Marks and Sparks

I did give in today and buy the Curve trench coat that I had been rude about. Realised it looked quite smart as long as I didn't button it up! Had a long chat with a lady who agreed with all of us!

Nicely! Illiterate mobile.

Jalima get yourself up here. The colour co-ordination is so good in our branch that there are even shoes to match in quite obscure colours. I was just admiring sage green court shoes and thinking how nice they'd go with some of the outfits. The variation between branches is worrying.

I bought a lambswool jumper from Marks before Christmas, wore it twice, and now it looks bobbled and scruffy. I do not think it is just M&S jumpers that wear like this. I have tried other more expensive, ie Jigsaw, and they are similar. I actually would be happy to pay £60 or more for a jumper if it lasted longer than two wearings. I agree they didn't used to be like this. I think the more expensive Marks jeans and trousers are good quality. However I bought a couple of items from the Classic range for my mother and felt so embarrassed by the style that I felt compelled to tell the assistant that they weren't for me.

I found that nothing co-ordinates or matches - you can pick an item eg trousers, a skirt, up and walk around looking for a co-ordinating top but can't find one.

and glitter

I don't want glitter except perhaps once a year

I just went back to buy more giant comfy pants and on the way through I saw literally dozens of really nice clothes. Dresses, blouses, coats, shoes and handbags all of which I'd happily have worn. I'd have taken photos but my phone is refusing to upload any more.
Re lambswool: I used to love their fine merino wool jumpers but can understand that they are now very expensive. I looked for them in a good catalogue and they started at £49.50-£60. I'm not sure if the average M&S shopper would be too keen on that.
As someone up the thread said, a lot depends on individual branches. I think we must have a good manager/range selector in our local branch. I'm still a fan!

they'd have to add fussy 'bits'
Yes, too many fussy bits

What happened to the lovely lambswool ladies jumpers?
Now all their knitwear just bobbles, especially if you are bigger busted like me, the lambswool never did though.

No one ever replies when you ask such questions on their website.

I'm going back this morning Marydoll!

Buy some more Jane ASAP, because you will probably never see the likes again!

Well I've had a revelation! I gave M&S one last chance to provide good quality comfortable pants. The last few batches have been very disappointing. (Why is that like light bulbs, underwear 'goes' all at the same time?!). Anyway I bought 3 pairs on a special offer and couldn't be more pleased!! I'm so happy with them that I feel like wearing them outside my trousers (don't worry I won't).

They've always been prone to adding fussy 'bits' to things that would have been far better without.
A few yrs ago in a tiny independent shop in the US I bought a lovely summer jacket - plain, unlined linen in a deep pink - with nice buttons! And it washes beautifully. It was made in the US, $70.

And I thought at the time, why on earth, with their economies of scale (so able to do more cheaply) don't M&S do plain but stylish basics like this, in some 'good' and zingy colours? But sadly I'm sure they'd manage to mess it up - colours would be not quite right, and they'd have to add fussy 'bits' and very likely horrible buttons, too.

My mother, who was very style conscious and had a good office job at M&S London HQ before she married, was offered the chance to train as one of their buyers. She always regretted turning the offer down - I dare say she'd be turning in her grave if she could see what their buyers are doing now.

* Lilypollen* I like their jeans but they arent as well made as they used to be I must admit. I just can't find better in short length.

A shame about the Curve range, for instance, they did a classic black dress, high neck, 3/4 sleeves, £55, the kind you could wear anywhere EXCEPT they put a slash on one side at the front which ruined it.

Awful.

Last time I was in Marks I enquired about the Curve range and was told it had been discontinued because it hadn't been well received. As most of the styles seemed pretty unflattering I wasn't surprised. I had tried on their trench coat and it was just a long tube with a belt, no styling at all

Should say washed well!

annep I used to only buy their jeans. Good quality, washed, made in Egypt or Turkey. Now they're from other places, presumably to reduce costs and quality is poor I find.

Well done Aggie. Some great bargains. I had a look today. almost bought a buttoned cardigan but it was very short. Bought a longline cardigan in Next- cream speckled colours, cotton mix. I have the sweater and it washes well. Also got a bargain sweater £6. again cotton acrylic good mix. and brushed cotton pj trousers £10 both Matalan. and a dress coat Debenhams Colection new in, terracotta, lined big patch pockets. great price. Watch out Marks. You may be losing a loyal customer. (I do like their jeans though.)

I've just returned to Gransnet after a break and am not at all surprised to see there are still the usual complaints about M&S. For goodness sake, why don't senior management at M&S read what we all write about them? We are their target market and here is a ready-made piece of research for them to act upon, so why don't they? It's absolutely no wonder they are going down the pan. Serves 'em right.

Hi lilypollen. I got the same email, and yes you are right some of the styles are just not suitable are they, though one or two things looked ok in the pictures. Not sure what the quality will be like, though.

Email from them today. Our New Collection has Landed! Shop, new in, need it now styles. First pic of a 20 something in white polo and mini skirt, though the accompanying gaberdine mac wasn't too bad.. M&S that doesn't grab me. When will they get the message that it's not much use targeting our daughters?

Back from M+S , searched the sale rails ............. mostly rows and rows of absurd colours and dubious styles BUT... I am home with a lovely turquoise raincoat , a long sleeved t shirt , a blouse and a silky top , got change back from my Christmas £40 token so went to stock up on knickers and bras and that was more than my sale bargains !

But they won't get our daughters. Time they realised.
I shop at Newtownabbey in NI. I now know the longterm employees - all lovely helpful ladies. One recently stood for quite a while listening to a lady who was feeling lonely coming up to Christmas. Lovely place to shop although small stock.

Trouble is we are not their target market are we. They are aiming for our daughters!