Boden - has it finally lost its way?

[TheLadyofShallots]

I've been with them since they started. I have knitwear , trousers and a wool coat that have served me well.
They were supposed to be getting back on track last year but all I can see now are drab dresses and jeans at £100 a pair. Seriously?

I might buy some things at 50% off - I work from home and my clothes for out of work mode are casual - but the prices are crazy.

10 years ago Boden was a huge percentage of my wardrobe… it did lose its way a few years ago (leading to J Boden sending the “sorry” esque email/postcard to clients!). I don’t think the prices are justified especially £100+ for a jersey dress that fades and bobbles after a few wears.

I agree.

And the 'new season' is always the same old season but in different colours.

I think they lost it years ago. I last bought something about 8 years ago (a jersey dress) and the quality was shocking.

Funny enough, I bought a couple of things in their recent sale. My husband saw the box and said "You've not bought anything from them in ages. Wasn't that your favourite shop?"

They have always been expensive but the material/quality kind of justified it. Now everything is Jersey or see through.

I haven’t had anything from them for ages and after deciding to give them another go I emptied my basket instead of paying for it. I just wasn’t willing to take the chance on the items not being wearable.

I like them as they are one of the few places that sell good quality, reasonably priced but colourful boys clothes.

I will buy cotton dresses and tops from them, but nothing else besides the odd swimsuit.

I bought some jeans from a jumble sale that had already seen at least 2 toddlers. They'd obviously been worn but were in really good condition iyswim. My son loved them and he wore them loads. When he finally outgrew them, they were still great to pass on. So they were onto at least their 4th toddler with no signs of giving up.

Frugi used to be the same. I dont know if it still is.

I dont mind paying loads if that is likely to happen. In fact, I'm more likely to buy more! But I guess, it's not financially in their interest if people can wear the same jumper for years without needing to replace it.

Also used them for years and disappointment in the quality bobbling thin material not looking good after a few washes. I love the style of kids stuff too but quality and how fast they grow makes it not worth it.
I must add though I bought 2 kids winter coats last year bought big and they have been amazing repeatedly washing the feral ones coat it comes clean and still looks great and really warm they were over £100 each but I would buy them again.

I used to buy lots from them - probably 80% of my wardrobe but last year I bought probably 3-4 dresses and quality overall poor but prices (even with discount) high.

Strangely enough I finally got rid of a skirt last year from there as it was worn through - I bought it in 2011

So what is the ‘new’ Boden? Where are all the old Boden customer shopping?

A very good question.
Last year Johnnie spoke out and said they had 'listened ' and were going back to the type of clothes women wanted (I think part of the argument was that they were aiming at much younger women.)

However, all I can see is a price rise where there are no trousers for under £80 and most are £100.

I agree, I still have dresses, trousers & tops from 15y ago. Linings, hems, buttons, zips etc are still absolutely bombproof and the fabrics (wool, cord, heavy cotton) still presentable. The few bits I bought in the last 7-8 years went into the charity bag after a few washes, nothing could persuade me to return now.

I buy a lot of their cotton shirts as I like the patterns and I have a couple of pairs of trousers for work but that is it now. I am absolutely sick of puffy sleeves/shoulders, which they (and Oliver Bonas) seem to really love.

I still have their kids stuff (some second/third hand) from yonks ago. More recent and adult things - hard no! What was that catalogue whether there were Union Jack blazers etc? Was that last year? I remember a thread about it.

There are lots of ex Boden fans on this thread… they surely haven’t given up clothes shopping. I also loved Boden but it just doesn’t seem to change. Every year it’s the same styles in different colours and patterns.

I haven’t been on their website for a while because I’ve been so despondent but will go and have a peek. Ps I’m not in the UK but it was one of the brands that did international shipping so I’m no help with a Boden replacement but super keen to hear other opinions.

I have a few jumpers only because I liked the colours. For the price, the quality is shocking and no better than H&M or TU.

I love their dresses at the moment but they are coming in at £179 or so ... I can't justify it.

I used to have loads of Boden. It’s too expensive now. Guessing their prices are aimed at the US market? The quality does not feel the same. Given my style has not really changed (mostly jeans/T shirt/jumper with denim skirts and the odd dress) I now mostly buy stuff at Hush or M&S. I have also bought the odd well reviewed thing at Whistles, Next and Uniqlo. And I have a few Seasalt jumpers.

I still wear their old girlfriend jeans most days though, which were brilliant.

Boden are not the only retailer with high prices and low quality-MV, Hush & to an extent Whistles are all similar.

As @Irishcharmersaid, the quality is no better in some cases than H&M.

I used to buy most of my basics & trousers from Boden as their petite sizes fitted really well but cannot justify the prices vs quality.

Someone asked where ex Boden purchasers are now shopping - Uniqlo is my current go to, as is Vinted. Also try & buy in the sale or with a discount code.

I buy their leggings and have done for about ten years. They keep their shape and colour. I buy nothing else.

I'm in a bit of a big rut clothes wise and can't say I'm excited about buying stuff as I don't consistently find anything I really like

Most of the things I have bought last year are from M&S, H&M and dresses Fri. white Stuff

Yes.
It turned to shit as (almost) everything else.
Sorry.

I love them for my 9yo DD. One of the few shops where I can find bright, child appropriate clothing for her size. Nothing for me though.