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

[mairimc]

~ 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 occasionally bought from M&S for my 2 year old son. My overall opinion is that the quality is reasonable, the prices not too bad, but the designs are pedestrian. I rarely see anything I get excited about. I am therefore not a regular buyer.

~ 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 is a balance between cost and quality. If something is more expensive than I need to be able to see for myself that the quality is exceptional, that it will wear well and be robust etc. The way it looks is very important - I won't buy colours I dislike, for example, and dislike it when there is random writing on clothing. I will pay more if I really like the look of it and think it will particularly suit my son.

~ 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 a lot - via ebay or from the stores. This is because I do not want to go shopping with my 2 year old who gets very bored now in his pushchair. I do not want to spend the precious time when someone else is looking after my son shopping for his clothes. I would rather be sleeping, watching a film etc. However, I do actually prefer it when I can look at the clothes - I often wish that large shops had a supervised play area where I could leave my son briefly.

~ 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?

Change the designs so they aren't just like everywhere else on the high street, but without significantly raising prices

[starfishmummy]

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear?

Yes

What's your overall opinion of it?

Good quality that lasts well.


If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy?

I am a fairly regular buyer - I buy mostly for the quality, the fit (which suits ds) and the value (Ie may not be the cheapest, but wears well and lasts longer than other brands)

What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

I buy Tu, Boden, Landsend H&M

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors?

For boys trousers I look for the fit - ds is tall and skinny and requires room for incontinece pads.
Other items tend to be becuase I have seen something I like!

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why?

Mostly shop in store, occasionally on line.

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?

Usually see what takes our fancy. FOr basic stuff I might look on line first

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear?

The store I use does seem to have more stuff for girls or smaller boys so I would like to see more in the 10+ rnge; also the store I use seems to not keep in a good range of sizes and I ofthen return emopty handed.

~ 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 applicable

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ
MNHQ

[Elkieb]

Hello, well to answer the questions...

I have both bought kidswear from m&s and had it bought for my son who is 4 months old. My overall opinion is that it is good quality but that there could be more variety- a lot of the boys wear is pale blue or a similar colour. I buy other clothes from next, Mothercare, asda, h&m and pumpkin patch.

When I'm shopping for clothes I look for quality, style and price in a combination of these factors. I will pay more for nice clothes.

I tend to shop in store as I prefer to feel the fabric and see the clothes, and I do find the m&s site quite 'clunky'. I will browse online.

I think that the clothes in the Leicester branch are poorly displayed which makes if harder to shop, I think that the clothes cater better for girls than boys- I wanted to buy a sunhat and there was one in the boys and 4 in the girls. Was a bit annoyed as they didn't even have his size and that's only one example! The autograph range is lovely and I have bought a lot from there.

M&S signifies quality to me, and the baby clothes represent this well, which is why I will continue to buy from them.

Thank you

[pinkappleby]

~ 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?
he
yes, regular buyer, particuarly of boys clothes. It's reasonable enough quality, sensibly sized, nice designs that are not 'too old'. Most other clothes from Boots, H&M, Sainsburys. The main problem is that they are reguarly out of stock of the basics. I expect to be able to find my DS's size in socks/pants/vests/one design of PJs/school polos and often can't with staff with no clue when more will turn up.

~ 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 label. Yes to cost/quality/design/fit.

~ 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.

~ 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?

Get more sizes in for basic items (I don't normally find a problem with teh casual clothes). Also sometimes they have not had stuff in time e.g. I wanted a winter coat ready for starting school and the warm ones were in too late for that (I didn't need a black/blue one). I like that there are a few basics kind of label cheaper things. I buy more boys clothes because some of the girl's stuff is not very practical e.g. floaty skirts or a bit off trend.

~ 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?

It's fine. I like the vests, but sometimes struggle to get long sleeved ones which I buy all year round.

[tbh8169]

I am not very keen on M&S for kids or adults, do pop in sometimes, but not the typical customer.Like Debenhams kids ranges, duffer st george, Matthew williamson, john rocha, lots of colour and different designs, and not so obvious among other kids, who many wear clothes from M&S. also like mini boden for style, quality and more unique from the high street fashion.

[StillSquiffy]

I think that M&S have been all over the place in recent years when it comes to kidswear, and there is a clear disparity between boyswear and girlswear.

Girlswear M&S had the Catamini look a couple of years ago, then the Boden look, and is now going through what looks like a Monsoon phase of styling. I have liked them all, and they are all much better than the boring stuff previously. It would however be nice if M&S could get into a style 'groove' and stay there (or, like Catamini, get into a colour palette and stay there) - until they do that, everything is chopping and changing from one season to the next, and I cannot 'add' pieces to an established wardrobe, so have to justify buying whole outfits (which means that M&S are not getting the impulse buys as much as they would otherwise). but on the whole, good stuff, good quality and pricing OK.

Boyswear I avoid like the plague. Really really childish designs, boring, very small sizing, and quality no better than ASDA. M&S should take a look at Fat Face and JohnnieB/Boden to get an idea of designs that children want from about yr3 up. At the moment I can go into M&S and find £200-worth of girls clothing that I'd consider buying. And nothing in the boys section.

It is also clear as day that the girls design team do not talk to the boys design team, either, as there is no consistency between the two.

[TimeForMeAndDD]

~ 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 of M&S kidswear, and I love it. The quality is good and the prices are reasonable and the sizing is accurate. Customer Service is also excellent so I can buy with confidence, knowing if an item doesn't fit properly or doesn't withstand a wash, I can either get an exchange or a refund. I also buy from 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?!

Cost and quality are equal factors when it comes to buying kids clothes. Next would be fashionable or on trend. DD is at that age!

~ 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 both online and instore. I like online shopping as I can there is a wider choice. I then order to be delivered to store then collect, avoiding delivery charge.

~ 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 already buy school wear and my daughter likes the jersey bootleg trousers but the quality isn't very good as they bobble after a couple of wears/washes. Although I do like the quality of clothes I do think they could be a little bit more 'trendy'. Also, my local store seems to sell a heck of a lot of hoodies and jogging bottoms for DD's age (11-12) and very little of anything else. I do also think the clothes could be a little bit cheaper, I pay as much for DD's clothes as I do my own sometimes, but they fit me for a lot longer than they do 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?

N/A

[TheScottishPlayer]

~ 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 quite a few things over the years and have been quite happy with it. I'd really like to see a better variety of trousers for boys though. I've got a very slim (and short) 3 year old and it's really difficult to find trousers for him that aren't jeans or chinos. More casual trousers are often far too wide/crotch too low etc. More trousers suitable for play would be brilliant - ones with a proper drawstring, reinforced knee and/or jersey lined. Also, the weather in the UK (particularly here is Scotland) isn't always scorching, so thicker trousers being available Spring/Summer would be handy. Casual trousers are often paper thin from about March onwards!

I often shop in John Lewis, Boden, Boots and Frugi. But am fed up having to buy expensive trousers because the cheaper ones just don't fit.

~ 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?!

Fit, colour and style. Bright clothes for boys that aren't covered in slogans.

~ 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?

Bit of both.

~ 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?

The boys clothes could be brighter - there's a lot of navy.

~ 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 much baby blue/baby pink/neutral. More brights, primary colours etc for boys and girls would be good.

[BiscuitNibbler]

~ 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've bought quite a lot, but I find that the length of clothes (tops, dresses, skirts and trousers) are very short, so I have to really look at what I am buying. I often have to get the next age up in order to get enough length, and then I find that things are too baggy at the waist, so I find I have stopped buying skirts and trousers. However, the odd thing is massively big, which makes it more of a trouble buying things! My mum often buys DD clothes but I have had to ask her not to buy at M&S as the sizing is so unpredictable. My DD has just turned 3, and I had to buy M&S cardigans in 4-5 to get the length, but a M&S dress she received as a present is size 3-4 and swamps her. I tend to buy her clothes in Debenhams (Blue Zoo, Ted Baker etc), a few bits from Next, Monsoon, JoJoMamanBebe and supermarkets.

~ 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?!

A combination really. Sometimes the lowest priced items (e.g. from a supermarket) have been the best quality and wash and wear the best. I look for colour /design most, and items that are long enough (DD is 95th percentile for height).

~ 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 mainly in store so that I can see the lengths. I do look online, but for M&S I would never be able to buy DD something online as the sizing is so unpredictable.

~ 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 you need to sort out the sizing - make it consistent and not too short. I do like M&S children's clothes, and DD does have quite a few bits from there, but I tend to look at other shops first because of these issues. I would like to see more "staple" items - less character clothes, more variety of colours.

~ 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 found the baby ranges very disappointing, poor quality, and far too expensive when compared to other stores.

[WhippingGirl]

I buy quite a bit of kids wear from marks for my dd who is 2.5. I think the quality is excellent do far. I have lawned the hard way the couple of pounds extra for a packet of vests is worth it for the condition they are in after a few weeks washing! With the vests I'm sure I could identify them in a blind test! They did a pink spectrum pack a while back I really liked because dd lived the dark intense pink :-)

Last summer dd had an outfit with blue ruffled leggings and a sleeveless smock top with yellow flowers which she wore to loads of formal occasions and has stacks of compliments every time. The reasons I loved putting it on her so much were 1, it wasn't pink, 2, it wasn't a dress but looked very smart and pretty. Dd is quite rough and tumble and I hardly ever make her wear a dress. I have been impressed recently with the girls clothes. Plenty of choice and lots of imaginative designs that are not too twee. Dd had a gorgeous swim set with matching beach shoes in a bright blue flower print last year too.

Now she is a bit bigger I do look in despair at all the branded crap marks sell now. Hello kitty and peppa pig etc. I suppose you have to as all the big chains do but I hate them and they make the dept look cheap.

Another compliant is that the Plymouth branch is a but cramped and not that pram friendly and why are the toys now 3 floors away???

I think now Mothercare is failing that marks could pick up the slack if they expand the baby and kids sections

[WhippingGirl]

Ooops. Other shops I but from are jojo, joules, next and occasionally h&m. I also travel to the next city to shop in gap kids (v worth while when they have the 30% off sessions) and russell and Bromley

[colditz]

I have one thing to say about M & S boyswear - you didn't address it when I told you several years ago, and you won't address it now.

But hey ho, here goes.

YOur boys' range looks like it has been designed by the Primark designers, to be cheap, chearful, and to appeal to the 'lower socio-economic groups'. Which is fine ... except it has clearly been priced by Johnny Boden.

People do not want to pay a lot of money for their sons to look like they have been dressed in Primark. I love Primark, don't get me wrong - but the main appeal of Primark is the £1.50 t-shirt. I am not paying £16 for a hoodie that is identical to one I picked up at Primark 2 years ago for £3.50, and neither will anyone else.

[maxpower]

~ 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 do relly like it - the sizing is good, the designs are lovely but some designs/ranges can be a bit expensive, which is prohibitive. I buy quite a lot of childrens clothes at George (Asda) Tu (Sainsbury's) Matalan 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?!
All of the above, but cost would take precedence. Not so bothered about label

~ 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?
mainly shop in store but if I'm looking for something specific, I might browse on line.

~ 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?
the price is the biggest factor for me - but some of the childrens M&S ranges are already competetively priced

~ 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 was really disappointed at the lack of choice in neutral/unisex baby clothes. White is a really unpractical colour and the creams/beiges are boring.

[TuttoRhino]

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. Mainly buy PJs, socks & underwear. The clothing is often too fussy for me or too pink. I tend to like bright colours. My favourite brands are Polarn o Pyret, Smafolk, Molo and Duns Sweden. Basics I get from 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?!

Colour / design, quality, style, cost.

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?

She's about to turn 3 so shopping is a painful experience. I buy most things online. She's a standard size so I don't need to worry about them fitting.

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 buy girl's clothing. I'd like more bright coloured basics in good quality cotton - long and short sleeved tshirts and leggings.

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 unisex ranges - polka dots, stripes, animals. I had a lot of M&S sleepsuits and while the quality was good, I found the patterns uninspiring.

[brawhen]

~ 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?

Regularly buy as there is a shop very close to me - I grocery shop online so am not regularly in a supermarket, which would probably be alternative place to shop. I also get alot of charity shop stuff- but less now for older DS1 (coming up 6) as there is much less about for older children.

M&S has overall decent quality. Almost all DS1's school uniform is from there. Washes well. School trousers go through at the knees (should have an internal patch/lining). Cheap school uniform looks so shoddy it is see-through though - I haven't bought that.

Have had one pair of school shoes from there - were good. I'd like to buy again - but no gore-tex / waterproof winter school shoes.

Sizing seems a little odd - DS1 seems to need up an age size in tops and down a size in trousers.

Biggest disappointment is that there is far to much branded / cartoon character / slogan stuff in the non-uniform stuff - continues to surprise me that even M&S clothes are like this. I want much more plain / bright coloured kids stuff. I'd like them to go more 'scandinavian kidswear' style and less 'primark' style. Also so much fussy detail with fakey pockets etc. Cut the design crap and just put the money in to the fabric quality...

Also could only find 'shower proof' and no waterproof winter coats there. And no lined trousers. This is Scotland - would have thought that stock would be obvious.

~ 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, quality and style. Style as in looks 'childlike' and not covered in slogans / characters etc. I don't want to pay for Thomas the Tank royalties. I don't want to pay for fussiness that isn't functional. I want to pay for decent fabric and washability.


~ 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?

Generally in store, and don't really plan in advance - have an idea along lines of "DS1 needs next-size jeans and long sleeve t's". Online if have any very specifc requirement. Generally don't involve DCs in decision - they are young (3 & 5) and not very interested.


~ 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?

For boys - plain, colourful clothes in good quality fabric that wash well. Coats selection could be miles better. Shoes, socks & pants could be much better organised as racks always v messy and can never find the right sizes.


~ 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?

Baby ranges (for young babies) were nice quality - babygros particularly nice. But quite pricy compared to primark etc, and not much advantage in having top quality for youngest babies who give no wear to clothes but just grow & grow. Primark was top choice for young toddler trousers - lined trousers for £1.50 in v soft fabric were handed down between two of my DS's and were top favourites. M&S trousers for this age group were too structured / stiff / lumpy feeling.

[mckenzie]

~ 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 because I understand M&S sizings, I like the fact that DS can try it on ta home and I can return it/exchange it no hassle.

~ 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?!

a mixture of all of them. Most important is the willingness of the child to wear it. Mine are drawn to your adverts and choose outfits from advertising quite a lot.

~ 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?

On line if I'm browsing and looking for ideas. In store if I have a particular need i.e. school trousers, plain white t shirt etc

~ 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 they definitely have a better girls range than boys but then isn;t that try of all chidlrens clothing ranges.

~ 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?
can't really comment as past that stage.

[NoSleepPleaseWeAreParents]

Very happy to buy M&S kids clothes when they have nice ranges. Baby clothes were good, although far too much pink & cute or blue & cheeky sets (some variation please!)
Sometimes bright colours can be found for boys, but more needed if I am to be a regular buyer. Like other posters I search for shops that DON'T have 'my little boy is a monster/monkey/pirate'/sludge colour clothes.
Generally happy with price and quality. Any chance any shop out there could think beyond suit/tie combination for little boy smart wear? Anyone?!
I also shop at Verbaudet, JoJo Maman et Bebe, John Lewis. TU clothing at Sainsbury's.
Hope that's of some use,
Yours,
1 v frustrated buyer of little boys clothes

[FionaSR]

I but lots of the under fives stuff for my youngest and did for the other 2 also.
But the older stuff is too fussy, added bows and bits, too many logos, transfers etc
I buy gap, joules, boden mainly but if the older stuff was as good as the little ones, would buy more m&s.
Still get socks and underwear for them there. Pjs depends on the logos again!

[wizzler]

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 do buy M&S kidswear. All stock items of school uniform come from you because they are good value and hardwearing ( especially boys trousers) . For casual wear I buy stuff from sainsburys, next etc . I do find ,M&S stuff expensive: good quality but that is not so important when they grow out of it ( or spill ribena on it) so quickly.

~ 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 an issue. DS will only wear soft, jogging type bottoms, not fashionable stuff like jeans. You do some fab stuff for under 6 age, but now he is 7 the waist is not adjustable so I go elsewhere. I cannot find him soft trousers with adjustable waist anywhere,.. if you sold them I would pay a premium. DD likes pretty, frilly things, and you do a good age appropriate range. I hate "tarty clothes" on little girls

~ 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 buy uniform on line because local store ( Fargate, Sheffield) never has full stock of the right age. I collect in store but your order and collect service is TERRIBLE.. I spend most of my lunch hour behind someone dithering between ordering a blue top or a black one !. Casual clothes : I browse and buy in store. Trousers for DS: an unending search on line ( see above)


~ 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?
Clothes for slim boys over 7. Cheaper Basics range ( shorts and t shirts etc). Warm waterproof coats for girls in the winter.. can find waterproof, or warm but not both. Would "Mummy and Daughter" range be too much do you think ? DD loves to copy me , so matching T Shirts or swimming costumes would make her day

~ 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 sometimes buy babywear for friends with babies, I think it is beautiful !

[RufousBartleby]

I have bought a few things. My overall opinion is that the quality is good and there are some nicely designed pieces. I tend to buy if there is something particular that catches my eye. I use supermarkets for other basic pieces.

As I have a younger child the important factors for me are things like: How soft the fabric is; Is it easy to get over the head; is there a scratchy label on it; are the sleeves stretchy; will it be easy to do up etc.

I often look online and then go in to the store if something has caught my eye.

I think M&S caters better for girls than boys - this is certainly the stuff that always seems to be in the sale anyway. I went in to a large M&S today and I found the way the childrenswear was laid out was a bit confusing and off-putting. I was on my way to work with limited time and nearly left because I couldn't find what I was looking for. The boys and girls stuff was on separate sides of the childrens section, but the boys underwear was with the girls underwear on the girls side of the section.

A wider selection of none gender specific baby wear would be good as I sometimes look to buy M&S babywear for expectant friends.

[Sabriel]

~ 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? Bought a whole load of M&S stuff for DD (5) just before Xmas. Impressed with it on the whole. Washes well and looks nice. I particularly like their socks. Other brands/ shops tend to be TKMax, Sainsburys, Asda and 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?! Often it comes down to cost. Otherwise it depends what takes my eye. I like bright colours and/or slightly unusual styling. I'm not fussy about brands - I'm quite happy to buy supermarket clothes. I don't like 'tarty' clothes for little girls or logoed ones. She's got some Hello Kitty and Peppa Pig but that is where i draw the 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? I mainly shop instore for children's clothes but have bought Boden online. I don't check online before I go to the shop, but prefer to shop instore because I'm never sure what size to buy. When buying online I always check the comments by an item to see whether previous purchasers are saying the sizing is big or small. I bought some of her school uniform from M&S and having bought 3 pinafores in 3 different styles in the same size one was far too small and I had to take it back.

~ 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? All shops seem to cater for younger girls 2-3 ish better than those in DD's age-range, and that includes M&S. I would buy more often if it was a bit cheaper

~ 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? My last baby is 5, so I haven't looked at the baby range for a while. TBH I wasn't impressed with it. It was very expensive for what it was and far too pink/ blue/ white.

[trixymalixy]

~ 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 generally have a good opinion, the clothes are good quality, but maybe a tad overpriced. I buy from Zara, primark, 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?! for me it's a combination of price, quality and design. I like classic children's clothes and hate character clothing.

~ 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 bit of both really, the biggest problem is that the things I like seem to be out of stock either instore or online.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? I quite often would like to buy but they don't have the size I am looking for in the store. 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? I think they are good, I particularly like the fold over cuffs on the sleep suits.

[bellabelly]

My boys started school in September and I've been v impressed with the schoolwear (grey trousers, white polo shirts, grey socks) I bought from M&S - good quality and good price (it was a special deal though - 50% off uniform, if I remember. I would not have bought at full price!

Baby clothes - fine but bit dull, too much blue and pink. Some naff cartoony designs on toddler clothes put me off buying. For my 2 toddler girls, I have seen some nice summer dresses but didn't buy because it didn't seem like good value for money. 2 pairs of jeans I bought recently for my girls have already badly ripped at the knees - to be fair, the girls are always crawling around but I still would have expected the denim to be a bit tougher!

M&S are great for cheap basics like dressing gowns, slippers, plimsolls etc as well as winter coats and sometimes sweaters. I tend to buy online because with 4 kids under 5, it is not much fun dragging them round the shop with me.

[cece]

~ 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?


What I really really want to buy, but can't find anywhere, are girls nightdresses with shoestring straps. You did some ages ago but haven't had any in for years. My 11 year old is still squeezing herself into 7 year old size.