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

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? YES What's your overall opinion of it? Good for smaller boys. If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? Cartoon charcters on the tshirts! And nightwear. If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? Boden. John Lewis.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Washability and has to be good quality. I will pay more f it can be worn by 2 boys!

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? Mixture. 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? Really depends. Kids like to impulse buy. I buy ahead with Quidco and pick up in store.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their ? More Boden esque copies at a good price (sorry!) Or buy it more often if you already buy it? I would love decent trousers in a aridity of leg lengths lik school trousers. Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? More sports casual clothes, like long shorts, surfelr tees and more shoes! Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Definitely appeals to my four year old more than my six year old. Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? Definitely better for girls!

~ 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 bought lots of bby clothes from there, mainly in 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 buy my son a lot of clothes from M&S, I buy from there for 2 main reasons firstly where I live it's one of only a handful of shops that sell decent boys clothes and secondly I find that the quality is very good and the clothes tend to last very well. I also buy from Gap, Boden, John Lewis and Next. Although I have to say that of those I buy very little from Next as I have found that the range has become very 'chavvy' over the past few years. I particularly like M&S school wear and remarkably the price of many of these items has gone down over the years.

~ 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 always a key point but not a deal breaker, I'd rather pay a bit more and get something that looks good, fits properly and washes well. The design is very important and I think that bright colours and patterns always look good on children

~ 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 shopping on the high street than online as you can instantly see the colours and feel the material, it's also much easier to gauge size when you can see it. My son hates shopping so I tend to pick everything

~ 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 need to change the range often it's awful when you see the same items in store months and months after first seeing them. I like to see things nicely displayed - not like a supermarket. The boys clothes are not bad but I think that M&S is as guilty as other shops in thinking that boys don't need a good range of stylish practical clothes like girls! I think that if M&S did something innovative like the kids den you find in the White Stuff it would become a fun place to shop and one that the kids liked going to instead of having to be dragged

~ 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 soft jersey ranges for baby at M&S but it's all very similar so if you you don't like it you're stuck. On the whole Its all very 'safe' and some funky colours and patterns would be good. I also hate the cartoon character ranges across all ages and don't think M&S should have ever gone down this route

~ 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 often, its the faithful brand that I can always rely on. Overall, good quality, pretty good prices and school uniform is excellent!

~ 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 is definitely the most important factor but the others above all need to be taken into account.

~ 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? Would love to shop instore but we only have a small store nearby with limited boys clothes so tend to buy the odd bit instore but more online.

~ 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 girls fare better than boys overall, would love to see my local store stock more but practically thats not going to happen!

~ 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? Love baby ranges, plenty of variety and colour.

~ 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 buy it, the frequency varies, depending on what styles are in store down here (Cornwall). I generally like it, good quality, well cut and nice materials. I also buy from Sainsburys, Next, H&M, Fat Face & John Lewis

~ 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?!
Definitely a combination! I'll pay a bit more for something I love, especially now having two boys, I pay a bit more to ensure a decent hand me down. I look for bright colours in ALL ages, although I've noticed that for older boys there is a very limited selection of anything in colour - it's all green/brown/navy/grey etc. It's just so drab. My eldest (6) loves red, orange and it's getting harder to find.

~ 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 more in store but have ordered online when I am certain of sizing and quality. I don't always take the boys as Lord knows what we'd come home with of their choosing! There's not always much point in seeing what's on M&S online as the stock in Cornish stores can be pretty hit and miss, you have to wait and see.

~ 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?
We absolutely loved the recent stormwear jackets in red, yellow and blue, it would have been nice to see something similar in the older age bracket. I cannot bear cheeky monkey style pictures, or fake sportswear logos on childrens clothing, but love pattern and plain colours. Stripes feature heavily in the wardobes of my sons! Like the value ranges, most recently the fleece tops with large poppers - brilliant. Possibly more in the way of offers, maybe a loyalty card sort of thing, like you do with the greeting cards. Stamp everytime you spend, say, £10 and then after a number of stamps 20% off your next purchase.

~ 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 baby wear you do is very sweet, but pastel heavy. Multipacks are always a winner, would be nice to find more colour again! When DS2 was tiny I adored a set of very very soft trousers and tops, one in red and white stripe, and one in navy. I also like that your vests go up to a 2-3, as I have a reluctant potty trainer! I think that more luxurious basics in the baby range would be nice, H&M do matching wrap vest bodysuits and snug fit trousers, DS2 lived in these when a newborn. Maybe a parenting club thing, in the way that Tesco/Boots do? If you hook a new parent in with a discount/voucher, they will always look at your clothes!

I regularly buy underwear for DC. The quality is good and value for money. I tend to shop in Next, Superdry, Jack Wills, H & M, the Gap and Boden.

Choices tend to be made as a result of a combination of factors. I'm not as bothered by brands as DD is!

I shop online and instore. I will only shop online where the brand has really set themselves up for online retailing. Unfortunately when I tried ordering DD some clothes online from an M & S sale it was a very poor experience. The website appeared to accept the order, but over the course of the next few days I was sent emails telling me that everything barring on item was sold out. You should have a better stock control system than this. I won't order online with M & S again.
I do use the website to see whats new but local store is quite small so doesn't stock everything anyway.
I think one of the reasons that I only buy underwear and occasionally other items is the age ranges of your clothes. My DD is nearly 12, she doesn't want to wear something that she might see a 7 year old wear. There seems to be too many tracksuit bottoms and hoodies in the ranges as well, nothing very imaginative.
I also find that trousers don't fit my DD. She always has to buy M & S trousers with adjustable waists, this ruins the fit, and your skinny jeans aren't really skinny. I think you need to recognise that some children are quite thin and cater for them as well, maybe have different waist measurements without the need for the adjustable waists.

Have only purchased babywear recently as gifts but it seems limited to pink, blue and cream, why limit the colours?

~ 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 been buying baby clothes for my DD1. I like what I have bought, the quality is nice, I find the clothes are true to size so she doesn't grow out of them too quickly. I also buy from Next and Frugi, haven't had to buy much else as she is the first baby in the family for a while and everyone is going bananas!

~ 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 would say a complicated combination of all of them! At the moment my DD is under 1 so I don't like to spend too much, she is out of them too quickly! Once she gets a bit older I would spend more to get good 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 have bought online, because I don't have a car and that makes it easy for me. If I happen to be in store I just have a browse and see what is there.

~ 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 don't buy baby pink/frilly clothes for DD and also usually prefer the cut of boy's clothes, particularly trousers and dungarees etc. I'd love to see bright funky clothes for girls that are more in the style of boy's clothes, so no puffed sleeves or such like, just sensible cuts.

~ 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? See above as I have only bought baby clothes so far. I've got a few things I love from M&S for DD in her current size, but I don't like girly-girly stuff and found that this season when I went in recently to buy 9-12 month clothes there was not a lot that I liked.

~ 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. The clothes seem nice and some are surprisingly good value. I like being able to buy school uniform in fairtrade cotton. I don't buy many brand new kids' clothes, but always check M&S if I want something specific. I used to buy Mini Mode from Boots and have recently bought kids' clothes from H&M and Sainsburys too.

~ 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?!

Definitely a combination. I'm not fussed about brands and labels though.

~ 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 because I don't like paying for delivery. I sometimes check prices online before going shopping.

~ 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're quite good for boys compared to some other places. In our particular store, the kids' clothes are on the 2nd floor, which is awkward with the lift and they're rather spread out which can make things hard to find.

~ 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 haven't looked at the baby ranges for a while. We were given some very nice sets which were very good value and wore well.

~ 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 is positive - its good quality and hard wearing with nice designs (cute for babies/toddlers up to cooler stuff for older (primary) kids). M+S is my staple for schoolwear and underwear - usually buy something else whilst I'm doing that too. I used to buy more when my eldest DC was younger as I find it suits his shape (good for slighter frame), but doesn't suit my youngest (rugby player build!). I tend to shop whilst food shopping (the only shopping I seem to do) so tends to be Tesco, Sainsburys - I like Boden stuff too so will order from there (in sale). Just started looking about a bit more for more stylish clothes for my DC so have been nosing back in M+S, Debenhams, Next and 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?!
Fit, design/style, cost, durability, not too much of a label fiend (obviously...see supermarket shop queen as above) but does play a role.

~ 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 while food shopping - mostly due to the opportunity/ease. Tend to go and see what takes my fancy. Will browse catalogues/online if I'm looking for something specific.

~ 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 some of the non-school wear is quite expensive - compared to supermarket stuff which tends to be as durable. I think M+S stuff generally has better designs but I'd be more likely to go to H+M if I wanted something a bit more 'trendy' and reasonably priced for my 7yo. I think I've got into a rut of buying cheap supermarket stuff though so anything else seems relatively expensive - even though its not all that bad really. Maybe having a cheaper range to entice lazy supermarket shoppers like me in, who would then likely buy other stuff too. I find the M+S website for kids a little bit blah maybe. Takes too long to browse through, not enough instantly seeing what you're looking for.

~ 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?
Haven't bought any M+S babywear for a good while - always tended to go to mothercare as I liked the fit there. Had a few M+S things but they didn't fit as nicely as Mothercare for my DC1 (and DC2 just got DC1's cast-offs!).

Sorry can I add - possibly the problem I have with the website is that I don't think the pictures do the clothes justice. I never feel I want to buy anything on the website (except tried and tested schoolwear) - but find I do in the shop.

Now my DD is 13 the only thing I've bought in a few years is a navy blue cotton knit school jumper. I bought it online last November and it's faded terribly.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? Yes, lots of vests and sleep suits, also underwear and socks. Occasionally the odd item of girlswear. Lots of school wear.

What's your overall opinion of it? great for uniform, great for underwear, you did some fantastic girls pants a year or so ago, stripy shorts with an elastic band on the waist saying super cool, they are the best fitting pants ever, sadly haven't seen them in stock again. I wish that you carried more stock of fewer lines on the underwear, I regularly find pants/socks/vests/bodysuits/sleep suits that I like only to find that you don't have them in any of my 3 children's sizes. Ranges are changed so frequently that you never get to go back and buy more of the same, I would love to stock up in larger sizes once I've tried them out.

If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? Good quality products, I particularly like the new autograph underwear, especially the boys white trunks. My husband wants some in his size please!

If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? I don't buy the boyswear as i don't like cartoon branding on clothes and the shape of the trousers isn't good on my son - too narrow on the waist/wide on the hips. I find the girlswear to be over embellished, too much in the way of embroidery, cartoons, slogans, overall flounciness. Some of the older girls stuff is bordering on tarty.

What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? Gap, esprit, Polarn o pyret, John Lewis, mother care.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Style, quality, cost. 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? In store, I like to see before I buy.

~ 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 like bold colours and simple shapes on my children - bright colours, stripy tops (pop is perfect but expensive)

~ 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 used to buy tons of sleep suits and all of the children's pj's at M&S. I go to mother care now for these things, they have bright colours and funky graphic designs. The blue and pink and embroidered teddy business at m&s looks old fashioned and unappealing. Would love to buy more from you - simplify the shapes, sharpen up the colours and I'll be in heaven :-)

~ 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 not a regular buyer, but I have bought in the past. Overall opinion, too much tat, but some nice pieces in amongst it all. School uniform quite good, pants, vests, tights all poor quality.

~ 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?!

Most important factors for me are cost, quality and design. I don't care about the label, and in fact don't like buying anything that is effectively a walking advertisement for the manufacturer (think GAP sweatshirts....).

~ 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?

Both. I work pretty much full time and try not to hit the shops at the weekend, so do a lot of online shopping. Having said that, I often pop into m&s on the high street, and pick up what appeals as I see it. Online shopping includes m+s pick up 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?

I think m+s baby ranges are nice. Pretty much hate a lot of the boys stuff (too much branding, logos and theme characters. All too busy.) and I find a lot of the girls stuff a bit trashy, and verging on the inappropriate (I particularly hate the sparkly party dresses that hit the rails before Christmas). Please improve the quality of your tights and vests, I go all the way to john lewis to buy them (out of my way). Please provide clothing that isn't covered in Ben10/Peppa/Spongebob et al. Shoes used to be better, I find them now so poor, I don't even bother to look at them any more. Next does shoes better (although, again, very hit and miss in terms of age appropriateness I find....).

~ 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 has been a while since I have shopped for baby clothes, but I do occasionally buy items for presents, and have always thought it was a good range.

Summary: The hits are great, the misses are terrible. I probably shop more at H+M than M+S, especially for boys. For shoes, I would go to H+M or Next, M+S have provided me with absolutely nothing in that department. Less acrylic in the knitwear please. Dump some of the tv characters please, and stick to basics. Girls Indigo range is a step in the right direction for me.

~ 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 bits. I think it's on the expensive end of what I will pay but the quality is worth it. I buy from there as they are one of the few kids' wear stockists in my town but also because the pieces I have from there have washed and worn really well and I appreciate the quality. I also buy from M&Co, Tesco/Sainsbury's, charity shops and places like Boden/Joules if I can get really good money-off deals.

~ 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, style. I won't buy cheap but naff things, or stylish but very expensive. I like something a little unusual, subtle but funky design, nice thick cotton if possible (but will buy flimsier things if I like the look of them and it's just a t-shirt or something short-lived).

~ 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, I like to see the sizing. Online ranges bear no resemblance to stock in my local stores so no point researching beforehand.

~ 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 struggled to find baby boy's pyjamas (not sleepsuits) and I think the girls' stuff is better than the boys'. I would like some 'deals' like your meal deals - so a top/trousers/socks combo or something for a set price.

~ 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're sized quite large, nice fabric, slightly insipid pinks and blues in the newborn ranges. However the vests, sleepsuits and muslins from M&S were the best I had from anywhere and I always buy presents from there. I also got a lovely knitted cotten blanket which again was great quality for the price. I would like more boys' knitwear.

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 probably about 50% of DD's clothes from M&S, partly because the shop is on the street in town where I most often go for lunch from work! But I buy the clothes because they are decent quality and I like the styles. I don't like everything, but there is usually a few items that I like enough to buy. I also buy school uniform and nightwear from M&S. I also buy some clothes from Boden, Gap, John Lewis, Boots, Mothercare and sometimes Next, but I find the ranges for my daughters age range in Next less appealing than when she was younger.

~ 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'm not too bothered by brand and will happily buy clothes from supermarkets if I like them for example, but I probably wouldn't buy very expensive clothes. I look for a nice quality, something that will wear well, I don't like clothes that are too 'fashiony' or grown up, I also dislike a lot of the clothes with transfer type pictures and for some reason don't like pictures of people on clothes - much prefer simple designs or animal/nature type prints. My DD has quite unusual colouring too so suits some colours more than others.

~ 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 in shops so you can have a good look at things, but I quite like Debenhams and John Lewis for online shopping - partly because my nearest Debenhams is dreadful in the store and JL is a bit far to go.

~ 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'd agree with the posters who would like to see more mix and match options with M&S, too many of the clothes are very outfit orientated and I struggle to put them with other things. I quite like the £5 off offers that have cropped up a few times, it probably has swayed me to buy when I was in two minds. I would like to see some key staples in more basic plain colours - like t-shirts and leggings. Generally though I quite like the look and feel of the clothes for my daughters age (5) they are still quite cute and pretty without being too childish, but equally I don't want to dress her in more sophisticated looking clothes either.

~ 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 haven't bought any for a while, but the impression I get in store is a sea of pale pink or pale blue - but dull, I like to see more individual, brighter clothes on babies personally.

Regular buyer, quality is very good, washes and tumble dries well, lovely designs (particularly for girls).

We also buy from H&M, Tesco, Sainsbury's, JoJoMamanBebe, GAP (sale only), Debenhams, Boots, Mothercare, and Pumpkin Patch before it closed down.

What do I look for? Adjustable waists on skirts and trousers, and roll-ups on trousers! So hard to find that I nearly always buy any that I see!

Apart from that, decent quality T-shirts that aren't really thin, tumble-dryable, no logos, no fluffy kittens / no sparkly bits / no skulls or pirates.

Shop in stores and online. My local store doesn't stock that much so if I haven't found what I want then I tend to buy online. Also I get the e-mails with vouchers on them so then that prompts me to shop online. Free collection and returns to store are brilliant and a big plus for me.

If I see something I like online then I will tend to order it rather than make a trip to the store to find out it's not in stock. I just order it into the store to collect then, if I have the children with me, try it on in the changing rooms and then can return if doesn't fit, while I'm there.

What else would I like?

Please please please get some more yellow poloshirts in stock. The smaller sizes have been out of stock every time I have looked since September.
More designs without transfers on them. Some are ok, but I can get put off if nearly every T-shirt I see is like that. Just ones with stripes would do me fine!
I tend to buy more girls clothes from there, and just trousers for my son. So please invest more in the boys clothing design. My daughter is 5 and my son is 2 so I can't comment on the older children's designs.
I have frequently found two-packs of tops or leggings or tracksuit bottoms where I like one design and not the other so then I don't buy it. I know it makes it seem better value but I would really rather you sold them separately. This happens a lot with me at M&S now I come to think of it.

Baby range: The main thing I remember about the sleepsuits was that they are incredibly long in the legs compared to any other brands we bought! We bought baby socks, and lovely soft fleecy hooded tops and cardigans 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?
I have brought occasionally throughout the year, I probably buy about 3-4 items a year. I don't tend to pop into m&s for casual clothes I go for certain items like a new coat or start of the year shoes for the kids. I think the image of m&s kids clothes isn't that of clothes to wear to get messy & play or relax in but more to look nice and last. I mostly buy kids clothes from next, h&m or m&co.

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 the most important factor is design, my kids are young so will quickly outgrow them, so although quality is important it's not top. I buy bright fun colours greens, oranges or purples, with a good print or design. I'm beyond fed up of character t-shirts or "I'm so cute", "I love my mummy" and tractor or car design 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?
For m&s I have never gone online first before buying, I'd rather go instore as I'm not an everyday customer. However I do for the other shops mentioned 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?
Yes, please get some new young fresh designers in, I don't just want mini versions of what adults and teenagers wear, or pictures of bears and vehicles. I want bold unique prints and colour. I defiantly think your older boys range is much better than your babies and toddler range & as both my Boys are four or under m&s doesn't lure me in. I think all shops favor little girls clothes over the boys though.

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?
Rubbish to be honest, it's all the same, pale blue, cream or pink. I don't want to dress my kids in clothes the colour of toilet roll. I want their clothes to be fun & look good in the pictures I take. I think m&s should look to the prints that next or Mothercare use for their bold sleepsuits ranges.

~ 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, maybe 6 yrs ago. I thought it was quite pricey, and the girls stuff is often very girly and PINK! Granted this may appeal to most girls but not to mine especially as she got to age 9 and beyond. She wanted something more edgy and neutral.

~ 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, style, cost, quality and not bothered by brand/label - in that order.

~ 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 pick up the odd piece in sales as I'm passing through, or I go to the shops with dd and she takes the lead.

~ 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?

Is there a teen range? My dd (13) would barely darken your doors now, except for the excellent starter bras and some underwear, leggings, and T-shirts - but now she wears an adult size 8.

~ 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 familiar with this, sorry.

~ 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 work near a branch and often go in and browse the kidswear on my lunchbreak. I find it hit and miss. Sometimes it's great and I love the items on offer, but other times it's bland and too character based or very "boy"ish with lots of blue and grey which I'm not keen on. (I only have a son).

Things I've liked from there have been socks and pants, I bought some really funky socks there which just have little details which make them slightly different, and the pants have a good mix of character prints (popular with potty trainers!) and more neutral designs. I like the way the character ones aren't just plain either, they have stripy backgrounds for example.

I find the multipacks of t-shirts good value and they seem to have a nice selection, unlike some where there are one or two nice ones and the rest are boring or impractical colours like plain white.

The character stuff is a bit too much for me, especially if it looks tacky. There was a nice Thomas hoodie in there recently which was really nice though, in a kind of retro style, it didn't look cheap and I would have bought it had we not already had enough jumpers.

What puts me off buying is: Bland colours, styles not to my taste (tacky character clothes, sporty clothes) and expense - I don't want to pay over £10 for a pair of trousers or a jumper/hoodie.

What I like: Bright, bold colours, something a bit different/unique, comfy looking clothes, multipacks which offer value for money.

Other brands: Next (only in sales or on multibuys, though), Boots (mainly in sales/multibuys but sometimes from regular rails), H&M, supermarkets, ebay.

~ 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?!

Combination generally. I won't pay more than £4-5 for a t shirt, and no more than £8-10 for a pair of trousers or a jumper/cardigan/hoodie, unless I really liked it. After that will be style or design. I probably wouldn't buy something if it looked bad quality or like it wouldn't last, but I've never really come across this in shops. TBH, they grow so quickly and DS doesn't wreck his clothes as a rule. I have to like the design which for me is bright colours, funky prints, not characters, slogans are okay, but they have to be child-appropriate, and I don't like ones which centre on things like "Next tantrum in 40 seconds" or "I'm noisy and messy because I'm a boy!"

~ 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 look in store because I don't want to pay postage costs and wait for items to arrive. Sometimes I browse online first, if I am bored online.

~ 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'm always looking for nice, comfy trousers which don't have silly fashion cuts (skinny jeans for a 3 year old??) or slogans or characters on. Tracksuit bottoms are okay but I prefer them to be plain or e.g. with one stripe, not multiple stripes or numbers etc. Unusual colours or shades are nice, like dark green, purple, orange, dark turquoise, nice rich browns. And again, under £10 if possible - I'd be willing to buy trousers in multipacks to reduce the cost too.

~ 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?

Haven't looked at the baby range for a couple of years now, so can't answer this one without looking at the website.

Sorry - to elaborate on the sock point, we've had some which when on make the feet look like crocodiles, and some animal ones where the animal's head comes up over the top of the sock - just little details which make them stand out from other brands.

Q1. Have you ever biught M+S kidswear?
A. Yes, I've bought schoolwear, pyjamas, thermals, and socks and tights etc in the past 6 m. Prior to that , in the past I bought some baby dresses and accessories. I am a regular buyer, but I don't buy the daywear, as there never seems to be anything I like, the colours are usually very bright and the clothes overly fussy and styled. I am happy with the quality of the things I've had lately though. Brandwise I buy a lot of small not well known brands but I also spend a lot at petit bateau (all their underwear and most pyjamas).
Q2.What are the most important factors when buying (etc). I really care about quality and design. Am very fussy about colours too. I don't care about labels other than that I do stick with a brand if it gives me what I'm looking for.I will pay more for things that last well and can be handed down.
Q3.Do you shop online (etc)
A. Yes, all the time. I rarely buy anything in a shop as I live in the back of beyond.
Q4.What would encourage me to buy more from M+S?
A. I would buy more girl's schoolwear if it was better styled and there was more choice. I avoid man-made fibres and that limits the choices a lot. I would also buy day dresses if there were more classic styles in softer colours and simple shapes. I'd love really good girl's knitwear as it is very hard to find.
Baby ranges-I can't comment as i haven't looked at them in a few years, my smallest child has just turned 5. I've bought baby cuddly toys though, and they have been really great.

Had to answer this as DS lives in M&S 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? Yes I have! I like the fit, colours, fabric, quality. DS is an average 6 3/4 years and size 6-7 fits him for trousers, shirts, shorts, school uniform! Hooray! I like cotton for children and I like age appropriate patterns. (GAP are you reading I do NOT want skulls on 6 year old PJS - I walk out of the shop at that point) I buy from John Lewis, Next (rarely), Tesco, Sainsbury and GAP (occasionally - see comment above).

~ 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 will be design (ie type of item, not fashion), quality, 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? Both and I am only just starting to let DS choose!

~ 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 like a budget range eg wellington boots. I have had to leave wellies and trainers at school. I want dead cheap basic ones. Very hard to get for boys in the right size (size 1) from anyone. I do not want to pay £12 for boots, trainers to be used 1 per week and left at school.

~ 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 did have baby range when DS was a baby. I remember them being a bit pale and washy!

I do buy sometimes but less so than I used to do. I find the constant sales off putting as its permanently like a jumble sale and I can't be bothered to try and find what I want/need for ds amongst the rails of left over stuff. I have to say that I get the impression that the clothes are now just priced in order to be discounted massively, which makes me less inclined to buy.

I do find some of the boys clothes of decent quality but dislike sludgy colours and horrid transfers and slogans. Also dislike cartoon and tv characters all over stuff. I would buy more bright colours and simple designs that don't include diggers, skulls, surf slogans etc - dull and stereotyped. I want nice quality cotton that washes well and I want nice, lively colours and designs that show a bit more imagination than 'boys = transport/action figure/slogan'.

I would also like to see more lovely accessories for boys as there are always lots of hats, scarves, beachwear etc for girls but often just boring functional stuff for boys.

I buy at john Lewis and h@m as well as next sometimes.

Baby things are good quality but again , where are the rainbow colours? I go to h@m for baby things as they do colours well and include nice baby brights and pattern in colours other than pink for dd.

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 buy M&S kidswear quite often; I like the quality and the prices...the Indigo range is great...what makes me buy is that I know the range is long lasting. I buy other clothes from Next, H&M and smaller independant cothing stores online.

~ 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 equally important but for me style tops all...if it's pretty I will be attracted as I have two girls but that does not mean that I only want pink and lacy.....I like practical too

~ 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 instore because I like to touch...I don't look online as I find photographs sometimes misleading...

~ 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?

M&S could have their kidswear section in the downstairs area...going up in lifts and escalators is not ideal with small children and I often get stessed out at the thought of it as once I am up in the kidswear area, I am further away from toilets etc.I would like to see far more traditional dresses for children....less of the heavily embelllished ethnic prints in duller colours...I don't like children in browns and dark shades. I think that smaller girls are far better catered for than older ones....once the girls hit 7 or 8 then there is less choice and the things seem too grown up. I like the socks and the vests and sleepwear but the sleepwear is too expensive and I never buy it.

~ 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 babywear is ok but it's not particularly inspiring, there is usually only one or two pretty dressed but I like the range of coats and that goes for all ages.