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

Yes I brought a suit for my on when he was 6 months old to go to a family wedding in, plus we have been given a few m&s kids clothes too as presents. As an overall impression I think the quality is good and it washes well. On the whole I find the sizing for my kids is slightly off and it comes up quite big (other people may think differently). I am not a regular buyer because I often pop to get teabags and whilst there I look at the clothes and I never see quite quite what I am looking for and I always feel disappointed at the selection. I buy a lot of clothes for my boys from next as I find the sizing is always perfect on them both and I love that if you order it before 9pm they will deliver it he next day. I admit I haven't even looked at the m&s kids wear online recently as I have been so disappointed in store. I will say when we brought the suit m&s was the only place we found at the time to stock something suitable in he right sizes and I would go back for occasion wear.

When buying kids clothes, I like the design first and having boys I get really fed up of the pale blue thing and I like to buy bright colors! Second I like things that wash, wear and ft well. I don't always have the boys right there to try when I buy so I like to know that the size I buy is going to fit. Then I think about price!

I do a mix of instore when we are out and about and online usually. It's not always possible with two small children to keep them entertained for shopping so my preference would be online particularly when I am busy! The only time I would look beforehand online is if I am looking for something specific that may not always be stocked.

I can't really comment on what's missing from the ranges I don't know them well enough, but for me personally more choice in store for brights in particular in the baby ranges I have noticed a lack. As I said above I get really tired of baby pink for girls and pale blue for boys and white and cream!

I have bought M&S childrens/baby clothes but don't do so as much these days. I did think the baby clothes were too limited to baby pink and baby blue, it got a little boring. The quality of all baby/children's wear is good and they wash well. The sizing is often on the large size but this just means the clothes last longer although it makes it tricky for other family members to choose the correct size. For children's clothes, I have found that there are too many character style clothes, which I really don't like - this has become more common over the last few years. Also, the clothes are too grownup in styling for my children (aged 2 and 4). They also can be a little expensive at times, especially for the girls. My preferred retailer for style, choice and quality is Next. I would shop more with M&S if they improved their styling. I want my children to look like children, not mini teenagers or branded objects.
I generally shop online because I find it hard getting to a local M&S store, also it is easier than shopping with two young children!

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

I do buy it, but not regularly. It is good quality and wears well. I don't buy it regularly because (a) we get given lots of clothes and I don't buy that many myself and (b) school uniform, which I do buy, is good value and very nice IME 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?!

cost is important, but I look for things that are good quality, will be comfy and will wear 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?

If we're looking for something specific, it's more likely to be online for the greater range of sizes.

~ 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 do like multi packs, because for the children we tend to buy as they've grown so we suddenly need 3 T shirts, trousers or whatever it is, unlike for me when I'd just want one thing.

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

It's a little while now, but we really liked the M&S baby clothes - the onesies and baby gros got washed a LOT and were passed down and still looked good and stayed soft.

I buy baby wear online on a regular basis, as it is very good value for money compared to what is available here (France, even supermarket clothing is twice as expensive here than in the UK!), and there is good choice. It also gets posted over very quickly so very convenient!

Brand is the least of my considerations, I like fun clothes, not too baby blue/pink but more imaginative designs that are still appropriate for babies.

I don't like the boys' clothes/girls' clothes divide, I would prefer everything to be together and often buy from the boys section for DD. The sizing can be a bit hit and miss which is confusing for clothes coming from the same store.

Have occasionally bought the odd item - usually in sales or from outlet store. They are well made, wash well and mostly fit well too. There is always a good selection of styles and colours.
Price and convenience are the main factors. Tend to buy most clothes from supermarkets (especially Sainsburys when they have their regular 25% off near bank holidays) or Next / Debenhams. Find it easy to pop clothes in the trolley whilst food shopping.
When shopping for kids clothes quality and cost are most important. Not bothered about brand / labels.
Usually shop instore for clothes, often without DD as tends to go for garish or unsuitable (too grown up) clothes.
Would probably be tempted to buy more if a little cheaper. Also recently have looked for nighties for DD but not bought as the ones she liked were not 100% cotton. Really dislike polyester nightwear (and schoolwear).
The baby ranges are quite traditional but wouldn't hesitate to give as a gift.

~ 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 a couple of clothes a t-shirt and a top/trousers outfit 18-24m. Overall I would say they are nice quality and wash well but the sizes are very generous. Trousers don't stay up on my daughter's waist, and there were no adjusters but the t-shirts fit OK. One T-shirt had an envelope neck that was huge. I do like styles which don't squash her head but this was too big and looked a bit scruffy. Maybe she's a funny shape?! Otherwise I buy from Primark, Next, and H&M. Items I have received from M&S have been very nice - party dresses. Bbased on the nice dresses, I would probably come to M&S for occasionwear over everyday wear in future.

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

Not so much the label and brand but definitely the price and design. A certain quality is expected but they don't have to be brilliant qty as they grow out of them so quickly. Another factor is colour (avoid white), ease of washing (avoid anything too complicated) and features like waist adjusters, wider neckholes and no fiddly buttons.

~ 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 and yes I do look online first sometimes. DD isn't involved in the decision making at the moment, so it is all about what I like.

~ 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?

Maybe a basics range that is good value and is designed to wash and wear well, but that still has some little design features. I have found 18-24 months tricky to find nice clothes which aren't too babyish but not too grown up.

I have found the accessories a bit disappointing when I have tried to find vests and tights in this age range 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?
I would say it is average. Not as nice as Boots and next for little ones and once you get into 18-24 the choice is more limited still sorry. You can get some brilliant designs at H&M and Primark for much cheaper. Some of your sizing is out (I had a baby grow as a gift and the legs were weird and she kept getting two legs stuck in one!) and your accessories are limited instore. Occasionwear is lovely though, so keep doing this!

Generally I think they produce quality kids wear so you pay a bit extra. I don't buy too often due to price, as kids grow out of things or change their minds so quickly. Was recently disappointed & cross because I spent extra to buy their school tights, thinking they wouldn't get holes like cheaper brands do, & after hardly any wear all 3 pairs have holes! Taking them back for a refund. Have looked online but not bought online so far - generally prefer to see & feel first, although am coming round to the convenience of online shopping more.

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear?
Yes

What's your overall opinion of it?
Good quality, bit expensive.

If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you?
Lack of choice/lack of trendy stuff

What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
Next, Gap, H&m, Fat Face, Asda, Zara, New Look, Primark, Sainsburys

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
DD is 11 so for me (her) its got to be trendy. So I would say style/design. Not bothered about labels. I'm happy to pay for more expensive stuff if its 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?
In store. DD likes shopping so its nice to go and make a day of it, see what catches her eye.

~ 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?
More trendy stuff

Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of?

More fashionable, trendy stuff.

Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Yes, they cater for younger children more.

Now she's 11 I would rarely venture in. Certainly not dor day to day stuff as not enough trendy stuff. I'd have a look if I was looking for an occdasion dress, etc.

Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
Never looked at the boys stuff so don't know.

~ 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?
Never looked at the baby stuff.

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear?

Yes.

What's your overall opinion of it?

Good quality, a bit dull.

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 most of DS's clothes secondhand. I can't always get the fit I want- he is very skinny and adjustable waist is essential in trousers- one or two pairs from M&S have been handed on unworn because they never fitted him. I have clothes for him from Debenham's, supermarkets, Next (don't really like the Next boys' clothes but they nearly always adjust at the waist), Pumpkin Patch, Petit Bateau, Zara. A lot is from charity shops.

~ 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?!

With trousers, it is fit, and also quality, he grows slowly so good clothes can last a long time. Tops and underwear I look for bright unisex colours- I like the bright vests in M&S, but the fit is better for a skinny one from Petit Bateau.

Also, COMFORT. I would never dress him in anything stiff, uncomfortable or likely to be too hot/cold. So fabric and style is important.

Price is important, but I am willing to pay for the right thing (like the occasional Petit Bateau vest).

Brand is not important.

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

I would often look online first if there is something specific I want. Most impulse buys are bargains!

~ 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 to see more brightly coloured unisex toddler clothing. I hate that little boys' clothes are all navy blue and brown, yawn. I also think there are too many 'outfits' rather than mix and match bits. Also, more vests in older baby sizes. And more adjustable waists! I haven't looked at the girls' range so I can't comment.

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

I like the M&S babygros and vests we have had. More bright colours please!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear?
Yes, lots in the past. More recently just socks, pants, tights.

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?

I used to love the kids clothes, but not any more. My DD is now 8 and I think that the older girls range is horrible. A bit trashy looking and ugly colours. I'd still buy the younger girls stuff if I could fit her into it!

What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
Fat Face, Boden, Joules, Next, 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?!

Quality the most important thing. I've bought expensive things that lasted several years and cheap things that lasted 2 washes. But style is important - I don't like my children to dress like teenagers until they actually are teenagers.

~ 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 when I have to but much prefer a real shop.

~ 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?

Older girls clothes that don't look too grown up. Really robust, good quality stuff eg. joggers that don't get holes in the knees within 2 minutes. I'm sure that's why Boden is so successful.

~ 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 idea about baby stuff, my three are older 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?

A. Yes. I think the clothes are nice and good quality. I buy when my daughter needs new clothes, I look in M&S along with several other shops; Next, George at Asda, TU at Sainsbury's, Monsoon, local market and charity shops.

~ 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. Price is important, I love a bargain, but if something is obviously better quality and necessary I will pay for it. Style is also important. I dislike overly fussy pink princessy things for my daughter, much more a fan of practical but stylish clothing. I don't 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?

A. Sizing is so variable that I pretty much always buy instore so I can get a feel for whether it will fit my child or have her try it on if she's with me. It's rare that I browse online for children's 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?

A. M&S don't often have sales, I would certainly be enticed inside if there were regular sales. As I've said practical but stylish wear for girls, princess-free stuff. An imaginative dressing up range, ie NOT all princess dresses for girls and superheroes 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?

A. It's a while since I've shopped from the baby range, but I do like to see a good choice of unisex wear, bright colours for both genders.

I have bought M&S kidswear - mainly school uniform. I like their uniforms as they are hard wearing.

However although their children's clothes are nice, particularly for girls, I rarely buy it as I am more likely to buy children's clothes second hand on eBay or in charity shops, or to receive it handed down. Also now that both my kids are in school they don't wear non-uniform anywhere near as much so don't need much.

I am less keen on the boys' range - why is there only half the quantity of items available for boys as for girls? And why is it all so generic mini-adult stuff? My son is only 4; I would like him to stay looking like a little boy for a while longer yet.

When I do look for children's clothes, it is usually online; my kids hate being dragged around the shops and are much better at trying things on if we can do it at home when they are getting changed anyway. I mostly browse the sale section!

When I buy children's clothes the price is very important, as is the look of the item. I don't care at all about the label or the designer; I like clothes to look interesting, a bit different, and to be suitable for the age of the child. I don't like to spend money on something only to find that 6 other children in their class have the same thing.

It is a long time since I used M&S baby clothes and I'm afraid I can't remember enough to comment on them now.

I find M&S sizes small. For my long-legged 10 year old I have to buy at least age 12, and 14-16 in tights! Goodness knows where I'm going to get her tights when she's 15.

Clothes for older children can be too grown-up - this is exacerbated when you're buying for a tall younger child. Knickers for girls are in too adult styles - they don't like shorts-style ones, they don't stay up. Struggled to find normal briefs for my 5 year old (maybe that's because everyone had bought that style and nobody else wanted the shorts either?)

Quality of school uniforms is not brilliant - they're in them every day, I'd rather pay more and get a better quality material, everywhere seems to sell on the basis that we want to kit them out as cheaply as possible - I'd rather buy things that look smart and last. School skirts are just too short for aforementioned leggy 10 year old, they're barely decent. Can we have some longer styles?

Other shops I buy from - Next mainly, occasionally Peacocks, very occasionally Boden. Rarely supermarkets but that's because we don't have any large ones nearby that do clothes.

"I find M&S sizes small."

I find them short but too wide.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? Yes.
What's your overall opinion of it? Good quality, washes & wears well. But struggle to find style / items I want.

If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? need - ie kids have grown / worn out clothes

If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? Not liking range

What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? H&m, next, gap, boden, supermarket

~ 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 - have to like it, needs to be practical, reasonable price as my kids destroy clothes. Brand / label least important

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? instore to see what is there, but prefer without dc to avoid pester power.

~ 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? Young girls fine, but too much pink, sparkle, embellishment. Older girls range too old. I have tall 5 yo and hard to find appropriate stuff. Also hate way things only go with limited stuff. I know is to get us to buy entire outfits but want more plain jeans / leggings / tshirts and mix and match stuff. No boys, so no view on those ranges

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? all too blue or pink from memory. A lot quite impractical for babies, fiddly buttons, frills etc

Oh and sizes seem small or a bit random. Tights I have to buy at least a size up, usually 2 as they seem to shrink.

~ 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 local store (Brent Cross) is badly stocked and badly laid out so it's almost impossible to find anything in my daughters' size if I do like anything. Having said that, I've not bought anything other than pajamas, underwear and school uniform for at least a year because I don't think that there has been anything particularly nice of a reasonable cost. I'm not prepared to spend on the Autograph range because I find that M&S clothes don't wear as well as they used to. They shrink terribly on the first wash - especially school uniform polo shirts and girls' cardigans. I have a school polo shirt from Asda which was originally the same size but now appears to be much bigger than the shrunken M&S polos. On the other hand, when DD1 was a toddler, the waistlines on all trousers/jeans/sweatpants were too big and I don't know any kids they were the right size for. To buy M&S clothes, I had to either 'pin' the waist or deal with short trousers. Next had hidden aist tighteners/expanders which made them a better buy.
I buy kids clothes from Next and GAP and occasionally from Sainsburys, which is excellent quality, not inexpensive but reasonable and where I believe M&S used to be.

~ 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 and style and age appropriate. Cost to some degree - I'm prepared to spend on my kids' clothes but where I know something will last well. M&S frankly doesn't wear well and it's a factor which leads me to shop elsewhere - better to spend more and for the clothes to last than for them to shrink after one wear. Labels indicate that all clothes can be tumble dried but I don't agree - even if not tumble dried, clothes shrink.

~ 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?
Online if I am buying at M&S as Brent Cross is poorly stocked, tills are poorly staffed and the store is a mess with no easy pram access in kids wear so it's a nightmare to shop.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
Better wearing, non shrinking fabrics (same goes for some items in ladies wear too), a complete rethink of Brent Cross store.

~ 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 always buy vests from M&S. I haven't bought a single item for my DS as there is nothing which appeals. There is little choice for sleepsuits and they are very plain and boring - I shop at Next instead.

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear?
Yes

What's your overall opinion of it?
Its generally good quality, I'm not keen on all of the styles/ranges, but I like quite a lot of it too

If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy?
Good quality, bright colours, easy to order online

What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
H&M, Frugi, Nordic Kids, Gap, ebay second hand stuff, green baby, organic kids, tigerlily, independent kids shops

~ 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 value are important. I would rather pay more for better quality. I have three children so want clothes that will last and still look good by the time they get to the third. I have two girls and one boy, so like to buy nice bright colours that don't have brands/cartoons on, so they can be used for boys and girls. I also like organic cotton as it tends to last well and one of my children has excezma , so it is soft on thier skin.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why?
Sometimes, its quicker, if I know what I want I'd rather shop online than drag three kids round the shops. I work, so my free time is limited, I don't want to spend it shopping!

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?
If I have time, and no children with me, then I enjoy browsing 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 really don't like some of the cheesey, gender specific logos on the boys clothes. I think you do too many insipid colours for boys, simple brights work well. I don't want my kids to walk around with slogans or cartoon charaters on thier clothes.
Sometimes the price seems a bit high.
I would like to see more t shirts, jeans, leggings, in bright , plain colours, that are good quality and could be for either sex.

~ 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 never bought m and s baby clothes as I genrally don't like them, they tend to be either pink or blu and are overpriced for ewhat they are. The only baby stuff I have got is the plain white cotton vests and baby grows, which are good value and have lasted well.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? Yes. I buy the children uniform from M&S and a lot of DD's clothes. I think that there is very nice stuff for younger girls and quite age appropriate. I think the items are good quality.

~What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? H&M, Sainsburys, Next, Pumpkin Patch.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Quality for me. I would rather pay £7 for a T-shirt that washes well and keeps shape than £2 for one that fades after 1 wash. Another factor for me is age appropriateness.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? I shop online for uniform as I know what I am going to get. I tend to go into the store for other clothes as I think there is more of a selection.

~ 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 that there is definitely more girl bias. One thing I would like to see is less gender stereotype of Characters. I would also like to see a better selection of girls trousers, and less expensive nightwear.

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

~ 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 bought some stuff. The quality has been good, especially babygrows, but the sizing of other clothes is quite variable. The random sizing stops me buying things in M&S more frequently- I prefer being able to pick anything and know it is very likely to fit (we buy most of DS's clothes in Mothercare for this reason). The M&S clothes are also quite pricy. I also buy from Next, H&M, Boots and Sainsburys, and also get bits in charity shops, which tends to be from these brands (including M&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?!

Style and colour/design play a huge part- I want my toddler to look like a toddler, not wearing replica Topman. Bright colours, practical styles, natural fabrics. Cost matters too. Brand/label only important for knowing how it fits, not the name itself iyswim.

~ 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- prefer to see exactly what I am buying and look at fastenings etc. Don't tend look online first as it usually leads to disappointment when faced with actual stock in shops. Sometimes I look online afterwards to see if there is anything similar/if its in stock in the right size (if that size was unavailable 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?

Boys toddler clothes- more adjustable waists please! In my local M&S childrenswear is shoved in a corner far from the lift. The lift itself is tiny and you can only get one pushchair in it at a time, so I rarely go up there to actually look at it.

The boys stuff generally looks ok, girls less so- for toddlers it's pretty but probably not very practical, the younger girls stuff looks ok but the older girls a bit too grown up. I don't have a daughter, so it's just my perception.

~ 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/baby blue/white and beige. We had some great babygrows in bright colours and designs when DS was tiny (so about 18mo ago) which were lovely then suddenly everything was just pink or blue which I hate.

~ 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?
A Regular buyer. School uniform is unbeatable - best value of anywhere on 3 for 2 offer and quality in a different league to supermarkets. Adjustable waists excellent and wear well - no buttons popping off etc. For non-school stuff older boys wear very popular with my 9 year old and for the past few years I have bought his gear almost exclusively from M&S as the range and design were generally better than Next. Most of my daughter's basics (underwear, leggings, nightwear, boots) have come from M&S recently as well. My daughter is a tall 6 year old and fits age 7-8, plus I like to size up items such as coats to try and get maximum wear, so I would request you consider making the younger girls range up to age 12 (as per Boden or Lands End) as the older girls range is too teenagery. Other brands/shops: Boden, Joules, Animal, Monsoon mainly. I have had a Next Directory for over 20 years but I hardly buy any kids (or indeed adult) clothes from there now as the quality has gone so downhill in recent 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?!
A Quality and cost primarily, design close behind. I would rather pay a few more pounds for something that will last than something that falls apart after a few wears by my boisterous son or that falls apart in the first wash (Next stuff has gone like this - it is basically paying a premium for supermarket or low end high street, e.g. Primark, quality. Please don't go this way M&S.).

~ 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 Online mainly as size range is wider. May go and browse in store during my lunchhour then show them online later at home to see if they like something.

~ 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?
A As above I would like the younger girls range to extend to age 12. I think the ranges generally offer a good choice. As well as the summer holidays, the 3 for 2 on uniform would be handy at Christmas and Easter as well which are the other times of year I tend to replace items.

~ 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?
A Babygros excellent quality - maybe a bit more adventurous with the colours rather than the mainly pastel or pale shades. Other baby stuff great design and quality - have bought them as gifts on many occasions.

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear?
Yes loads - as gifts before I had my own and lots for my 3 dc's

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?
Overall good quality and well priced. I also buy from Boden, gap, next, primark

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
A combination (but not incl brand) design and cost high up there. I'm not massively bothered about amazing quality especially if its cheap

~ 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 general I shop in stores, although I do quite a lot online with M&S mainly as that is the only way I can guarantee getting the sizes I want

~ 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 - lots! Firstly better availability, especially on very basic items like underwear and schoolwear, even at the height of back-to-school shopping stores and online are short of sizes on polo-shirts every.single.year. Secondly much simpler designs. I have two ds's (age 5 and 4) and a dd (6mo) and for all of them I want to be able to buy simple t-shirts/shirts/jumpers/trousers in bright colours all year round. There are far too many character tshirts and just generally fussy designs. I think Boden really get what I want boys clothes to be like but they're too expensive to buy a lot. So often in M&S I see a shirt I like for e.g. and then find a great big patch sewn on the chest or arm for no reason at all. Also, please have button-through pj's all year and towelling dressing gowns (this isn't just M&S, nowhere does them for children over 2). I could go on but I'd be here all day

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
The petit-bebe range is sooooo boring, not everyone wants pastel colours. I would have loved more purple (not lilac!) and reds etc. Regarding the fashion stuff - I always looked enviously at the girls ranges until I had a girl and realised how impractical it is. Too many dresses and not enough simple trousers and tops. I also have been completely unable to find long-sleeved tops for my dd (6mo) even though its only May and we live in the UK!! Even in the height of summer I'd prefer to put her in long sleeved loose tops to keep her covered and yet everything is strappy or with cap-sleeved (again this is across the high st not just M&S but it is ridiculous!). Again availability of sizes is laughable even on basic bodysuits and sleepsuits

One other thing - please, please can you simplify the "search by size" function on the website. At the moment it lists separately for example "3-6", "3-6m" and "3-6mths" which is totally crazy and infuriating

~ 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 a daughter age 10. She loves the hello kitty range. I buy from M & S quite often. I think it washes well, keeps it's shape and colour. I also buy from Next,Primark,Asda,Tesco 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?!
I buy what she will wear as long as it's not too expensive!

~ 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 look online but I like to touch clothes feel what the quality is like. Usually I'll go into a shop spot some things she might like then take her back and let her 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 think more discounts/offers on clothes would be good.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
I've recently been looking at the baby range as I have a colleague is pregnant. She doesn't know what sex she is having. I found the neutral range very poor.

I have recently bought my tall 8 yr-old daughter the size 11-12 Tatty Teddy pants as she's starting puberty and beginning to get a pronounced bottom and they were the only ones with enough fabric in the back.
I usually buy her next as the waist sizes are smaller than M&S so the skirts and trousers don't fall down.
The schoolwear is well made and long lasting and washes well. I shop online so John Lewis is better for me as I can get it delivered free to my local Waitrose and the quality and cost are very good.
The clothes aren't trendy enough, particularly for young teens who like Abercrombie, Hollister etc
It all looks a bit old fashioned and sad