Marks and Sparks

I went to M&S for a pair of smart black trousers. They were hopeless, too long, too short, weird material. Yuk! I also went to Debenhams and got a pair there. Much better quality too.

I have tried on 8’s that are too big, 12’s that are too small, nasty material. I have given up with M & S trousers all together and now buy Boden on line or Hobbs, more expensive but at least they are wearable:

I find that M&S trousers are baggy at the side, a bit like jodpurs.

I ordered some fleecy tartan bed linen in their sale (sounds a bit yuk) but looked really nice especially for the winter. They approved my order on line and then emailed me just before I was due to pick it up, a week later, to say it was no longer in stock We also went to look at chest of drawers in the sale and thought they were insubstantial and not particularly well made. Went somewhere else and found some solid wood, better finish for slightly less.

I think M&S is on the decline now, except for the food dept.

Liz46 Quite agree... all M and S trousers I have tried on recently have looked like jodhpurs!

Got some lovely “Supersoft” jumpers for only £15 each shortly before Christmas and DD who is normally a Hobbs or Boden girl appeared on Boxing Day looking a million dollars in a mid calf knife-pleated skirt worn with a black polo neck , black tights and grey ankle boots. She admitted the skirt came from M&S !
So not all bad.

I also have 2 “tartan” fleecy/brushedcotton duvet sets from M&S which I bought last year when it was so cold. Love them.

Quality is DREADFUL. Bought a pair of trousers there before Christmas and they were ruined with the first wash!

I took my first trip into the city centre for a year last week, to spend the M & S gift cards I had been given for Christmas. I couldn't find a single item of clothing that I liked in the whole shop. None of their trousers suit my shape and I noticed that a lot of the pockets were false. I tried one V-necked top which came half way down my bust so was far too revealing. The only thing I did buy was a giant cheesy pretzel, which I ate surreptitiously on the bus going home.

Agree about the trousers it's a nightmare getting the right fit and length.Also the food has gone downhill, we always buy a sherry triffle at Christmas, always been lovely, this year it had no taste, very watery, and no sign of the sherry, also the sausages and bacon were rubbish.

weird material.
Yes, what has happened to the material minimoon - it's horrible? Either cheap and flimsy or thick like old-fashioned crimplene stuff.

I still wear a pair of fine wool trousers I bought in C&C but they are straight rather than slim - if I knew they were closing down I'd have bought more.

MawBroon you must have the best at your M&S , then they send the rejects to all our stores!

My first post didn’t mention problem with food! Had a 50% refund as I complained that turkey wasn’t up to standard, which I was happy with, but again will not be ordering their turkey next Christmas

I miss BHS underwear.

Where can you find good quality clothes with good fabric? If you buy on-line you can't feel it.
I was very disappointed going round the sales recently .

Katyj, M & S have introduced a delicious new strawberry compote trifle without the watery jelly. I tried it when lunching with a friend and we enjoyed it. Apparently it was on special offer last week at £2.50. I must say I have no complaints about their food.

It’s such a shame the way M & S is going downhill. Even Per Una looks rubbish now. Are all the clothes made outside the UK? Remember going to a friends home near Nelson in South Wales in the early 70’s. There was a local M & S factory selling seconds, bought some real bargains.

Stopped buying their food last year. Clothes a long time before that. What a shame used to be so good.

I've had £40 worth of M & S vouchers waiting to be spent for almost 2 years. Can't find anything in there to spend them on because it's utter rubbish. Tu clothing is better quality at a better price. Even Primark beats M&S these days.

I think their decline is too far gone now to be salvaged.

Ditto, could not find a single item I wanted to buy. Store feels overcrowded and colours “off”. I tried to buy some bedding but everything I choose had to be ordered. As I needed items immediately, I went to Debenhams. I like John Lewis but am seldom in the city.

Had a 50% refund as I complained that turkey wasn’t up to standard,
I'm sorry to hear that, Hildegard - I must say that ours was delicious.

I can't get to Debenhams very easily and, like Grammaretto, like to 'feel' the fabric.

Chose