I do buy for friends.

I especially love the underwear for my children, in particular the vests. It is very difficult to get good quality, soft vests that wash well and actually fit over my children's toddler tummies, and I have never gone wrong at M+S.

They deliver and I have gotten some great deals online for corduroy trousers for example, for my DD, only £3. Their clothing is always good quality and lasts for a long time, even on scruffy toddlers and preschoolers.

Their school shirts, like their vests, wear really well and are great straight out the tumble drier with no ironing. If I could afford to, I'd buy the majority of my underwear and school wear from M+S for the children.

In fact, if I won this, that's what the voucher would end up spent on. LOL.