Marks and Spencers alternatives

[WomanBornNotWorn]

Sadly Bonmarche have gone into administration. But I'm very pleased with my £22 black velvet skirt bought after I'd seen the £50+ M&S one.

Yankee Candles have very nice Christmassy scented candles and wax melts

Aldi food & drink is low priced and pretty good (lovely pesto)

What are your finds?

Asda mini pants last just as long as my old M&S ones, and their bras are good value.

Does any one know an alternative for la maison de senteurs bath milk stuff? Will do without if not but I do love that stuff!

Sainsbury's bras, knickers, PJs, shoes, men's casual shirts and jumpers, all very successful, dh and I are fairly standard shapes, so no trying on was needed. They have a wide range of sizes. Will move on to men's underwear when needed, but sadly he recently stocked up at m&s, and socks are covered by birthdays and Christmas

My next effort is to find a farm shop or butcher that sells free range pork, I'd relied on waitrose for that, not least because I can walk there, rather than drive.

I must admit to rather petty amusement at reporting John lewis and m&s adverts as inappropriate

Used Sainsbury's for the second time last week and was very pleased with the range and prices. Am heading for Morrisons next as they've removed plastic from most? of the fruit and veg so am keen to support that. And - to my shame - have started cooking from scratch. M & S was just laziness with over packaged ready meals etc.

Second Asda pants as comfortable.

M and s take away salads: Morrisons do some. Aldi currently have grain salads in. ( They change every now and again)

Asda school uniform is hard-wearing. Sainsbury's and Asda school shirts are good value.

Goodness knows what I will do about School uniform. The dds will need cotton shirts and slim fitting trousers, (not for a few months which at least gives me time).
Morrisons is good for gluten free things, they have a large selection.
I am stumped as to knickers and tights, I buy a lot from M&S, plus the dc’s pyjamas, dd1’s underwear and socks.

I've said it before on the other threads but uniqlo is really good for basics: thermals, jeans, plain tops and knitwear. Also kids stuff, and there is always something on sale.

PJs - Boden sale or primark (DD loves the Harry Potter stuff and they are actually quite good quality)

For good quality fruit and veg (and organic meat) I cannot recommend a Riverford box too highly, it comes out at good value (at least the veg do) and is delivered to your door with minimal plastic.

@SirVixofVixHall Asda do different fit school trousers, if not in store then you can order them in online.
I'm finding Sainsbury's school tights good quality, better than other supermarket ones.

Sainsurys bras are good

Another vote here for Sainsbury's clothes. They are excellent and they have a full range for all ages. Always been a big Sainsbury's fan. Plus there are Nectar points. I just bought a pink padded shower proof coat for a fiver as I used £30 worth of Nectar points, would've cost me £35 so it's next door to free. Also you can double up points at various times of the year and get offers too via the website.

I am nowhere near a large supermarket, but I can buy stuff online obv. I used to buy uniform at Marks and John Lewis, with sometimes trousers from Next.
Dd is nearly 15 and just about big enough for a size xxs or 4-6 in women’s trousers which gives me more options I suppose, but dd2 is 12 , smallish and very slight, so tricky to find trousers for at the best of times.

You might find UNIQLO good SirVix. They have adjustable waistbands on the trousers and fit my skinny kids very well (though I don't have any girls so not sure if they would be suitable for school uniform?)

I always buy uniform from M&S but I have most of a year now to find an alternative as what I've already got and used will last until summer shirt season begins.

I shop online and have found cotton traders:
www.cottontraders.com/
good for men’s shirts and very comfortable women’s jeans.

For tights - Boots are a lot better than M&S.

Next is good for uniform. I personally prefer there bras - they fit much better. Also boys pants are shaped for boys unlike m and s - in my sons words m and s pants go up your bum!

Oh and tights I get online from tightstightstights.com - reasonable prices and prompt service.

I’m just missing the tres expensive fruity flapjack type biscuits .... better for waist line and purse mind you!

Next has the same policy though, anyone can use the women’s changing room, if they feel “comfortable “ in there. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Clymene I will have a look at Uniqlo, I do buy the odd thing from there but I have never bought children’s trousers.
For out of school French or Belgian brands fit her nicely, but I can never find plain black trousers.

A friend with a v skinny boy also rates Next, but the girls' stuff might be different. H&M or Boden are also good for having v elasticated waistlines.

Came on here to ask about tights, was not disappointed. Boots are great for socks too, the bamboo ones are soft and seem to be pretty much indestructible.

Bought pack of 100 tealights in Homebase today for £3. Same amount in M&S is £4. RESULT.

I do get the odd pair of trousers in Next, but can’t now as I am boycotting them.