Marks and Sparks - done to death I know but...

[keiratwiceknightly]

I was in the Brum store yesterday. Birmingham was absolutely PACKED, uncomfortably busy in places. All the shops we went in were buzzing and there was a real Christmassy feel to the place. Went into marks to use the loo and browse for my a present for my dad and it was a desert. There were more staff than punters on the 3 brightly lit floors.

The offerings were either cheap looking, or frumpy Nan-stuff, or too try-hard trendy but with some detail that stopped them working. I saw one item that was well-cut, attractive and well-made in the entire store, a wool, lined grey mini skirt that I'd have bought if I'd been shopping for me.

Empty and unappealing on one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the second city. I felt really sad that m and s will be the next BHS and they won't listen to anything we tell them!

Yes and it's no surprise when we hear news of shops closing . M&S will be next but they need to change with the times if they want to keep going .

Why do they always have such grim colours? For example, Instead of a true red they'll have some dark reddish colour that looks dirty.

I recently got some really nice basic tops in 'normal' colours. their jeans are ace. and the school uniform items too I seem to keep our neerest one in business singlehandedly

i admit i'm not high fashion, but i like their jeans and trousers, their sportswear and swimming costumes. i think they are currently trying to please too many different sorts of people. they need to focus more on me

...with some detail that stopped them working...

That’s one of my main issues with M&S clothes. I often see an item that looks good at first glance, but on closer inspection, they’ve added ruffle(s) or sequins or some other addition that’s just vile - why? It must make it more expensive to make and it makes the item less saleable - makes no sense commercially surely.

Whilst I’m on the subject, what’s with all the top pockets on blouses? Surely no one uses them and it just adds fabric and more construction costs. I’ve big norks so I actively seek non-pocket blouses and they’re surprisingly tricky to find.

I love that grey wool skirt but I can't justify buying anything for me right now, not that I need it really.

I still rate M &S. I’ve had some really nice work dresses from there recently which are good quality and significantly cheaper than similar level , ( in terms of quality), retailers like Boden. I wouldn’t go there to look for a high fashion outfit but I wouldn’t go to Boden for that either!

I was feeling like this but I really think over the past few months they have made some great progress. Some of my recent M&S purchases are my most complimented outfits. Plus when something is good it sells out so quickly! I think because it is such a trusted brand and has such a good website.

I have bought quite a lot this winter. Their lavender wool mix coat is ace. Stunning with grey and black and deeper purple. Their cashmere is great. I’ve bought several pairs of side stripe trousers, well cut smart trousers and a pair of brilliant tan leather gloves for DH as a stocking filler. I also like a few of their shirts and the navy ankle boots were great. I don’t go to my local shop. I buy on line. Autograph and a Collection are my brands within M&S and I avoid Per Una and over embellished clothes like the plague! There have been some great casuals this winter if you want clothes that will last and are classics.

I bought some nice silk blouses.

I used to really like M&S bit I see virtually nothing in there that I like now, and when I quite like something it's bad when I try it on. The fabrics are awful, quality has gone downhill and the colours and prints are mostly horrible.

Disagree re their cashmere too. The stuff I bought in the January sales has bobbled and shrunk, and the sizing was all over the place.

Bought this last week and love it

www.marksandspencer.com/animal-print-3-4-sleeve-swing-mini-dress/p/p60221993?image=SD_01_T42_8205S_B4_X_EC_90&color=REDMIX&prevPage=plp&pdpredirect

I like the clothes in my local M and S.

They have definantly improved.

I do think some stores are better than others.

Well, as a pear shape I literally wear their jeans about 5 times a week, in black for work or blue for weekends - one of the only places I can get trousers that fit. I find their foot glove shoes good for work. I also buy all my nighties there and I got 2 good bikinis over the summer that were nice quality. I work near one so find it really handy to click and collect in my lunch break.

Omg I agree about pockets on shirts!
I have big boobs so they're never in the right place. Who likes them, who???

“I’ve big norks so I actively seek non-pocket blouses and they’re surprisingly tricky to find.”

And mine are non existent, so I actively look for blouses/shirts with top pockets.

I was in Birmingham over the weekend - for the Christmas market. It was heaving, and there weren't many people in the few shops we went into because people were there for the market, not to shop.

Their boots this year have been fab, I find their shoes and boots brilliant quality and a decent price. Also rate their cashmere and lambswool jumpers. I ignore their “fashion” clothes

I've bought some decent things there recently but you have to be very careful.

Agree with whoever said that plain, classic clothes are often ruined by a stupid bit of embroidery or odd sleeve style etc. Stick to classic designs M&S!! Do less, better!

Pleased also to have purchased some plain sky blue joggers for my 7yr old dd, that were (gasp) in the girls section! Hopefully they are listening to complaints about the awful gender biased kids clothing

I’ve had some great stuff from M&S over the past few years. Their boots are particularly good. I probably buy more stuff from M&S than any other shop, and I’m regularly complimented on my M&S clothes.

Have to say, I really like some of their stuff this season. HOWEVER in my local store - they have nothing in stock! Totally ridiculous- unless you are size 8 or less or size 20 or higher - no stock. Went online - all three items I wanted - out of stock in all sizes. Nuts !!!

The trouble with M&S is their lack of consistency. Some stores are 1980s horrors and others are more up to date. What they stock in one store, you won’t always find in another. They try and be all things to all people but fail.
They need to work out who their target market are and stick to good quality basics.
The only things I buy these days are cashmere and underwear.
I also wishe they’d sort out their stock issues. Saw some nice festive underwear in a large store at the weekend but hardly any sizes left. Likewise when I looked online. It’s December - what do they think people might want to buy!!

The whole High St needs to just stop it with the polyester.

Love that red dress

I was in a different big branch on Friday and it was pretty busy. I buy a lot of my boots and shoes there, nearly all my underwear, school shirts and trousers, accessories such as gloves, hats, bits of costume jewellery. I don't tend to linger long in the main clothing areas though.