Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Let’s dissect M&S

267 replies

DukeofEarlGrey · 03/10/2021 23:32

Prompted by another thread in which M&S has been described as the cockroach of the British high street (something about being hideous but invincible) I wonder why it is that I find M&S so... comforting?? I haven’t bought any clothes there except pants for years and yet I still enjoy a semi-mooch around and feel reassured that it’s there if I need it... What is this bizarre place in my heart for M&S?!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
IShoveLula · 06/10/2021 18:26

IME, men will think 'i need a shirt/trousers for work ' and go to that section. I'm not a world expert on men's shopping habits.

woodhill · 06/10/2021 18:26

Yes dh hates shopping, in and out quick

Bananaman123 · 06/10/2021 18:27

Love the cotton jeggins but some things are overpriced. They are upping their game in the beauty department now and Love christmas decorations. The best thing for me, they now have a great range of h cup,bras.

Mojoj · 06/10/2021 18:29

I hate M & S. It's full of frumpy, old lady fashion.

ToykotoLosAngeles · 06/10/2021 18:47

My Sainsbury's has just moved the clothing to the front of the store and all you can see is the women's, then kids behind, then baby stuff, then men's. I'm pretty sure they've done this to catch women going in for bread and milk so I'm not sure the "men at the front" theory holds. Same in Tesco here - men's is in the back corner.

IShoveLula · 06/10/2021 18:53

@Mojoj

I hate M & S. It's full of frumpy, old lady fashion.
Ageist or what?
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 06/10/2021 19:55

Yes, enough already with the ageist shite.

RampantIvy · 06/10/2021 19:58

@Mojoj

I hate M & S. It's full of frumpy, old lady fashion.
When was the last time you were in a large M and S store?
Gonnagetgoing · 06/10/2021 20:41

@ToykotoLosAngeles

My Sainsbury's has just moved the clothing to the front of the store and all you can see is the women's, then kids behind, then baby stuff, then men's. I'm pretty sure they've done this to catch women going in for bread and milk so I'm not sure the "men at the front" theory holds. Same in Tesco here - men's is in the back corner.
I’ve shopped more at Sainsbury’s for clothes (some amazing summer dresses, cotton T-shirts, cotton knickers etc, jeans even - cheaper and more stylish than a lot of clothes I’ve seen in M&S which is a pity.
Original poster
DukeofEarlGrey · 06/10/2021 21:27

@Bananaman123

Love the cotton jeggins but some things are overpriced. They are upping their game in the beauty department now and Love christmas decorations. The best thing for me, they now have a great range of h cup,bras.
Do their larger cup bras offer proper support? They have some lovely designs but I never bother to even try them as they never used to offer the support of e.g. Freya bras.
OP posts:
teddybearsbear · 06/10/2021 21:54

Haven't read the full thread but I had to come on here to say I am exactly the same with M&S I never buy anything from there other than the food but it's so comforting having a wander around and I always have to have a trip in the run up to Christmas just gets me feeling festive!

Tinpotspectator · 06/10/2021 23:15

I've got a few things from there. The autograph range can be good, or the odd few things are. I bought one pair of great boots. Their nightwear is acceptable, especially the Rosie stuff. Who the hell doesn't buy their knickers??

madmomma · 07/10/2021 01:10

I've just spent a lovely evening in m&s, browsing and buying. I think they've done a great job over the last five years to adapt to the market. There was a time when I thought they were going to blow it, but I find myself finding more and more stuff there that hits the mark. School uniforms are reliably the best on the market imo, lovely fresh produce, nice thoughtful collection of beauty stuff, Lots of natural fabrics... And lovely staff.

Thekolschisonme · 07/10/2021 07:06

I agree that they've massively improved although the good stuff tends to be online. I bought a lovely cardigan and a fair isle style knitted vest/tank top yesterday with some vouchers. Also a denim shirt with peter pan collar, really well made, a few weeks ago. Have not bought anything from them for years.

RampantIvy · 07/10/2021 07:16

I bought a denim jacket in June and I have worn it so much this year. It has lovely deep inside pockets so it is practical as well.

OOAOML · 07/10/2021 08:29

I used to buy their knickers but stopped quite a few years ago as the quality had gone right down. I get multipacks of cotton knickers from John Lewis now. Still rate M&S socks and tights but not bought any for a while as stocked up when they were on offer. Bought new pyjamas there recently.

Coogee · 07/10/2021 09:00

IME, men will think 'i need a shirt/trousers for work ' and go to that section. I'm not a world expert on men's shopping habits.

That is my experience too. My husband is in and out as quickly as possible.

ILoveShula · 07/10/2021 09:36

The Rosie stuff is generally lovely.

The bras IME tend to have flimsy straps but if you're willing to look and maybe order, there are ones that have sturdier straps

The knickers and socks are great, or the last lot I bought still are.

The tights are excellent but not cheap (I tend to get them from P---k)

slalomsuki · 07/10/2021 09:50

I've got 2 M & S stores each within 4 mile radius but one is a flagship store with loads of different lines and fashion items and the other is a very basic store. In fact I am in the cafe of the latter writing this.

I've just bought a couple of lovely jumpers which are longline and in vibrant colours for work meetings online and a pair of lovely PJs for my daughter. They had loads of cosmetics and beauty items here that were reduced and I suspect they have been shipped from the larger store to clear.

To be honest I was pleasantly surprised and the store layout was clear. Not sure how the cafe survives though as it's only me in here and I am only here waiting for my car at a local garage.

Gonnagetgoing · 07/10/2021 10:03

@OOAOML

I used to buy their knickers but stopped quite a few years ago as the quality had gone right down. I get multipacks of cotton knickers from John Lewis now. Still rate M&S socks and tights but not bought any for a while as stocked up when they were on offer. Bought new pyjamas there recently.
Thanks for the tip re John Lewis knickers. Sainsbury’s and Tesco do very good multipack cotton knickers too, Sainsbury’s just edge Tesco in terms of pretty colours and designs though.
madmomma · 07/10/2021 10:37

As an aside, the Mac n cheese toastie in the Cafe is one of the nicest things I've ever eaten.

slalomsuki · 07/10/2021 10:50

@madmomma I looked at that in the menu but thought it was too early in the day for Mac and cheese

SunshineCake1 · 07/10/2021 11:06

[quote slalomsuki]@madmomma I looked at that in the menu but thought it was too early in the day for Mac and cheese[/quote]
Shock. It's never too early

I once had left over lasagne for breakfast as had too many left overs/meal planned to miss it and it was delicious.

SirChenjins · 07/10/2021 11:33

Exciting news! I’ve just got an email from M&S about their Jaeger collection - no ribbons in sight! Well, it’s exciting to me, I like their stuff.

SusannaOwens · 07/10/2021 12:00

@SirChenjins

There's been a bit of Jaeger in TKMaxx just lately.