what SHOULD M&S be doing?

[redhappy]

Apologies if this has been done before.

It seems a fairly universal experience to walk into a store and be totally disppaointed (putting it kindly!) by the clothing.

Just wondered what people think they should be selling.

I haven't really given it much thought yet, but I suppose a classic range a bit like white company but cheaper, a casual range like fat face or white stuff, I'm not sure about a work range, but also an evening range that's a bit like monsoon and also some less hippy more classic styles.

I am a 50+ lady sherbet and I can't find anything I like in M&S. Zara has taken over as the place I go for basics M&S need to look v closely at what other (successful) shops are doing and pay close attention to colours (their's are always just slightly wrong - too bright, too dull etc) and styles. They should get rid of all their 'ranges' such as per una, classic, autograph etc. Good cuts, simple styles and good fabrics speak for themselves. They don't need to put customers into 'types' - ie the type who would wear Per Una or Autograph etc. I don't think anywhere else does this? And get rid of 75% of the stock. Do the same in men's and children's too. To sort the mess out isn't complicated imo so why year after year do they keep on repeating the same mistakes that are losing them customers? It's beyond weird.

cmotdibbler is right about the 'try me' uniforms. I kit out fast-growing teenage DS at John Lewis, which has a rail of try-mes, rather than M&S for that reason alone.

trudat that's really sad. I did wonder how the people who work there must feel. What really stands out to me is how much everyone wants to shop there! It shouldn't be this difficult for them.

I can't remember who suggested it, but I love the idea of a mumsnet M&S fashion show where we could feed back to them.