Is anyone else suprised to be finding Marks and Spencer Really Good?

[MalagaNights]

I've been looking for winter dresses, struggling to find warm everyday styles. Saw a few knitted dresses in places like Arket/ Cos usually about £100 which I was prepared to pay.

Went on the M&S webisite and I've found loads of dressses which fit what I'm looking for an they're around £40!!

This alos happened to me in the summer when I was looking for everyday midi stye dresses. Prepared to spend £100+ and found just wahst I was looking for in M&S for around £40. So git twice as many!!

I've orederd about 7 dresses. A few knitted styes and a a few midi styles with long sleeves. Waiting for them to arrive so will comment on quality, but my summer dresses were a lovely crisp high quality cotton.

I'd really given up on Marks and regarded them as done and out, and never go in the shop.
Anyone else suprised to find they're really good again?

@peenaction @Floisme you can return instantly and you don't scan using your phone, you scan the barcode that's on the bag the goods come in, using the scanner at the returns unit itself. Hold up the bag, listen for a beep and it's done 👍 Just like you don't scan using your phone at the self-service checkouts neither do you need to use your phone for returns. Last time I did it was 2days ago 😊

You can scan the bar code on the bag. The nice young man showed me how last week 😆

I bought a black jacket for DD for when she needs to look smart, bought 2 sizes .Online said 10 Dd is an 8 . The 8 was the better fit.
Checked the in store availability but it was coming up as Not In Stock.

Collected, tried on at home,,returned one, refunded. Simple.

That's really awful, if this is how it looks on the model in their advert, how could anyone be expected to buy something so ill fitting?

I just went to get some PJs from M&S and I also bought a fluffy 'leisure wear' hoody to replace my previous one from there that I adore. Well, that's going back. It's rubbish, it doesn't meet in the middle and doesn't have a zipper or any buttons, it has no shape or form and the hood doesn't sit right if you want it up either. I think you're supposed to gather it around yourself or tie it in a knot or something and it has two pathetic pockets. My previous one, which I'm super fond of and have been wearing for several years is still going strong, has proper structure, cuffs on the arms and waist, a plastic zipper from top to bottom, and a really well fitted hood (with teddy ears on LOL) and generous pockets.

Ooh. And you don't need a phone to do that?

Just seen this too. Thank you - that is so helpful! I will start ordering again, in that case.

Now to try to convince bloody Boden to revert to their old returns policy. I now have to ring up to ask them for a label. It would be far better if they just provided them for customers to use or not.

I started going back to M&S properly a couple if years ago when my DD moved to the Isle of Man. I've not stopped. Their clothes are great - good quality and good customer service too.

M&S food is spot on too esp if you have a food allergy. I shop with Ocado now blended with a standard supermarket shop. I'm finding it works well with one DC being gluten intolerant.

I think we have become conditioned to lower prices which leads to lower quality. In the mid-80s in my first job I earned £140 a week and remember paying £25 for a washable wool skirt and £12 for a beautifully cut cotton linen blouse. These were basic items that everyone would buy and there would be a couple of variations. Both lasted years and were worn on repeat because we simply had far fewer clothes back then. The skirt would be £80 today. When I go into M&S these days I’m gobsmacked at the sea of polyester work skirts and trousers in dozens of styles.

This week I bought a lovely warm fleece jacket from Marks. It only cost £35, has the deepest pockets and perfect for walking the dog.

I have similar memories of saving up to buy new clothes in the 80s, even though I was working at a professional level. M&S was regarded then as 'expensive but worth it'.

I used to hate it when I hit my teens and my mum would buy me something from M&S because I knew I'd be stuck wearing it for-bloody-ever. (She also bought everything too large in case I grew.)

I also remember going into a store at some point in the mid-late 90s (after they'd moved production overseas) and being struck by how low the prices were in comparison.

I was a big M&S fan for years, sometimes I'd be in the store and realised every stitch of clothing I had on was M&S! Their fit and style just suited me.
Now I can't remember the last time I bought any clothes there, the standard has really dropped.

Sadly no. All that glitters is not gold and poor quality soon shows. Sizes of clothes differ widely, even in the same item. You can no longer buy and keep for a long time, therefore less sustainable. I think they are relying on people over ordering and not returning for their sales.

When staff wore a black and white t shirt uniform in the summer, it ruined the Breton look for me. Beware of striped jumpers the colours merge into each other creating third dirty fluffy colour after one day.

Thank you for that helpful hint. Sadly they don’t seem to know that in my large local store. I have dexterity issues juggling phone and parcels and ring for help, but that has never been mentioned. I end up making the buying queues longer by returning at the counter. Not sure all staff know how to deal with returns. Sadly I buy very little from there now.

Nowhere on the High street unless it’s in a charity shop. Original, good quality items that have proven sustainability.

Their merino wool jumpers and cardigans are fantastic.

I also like that their garments come in different lengths.

I hadn't bought clothes from M&S in years as I'd been having trouble finding short lengths in-store and I prefer to try things on before I buy rather than ordering online.

I went in this week though and bought a couple of pairs of their Cozy Jeggings, plenty of different sizes and lengths and colours available and the jeggings are probably the most comfortable trousers I've ever owned! I also got some comfy wireless bras, which I've been struggling to find in my size elsewhere. Got some nice clothes for the children too.

I didn't find any tops or dresses I liked though, all nasty fabrics and ugly patterns.

Yep agree with this the ones I bought are still going strong and wear well. I'll probably treat myself to a couple more pairs. 🌹