Another attendee here...
I used to shop a lot at M&S until around 10-12 years ago when it just didn't seem to have anything for me anymore. I've bought a few things in the past couple of years but just an item here or there, nothing major at all. So that was my starting point...
Arriving in the press showroom was like entering an upmarket boutique. Of course it was beautifully lit and styled but it all looked so inviting with the delicious light and bright colours spring samples on one side of the room and a selection of current stock on the other with some other displays of bags and shoes around. Who'd have thought I was standing in M&S! (This turned out to be one of the themes for the session.)
The overview given of the various ranges was enlightening although, from what I've read on here and straw polls with friends, I'm not sure the message has spread beyond M&S. I never shop in Per Una and was surprised to hear it had moved some time ago, and is still moving, away from its boho print-mad roots. I didn't know Limited was for the younger fashion consumer either. So the talks by the M&S team were very interesting.
I actually struggled with the shopping mission, and I think it reflects one of the problems with M&S. When I want to get a specific thing, I don't really have the time or inclination to have to hunt around two floors of different departments/brands of fashion to find the various places the item is dotted around (if I see another "edit" I'll scream!). I have been looking for a casual patterned jumper with a good amount of wool in it. I also want some plain silk (or similar) t-shirts that I can dress up myself. So I picked up one jumper (with a disappointingly low wool content), two pale tops (synthetic), a grey top (synthetic) and a pair of black classic stilettos. What pleasantly surprised me thought, was the number of things I'd loved to have tried on and/or bought; the other surprise was Speziale - I'd never heard of it before - and there were some lovely coats etc there.
Back to my items: The jumper was nice but a bit dull colour wise - and I certainly wouldn't part with £45 for so little wool. One of the pale tops was lovely and fitted everywhere except at the side my boobs. The darts had been done in a strange way and made it look as if I had an additional nipple either side. It being synthetic also put me off though as I don't want to get my hair done, get dressed to go out and have a hair static attack from my clothes! It it'd been a silk, or other natural fibre mix then I'd have jumped at it. The other top wasn't available in my size (10) and was also synthetic, the grey top (synthetic) a strange fit around the hips but the shoes fitted perfectly (just call me Cinderella).
I was actually wearing one of my favourite M&S items, or a close relative of it - the Limited modal t-shirt - the summer version of which I think is the perfect white t-shirt with a lovely scoop neck. The winter version is lovely apart from the sleeve length. I'm pretty average at 5'6" but it covered my fingers and I have to fold the ends over. Good to share this as it seems other Mumsnetters have found the same with other clothing.
Our discussions centred around quality of fabrics, not being everything to everyone and offering a good quality core range. My contribution to MN running the business was to not have 300 black trousers in three different lengths but to have a core range of basics, a bit like Gap used to do, of jeans, a white shirt, silk t-shirts, chinos etc etc which have fabulous fabric, are good quality and at a good price, and to do them season after season. I'd be happy to make them fashion-now with accessories/shoes etc to change their look. I also said they need to communicate the various ranges better, and make their shops a fashion destination, a bit like John Lewis has achieved. Their website and online ordering system lets them down in so many ways, which is a shame especially when you see what's on the shop floor.
My overall impression is that the M&S team really were interested in what we had to say and are working to change things. They explained about the long lead times (up to 2 years on some items) which means it's a bit like turning a large tanker around but that they really want us to shop there. It is such an iconic brand that I feel great loyalty to it and, after the session, think I will give it more consideration. Quite how I will shop, given I do most online, I'm still unsure about because trawling through a vast store really doesn't appeal when I'm shopping specifically. I'll definitely look more closely there for shoes and boots.
I am very glad I went as it was fascinating hearing why things are the way they are currently. It was also heartening to hear that we should notice bigger changes soon, now that Belinda Earl has been in place for long enough for her changes to be visible in the clothing. I was also very happy to go home having met some lovely Mumsnetters, and to take my gift of lovely black stilettos, great value at £25, and bought some jewellery and earrings with some of my vouchers.
M&S questions:
Sustainability etc not a huge issue for me and I don't check. I assume a brand such as M&S would be right up to speed on this front anyway.
I get ideas from magazines, online/store websites (although only if you can click and go straight to the items in the picture!) and sometimes in store displays.
I update more than I probably realise but ALWAYS shop for things that will last, not for disposable or high fashion-styled items. I can't afford mistakes or rubbish fabrics. I'd rather have less but spend a bit more so that it lasts.
My style aspires to be quality (fabric and manufacture), well cut classics (not in the granny sense though), that I can make current myself. I also like to be challenged to try different things at times as can sometimes get in a rut.