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

Just adding as further comments that as one other poster says, dungarees for girls would be great...they are hard to find and I would like them for my 4 year old as they're cute and practical...

~ 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. It's well made. I don't buy regularly, the styles tend not to appeal (a bit too hippyish for my girls). It is also quite expensive compared to some others, especially with fast growing children. I buy froma mix of places, supermarkets and gap, occasionally Debenhams etc.

~ 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 look for resilience, a style that I and they like, colours that we like.

~ 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?

Normally instore. Don't look online first.

~ 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?

Different styles. Less hippy girls clothes, more basic shapes and colours. One of my children hates anything with obvious logos.

~ 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?

They are pretty good, good quality. I'd like baby grows with built in scratch mits.

I like the quality and some of the colours, although there is too much that is only available in blue or pink. The main problem I have is that the sizes I want are usually out of stock both in store or online - very frustrating.

All children are aged 8-9 at some point in their life, normally after being 7-8 and before they are 9-10.

Please therefore make clothes for this age/size.

~ 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 quite a bit from M&S. I think it's goood quality, washes and tumble dries well and is good value for money. They have a good range of prices so you can buy some cheaper t shirts for undershirts and nicer shirts to go on top. I like that it is (in the main) kids clothes for kids as i hate kids looking like little adults (Next clothes are too grown up in a lot of cases i think and i don't like kids looking like fashion objects)

I also buy from Mothercare (though they've gone downhill recently) and sainsburys (who've got better recently!) Sometimes I get things from Next 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?!

Comfort (why do people put kids in skinny jeans?!)
Quality (wash and dryability)
Price
Must be washable in machine and tumble dryable

~ 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?

Never shop online, like to feel material.
Now DS is 2 he has a bit of a say in his clothes, as sometimes for no apparent reason he will just violently refuse to wear stuff!

~ 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 use a lot of vouchercodes stuff, i've never seen one on the kids range.
Advertise on MN (nice plug for MN ad buyer!!)

~ 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?

Nice but it's all pink, blue or white, be nice to see more bright colours.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? Yes What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? good quality, esp schoolwear. Good variety for girls and young boys, not so much for older boys. If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? Lack of variety now boys are older. What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? gap, next, 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?! Combination. If its Tshrts, then cost/design. If is trousers, quality and style. Im not bothered by labels

~ 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? Impulse buyer, rarely look online

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? more elasticated waists (I have skinny boys), plus more choice for older boys (mine are 9 and 12). 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? Boys smart casual clothing for older boys. Jumpers for boys (I dont always want them in hoodies!) Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Baby and U5s well catered for. Older boys are not Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? Girls have huge selection, boys not. Also, I have a teen DD, WHen she was 12/13, I wanted clothes that I would be happy with her wearing, but were still fashionable and attractive for her. A massive hole in the market I think

~ 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? No babies in this house!! But I always used to buy M&S babygrows as the quality was excellent and a good selection

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 it fairly regularly, I really like the Indigo range, they are well fitting and good quality. There is just too much pink for girls and blue for boys, DD looks a bit like a washed out marshmallow in too much pink! Mostly H&M, Gap, Debenhams.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
A combination of cost, quality, colour and design. DD grows too fast to spend too much on clothes, we have a wardrobe full of things she?s worn once and grown out of.

~ 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 instore, but look online to see what they have on offer. I?m not a big fan of the M&S website.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
They need to do a better range of colours and make some less ?girly girl? options would be good. And be a bit more consistent on sizes, I bought 2 outfits, one Autograph and one Indigo both 3 ? 4 and one fits the other doesn?t. They could also do some dinosaur or car prints for girls, please. DD is mad on dinosaurs and it?s really hard to find girls clothes with dinosaurs!

~ 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?
Again, the indigo range is lovely, just bought a few bits for my new DNeice. The petit bebe range is just too pink or blue. They need a better range of colours, not everyone wants to dress their baby girls like a marshmallow. Their vests are good quality, as are their baby grows but a better range of colours and designs would be good. The fit is pretty good in the baby ranges and they wash 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, I've bought various items over the past 6 years. It seems generally decent quality. I only buy items i Like, and either there are

~ 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?!
If I like the design then I look at the price.

~ 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?
Usually instore. Kids sizes are so variable I need to be able to try them on the kids 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 find that overall their clothes are too logoed, too decorated for my tastes. The girls are too girly, the boys too fussy. I tend to look for plain, basic items and most of what i find in M&S is unappealing. But I do find enough things I do like to keep looking.

~ 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 plain but colourful things. And as with older kids clothes, I'd like to be able to buy something that could be worn by either sex.

I have bought quite a few clothes for my son from M&S over recent years.
The things I particularly like are:
The quality and durability of the clothing.
The sizing.
The colours.
The use of cotton and other natural fibres.
Not having massive ugly transfers over everything.
M&S is one of the few shops where you can buy a decent jumper!

On a slightly different note. My DS is now 13 and has really outgrown your childrens range. Would you consider doing a teenage range? Clothes that are stylish, the same good quality but are not too extreme? He likes to wear smart jeans and shirts which tend to be expensive in places like Top Shop and River Island and aren't always that hard wearing. Thanks

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 regularly buy 8 yo dd's underwear and school uniform from M and S, I find the quality is the best for the price (cheaper undies will shrink and cheaper uniform bobbles). Her grandparents buy her an awful lot of clothes from the Indigo collection 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?!
I like nice age appropriate clothes. I find, for eg, Next to be far too old looking for dd. Their range seems t oextend from 5 yo to 16 yo, all in the same design. I do find M and S good quality as well.

~ 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?
Our M and S seems to have a teeny kids section so if I see something I like instore generally it's the wrong size so I'll order online to piuck up instore. I like that it's free to do that. If I'm after somehting specific I'll look online before popping in, to check what's available and what it costs.

~ 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 maybe consider extending the age ranges for some of the products. I bought my ds some fab pajamas there last year but they only went up to 2-3 and there was nothing comperable in the older boys range. I'm more thna happy with M and S charging more for larger sizes, if only they'd offer them. The boys section does seem more limited imo, but I'm pleased to see it's more colourful and not all camoflage and 'cheeky monkey' crap like other shops. My ds is a big Thomas fan so I like that there are always clothes with that character on available.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
I have a 6 week old and so far I like that there are sleepsuits in neutral colours, and that seem to go up to quite a big age (2-3 I think). I also lioke that it's not just blue and pink (though there is an awful lot of that too) and it's possible to get nice colourful basics. I still prefer H and M though as I do think M and S can be quite expensive for baby 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 found the school range quite good. My son wears a lot of this right now and it washes and wears well.

~ 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?!

To me it's about clothes that last. Also bright colours, especially for my son. I like things that don't proclaims he is a "monster" or that dd is a "princess". I really dislike gender stereotype clothes.

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

I shop online if I have shopped in store before. Otherwise I can get sizes way wrong. So I like shops in the first instance.

~ 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 things like school uniform deals before term begins is a great incentive for me to buy from you. I would also probably pick up other items when in there.

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

I don't have a baby so this is not really relevant

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 alot of my kids clothes from M&S, particularly for DS. The clothes are generally good quality and reasonably priced. I also buy clothes in Zara, H&M, Asda & Tesco & I buy expensive brands (like Abercrombie) 2nd hand from 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?!

The most important factor for me is that the clothes fit well & that they will wash well & not need hours of ironing.

~ 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 never take my DCs shopping with me - what a vision of hell!!! Unless it is for shoes, or for birthday clothes. I buy clothes that I think are appropriate for them. If they hate them, I'll keep the receipt & 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?

I'm not that keen on the girls clothes for some reason. Too much use of synthetic fabrics for my liking. My DD is very slim & I think M&S girls clothes are for a slightly rounder kind of girl. I find the fit for DD is better in Zara or H&M.

~ 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 baby range clothes for 8 years so can't comment.

~ 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 really like it, I like the style and the school uniform, in particular the trousers, 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, Quality, Colour/design, in that order. I dont care about labels.

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

I do a bit of research online, with DS's input. I steer him towards certain things and give him options. but I will BUY instore, DS is stocky build (and he really is) with short legs, so we need to see the clothes in RL.

~ 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 cater for girls better than boys tbh, the boys range seems to be much the sameness, that said, we do love the sleepwear. DS has the M&S red dragon/dinosaur dressing gown, and he adores 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?

Ive only ever bought a few things from the baby range, but from what I remember, new parents like easy access clothes. stuff you can whip off quickly after a projectile moment!

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

I have bought some clothing from M&S. My duaghter started school this year, and I bought most of her clothing from M&S. I have been happy with the quality. However I probably wouldnt buy the stain resistant clothing again, as I found it washed really badly, and often ended up with "washing powder" marks on it. But the other stuff has lasted well. However, when looking at some of the other clothes for my daughter I found it overly fussy, too many patterns, and I dont like clothes with too many logos and branding. I prefer simple styles. I am also not fond of the clothes that are put together so a top and pants and a cardi etc. I prefer to buy singles.

I buy from H&M as well, but they have also gone down the road of worshipping Miss kitty, so often can only buy some items!

I buy some of the danish labels for party ware, special occasions. Other than that it is a mixture of what I see.

~ 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 like quality in items such as socks, knickers, vests as these are worn so often. I dont mind where something comes from, but I avoid clothes that are over branded - i cant stand all the disney type logos etc on it. I would prefer a wider choice of colours and find all the pink a bit offputtting.

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

I do buy things online. I find M&S for my duaghter true to size, so when i needed to get some more school clothes I jsut did this online, and added in vests and socks.

~ 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 just like some clothes that are not as fussy / logo'd as mentioned before. I would be happy to purchase more from M&S but I have sometimes looked through what you have, and not really wanted to buy anything! This is style, not price related.

~ 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 havnt bought baby stuff for awhile, so dont feel i can comment accurately on this. I do enjoy H&M's range of baby clothes that i have bought as presents as they have interesting prints for presents. I would probably look at M&S baby range if I was buying a present.

I buy key pieces:polo necks, tights, socks, jeans, in neutral colours. Over the years the quality has declined. Too much lurid pink, turquoise. Too many sparkly logos. Trimmings can look shoddy. Buttons often too big - made of cheap plastic.
We like Gap's designer ranges, particularly DVF. Vintage style from Rachel Riley, Ralph Lauren, Caramel, French Connection, Petit Bateau and Bonpoint when flush. People on budgets will also shop in the latter. If you care about quality, eg. hems to let down, garments that wash well, you wait for the sales, sample/factory outlets when there are bargains to be had. Great quality second hand clothing is also very popular in the south east.
I really liked the school socks/tights this year. But we've swapped to John Lewis for blouses. Also annoyed about M&S stopping 100 per cent cotton blouse range in stores.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear?

yes, quite regularly. Generally good quality and fits well. Convenient for school uniform.
Other brands - H&M, Boden, Vertbaudet, Next, Gap.

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

Combination of cost, colour/design/style. Lately style comes into it a lot, my dds are a bit fussy about what they like so we are buying more from the shops which suit their tastes.

~ 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?

We do both. Online has more choice than our local, rather small, M&S, so I just go online. also dds don't particularly like going shopping so online is easier to show them items at home.

~ 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?

Lately I've bought it less because we find the girls' range too pink - particularly instore. My dds are 12, 10, 8, and they don't want all their underwear/socks/etc pink-based.

~ 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 were good when my dc were babies but I haven't looked at it lately.

hi. I'm sure it's already been said but what parents of boys are desperate for is more range and variety. Girls sections are huge boys are shoved in a corner with very little choice and often what is there isn't fully stocked size wise. It really seems like the boys section is a poorly cared for afterthought.

The shop that steps up and raises their game on boyswear will make a killing imo. Mum's like to dress their boys too! Plus you give boys style and interest young and guess what they grow into men who spend on clothes too.

Seriously sorry to over labour this point but is such a gap in the market.

Love your flipflops with straps on the back btw, always buy them for ds and always get asked where i got them from as people want them.

You have a great rep for quality add range to that and you'll have a very loyal customer base from mothers of boys.

Send me a voucher please, skint single mum and student of very deserving ilk

SAF, totally agree. DS loves clothes, he loves dressing up and picking out his own clothes, but there seems to be so little choice compared to girls.

on tuesday, we went into boots to pick up a prescription, and he chose a straw fedora to wear on holiday. so I bought it for him. we got home and he put on a white linen shirt, beige chinos, denim pumps and his fedora. he strutted around the house in it. its his "going out on holiday" outfit. my point is, its not just girls who have a sense of style.

~ 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, have picked up some bits and pieces, mainly from the Indigo range for my son (now 3), but have had some nice bright stuff for my baby daughter from the "Weird Friends" range. Other brands I buy are Next, H&M, John Lewis, Min Mode/ Min Club at Boots; Boden and supermarkets, mainly Tu at Sainsbury's.

~ 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?!
Hardwearing wash/wear quality; Bright colours for boys and girls (I am not keen on boys clothes all being blue and beige with cars on or girls clothes all ways being sugary pink); simple styling; no logos/slogans; adjustable legs and waist, straps etc - plenty of growing room. Would rather buy something hardwearing and adjustable once, than something cheap and non adjustable twice. Machine washable too, and preferably not needing ironing!.

~ 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. I rarely go out and look specifically for children's clothes, just pick up a few bits here and there when I come across them on line or in the shops. My son is just about old enough to know what he likes, but this changes daily, although if he is with me when something catches my eye, I'll ask hi what he thinks. He is not that bothered about clothes though. My daughter is only a baby, so no she doesn't get to 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?

Everywhere seems to have more girls clothes than boys', but the majority of the girls' clothes are a bit pink and frilly for me. More simple patterns and bright colours would be nice - I have dressed both my children in green, red, purple, orange, royal blue and fushia pink and love anything stripey. Mix and match would be nice too, as my kids both have diddy legs and long bodies - their tops and bottoms are never the same size, so I can;t buy matching outfits. My oldest child is only 3, so I can only really comment on the younger sizes, but the older size stuff seems a bit teenagerey for a pre-school child.

~ 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?

Less pink for girls. More bold colours for both.

~ 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 often buy my children's clothes from M&S. They're good quality and I know that sizing doesn't vary as it does in other shops, so I can pick sizes up knowing they'll fit.
I also buy from Gap, Debenhams 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?!
Value for money initially (how many wears will it get, could I get something of the same quality elsewhere for less?). Then the appearance.

~ 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. Basic items like uniform, I'll order online as I know the colours and fabrics will be OK. Other things I like to have a feel of and I can judge colours better in real life. I never take my children to choose their own clothes.

~ 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?
My only complaint is that my local store only stocks the young children's range. Their girls' clothes are definitely more interesting and colourful than their boys', but that is par for the course, and M&S are certainly better than many shops at providing colourful clothes for boys.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
Good quality, good selection of unisex items. I miss buying their babygros

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

I have bought M&S kidswear often, I love the quality it washes and wears well. I also buy from supermarkets, debenhams, 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?!

Quality is most important, cost is less important, my children are 7 and 9 so i let them have some input in what they would like so if they like it thats important, i'm not bothered by colours or brands as long as my dc will wear them.

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

I tend to buy online as instore never has the right size, I do look in store first sometimes but often to save myself the stress of trailing kids about I just buy online, I have never had to send anything 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?

The clothes need to be modelled on real children, I need to buy 2 sizes bigger for both my children, neither are over weight and both need the adjustable waists, but they clothes must be modelled on really small children, neither of my children are overly tall. A major thing that annoys me but my assures me this is always the case in M&S - a 5 year old and a 14 year old dont want to wear the same Hello Kitty top, there should be different ranges. I have both a boy and a girl and if the boys range for a certain season is brilliant the girls is rubbish and vice versa, never understood that!!

~ 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?

With my children being older I havent bought or used baby clothes for years but always like them when my children were babies.

~ I will have a look, but it's not usually one of the first places I'll look. I like their clothing because the boyswear is good quality, reasonable and washes well.
I like the colours and the simple styling of some of the ranges.
I like having adjustable waistbands. Important when you have a very tall, but skinny child. Please keep doing this!!
I was unhappy with their school uniform trousers though. They were the most expensive ones we bought and faded and went to look very old and scruffy very quickly. Sainsbury's much cheaper trousers lasted much better. So, that was the first and last time I have bothered to buy school uniform from there. The competition is cheaper and better quality - even though school mum friends swear by it as being the best.

I also get clothes from Gap, Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Hennes and look in charity shops.Sometimes Boden and Scandinavian shops when there is a sale.

~ The most important factor is the look of the clothes - that includes quality as well. I think M & S clothes look good, are brightly coloured and there isn't as much of the typical pirate and tractor stuff for boys as there used to be.

~ I will often look online to get ideas before I actually go shopping. My older boys wants to have some input now, so I'll either show him stuff online or I'll take him to the shop where he'll choose himself.
i sometimes buy directly online, especially if I have a lot of work on and can;t make it to the shops.
I like websites with review sections - M&S have one and I read them often before I buy.

~ Better prices would encourage me to shop there more often. Also, if some of the designs improve I'd be more likely to buy.
Sometimes there are packs of clothing. I don't always want to buy two or three pairs of shorts or t-shirts at the same time and end up getting none.

One reason I will shop there again is the return policy and customer service. Staff are very helpful and well trained. M&S and John Lewis are my favourites for this reason.

I recently bought some Autograph socks that were really poor quality. Where other socks had worn out these just had holes within two weeks. Took them back - no problem. Replaced with another set of socks that are still going as they should be. But, things like this happening puts me off from buying in the first place. These were not cheap socks either.

~ I thought the baby stuff was lovely. I was given a lot as gifts and some of the items were my favourites. Plenty of variety. Perhaps some brighter clothes, but can't complain about any of the baby clothes.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? yes
What's your overall opinion of it? Very reasonably priced, excellent quality
If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? Ease of shopping, decent range, good prices
If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? N/A
What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? Next, Boots, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Primark

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?! Mostly cost and quality - I will buy cheaper supermarket clothes for things that I don't need or expect to last - summer t-shirts etc. For things that need to last longer - jeans, dresses, long sleeve tops, coats, I am more likely to look for better quality clothes from Next, M&S etc. I'm not particularly bothered by brand apart from when it is reflective of quality. Cost is important as I refuse to spend a fortune on clothes that are worn for such a short amount of time

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? A mixture of both - usually on-line in the sales and in store when shopping out of sale.

~ 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 like to see more jeans - there are usually only one or two pairs and they are very often patterned or coloured. I prefer plain jeans in various shades of denim which can go with a variety of tops. I'd also like to see more packs of t-shirts - both long and short sleeved and plain cardigans in colours that can be mixed and matched - a mix and match play wear range if you will. It drives me mad that there are lovely tops that can be bought, but the colours mean they don't go with anything else. I don't think under 2's are catered very well for

I also think there could be a better range of sleepwear - I struggle to find reasonably priced PJ's

~ 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? No where near enough variety - more simple soft baby clothes are required rather than 'outfits', again things that can be mixed and matched would be good along with a bigger range of sleepsuits and vests. I buy a lot of clothes for my 4 year old from M&S but struggle to find clothes for the baby

~ 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 think it's good quality and reasonably priced. The sales can throw up some amazing bargains! I'm lucky enough to have a lot of hand me downs for the kids, but M&S tends to be my first choice if I need to buy something. I also like H&M. Monsoon and Next are nice but too expensive. I don't like Primark at all, but some supermarkets can be quite good.

~ 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. It has to be sensibly priced but also decent colours and patterns. I have two DDs and don't like things that are too short, but they are both very slim so adjustable waists are essential.

~ 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 instore though I have used the M&S site in the sale and for schoolwear. I live near a huge M&S, yet the schoolwear only comes out in force in August and the rest of the year there is hardly anything out. Bizarre.

~ 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?

Keep schoolwear on the shop floor all year round. Have a sale rail or section. Keep it tidy (my store can look like a jumble sale, which isn't appealing). Recognise that it often isn't appropriate to have the same clothes just in different sizes, eg. a 6 year old child has very different requirements in terms of style to an 11 year old. Don't always include white in multipacks, eg. tights. Oh, and bring back 3/4 sleeved polo shirts for school - M&S was the only place that did them and they have been discontinued.

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

I think the baby range is nice, but I would prefer to see more brighter colours and less white. Quite why clothes manufacturers think white is a suitable colour for kids clothes is beyond 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?
Good quality, washes well. Dont buy alot of it as colours not generally to my liking, but occassionally some lovely things.

~ 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 most important but cost and quality too (have3 dds so must have handmedown potential!)

~ 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. Want to avoid Delivery charges. Also like to see clothes before spending as sometimes web pictures dceptive

~ 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?
Nicer colours, more that dont need ironing and my main problem with girls summer clothes = more light dresses with sleeves! My girls have fair skin and need shoulders covered but v hard to find summer dresses that have any kind of sleeves.

~ 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 pale pink for girls.