Another M&S rant...

I never bother with M&S - only the food.

I have a lots of "NO-NOs" when it comes to clothes. Glitter is one of them.

I don't even try looking in M&S for clothes. The last time I was in one of their stores there wasn't a single thing I wanted to try on. I vowed I would never shop for clothes there ever again.

I have never liked M&S. Try woolovers for sweaters. Just bought a nice plain warm lambswool polo neck from them, but they do other designs.

Last week, I went to M&S to buy three items: cocoa butter hand wash - out of stock. English Rose talcum powder - out of stock. A plain white cotton, underwired but unpadded bra of a kind I've bought before - nothing remotely like it available. I purchased a lightly padded t-shirt bra to try but, despite its label claiming it was size 40C, I reckon the cup size was at least a double E, so that went back for a refund. Not the first time I've had problems with sizing at M&S, their quality control seems to have gone right down the tubes.
I agree about the loathsome colours of the sweaters; some of the underwear is quite dire, too.
I keep hearing retail experts saying that M&S aren't appealing to the young and only the over 55s shop there. Well, I'm firmly in that category and I buy less and less at M&S.
PS. Last winter, I bought a couple of really nice sweaters at Asda. I ended up buying bras there last week, too!

Oh yes! - Asda all the way. I bought two jumpers there last year - I wonder if they were the same ones?!

I bought two really cheap cowl neck jumpers from M&M Sports this year - at £14 each - and I have had many compliments on them.

I always get jeans and trousers from the M&S Per Una range too and I was also perplexed by the new Roma Rise label - and, of course, no assistants around to provide an explanation. Thanks for the clarification Witzend.

I was mainly looking for clothes for my Mum. Every Christmas her pension provider sends her a £50 M&S vouchers and these have been mounting up because she never feels like going shopping. It's a nuisance because she sometimes doesn't like what I get her and then I have to take it back - and then another voucher is given, not money. Luckily, this time she liked the jumper and trousers I got. I agree, though, that their clothes aren't terribly inspiring these days - but then I don't think they are in most shops.

I'm a lone voice here! I just bought my perfect pair of black velvet trousers for wearing over Christmas. Good size, good length and lovely quality fabric. Interspersed throughout the display I also saw several jumpers that I liked. Lots that I didnt like but I suppose they're trying to provide something for all tastes. I've always wondered if local managers select which lines they stock. If so they do seem to pick clothes that people round here like. The staff group is pretty stable and the atmosphere is always friendly.
No rant from me!

I still find good things in M&S. It's the only place I can find underwear that fits and also the only place with jeans and jeggings that fit. I admit there's a lot that I don't like but I haven't discovered any other shop that's better.

Oh, and another grumble I'd forgotten - rails and rails of 'Mom' jeans!
Yes, I know Mom is used in parts of the UK, and I've nothing against it there, but I'm sure this was not a concession to regional usage - rather an aping of America.
This is not the US, M&S, and anyway, what you really mean is Baggy, Shapeless and Frumpy, and I for one don't want them, thanks very much.

I have been a bit disillusioned with M&S recently but surprised myself today by finding exactly the short padded jacket I have been looking for. Having said that, I had a mooch round the rails after and was not impressed. Not sure who they are designed to appeal to.

Another disillusioned M&S shopper here, I’ve always bought their jeans and trousers but it’s getting harder every year...and as for these awful tops in pastel colours with ridiculously flared sleeves, surely they’re designed for women who don’t live in the real world - you know that world where greasy saucepans have to be scrubbed clean etc! Nothing like a quick browse to remind me I am already turning into a GOW!

Actually Per Una have been doing Roma rise for some years now. I think there's a Pisa rise as well. I read last week that Archie Norman (the new CEO) had actually been into a branch - not before time I would have thought! He decided they need to aim for the young woman because all the clothes were only suitable for over 55s!!! Perhaps he should come on here and see what over 55s actually think of the clothes. He should also remember who it is who has the disposable income !

I’ve been disappointed by the quality of some bedding I bought recently. Already had to return the fitted sheet as it tore when I was putting the corner on and have just discovered a pillowcase which has torn beside the seam. Guess I won’t be shopping in M&S for bedding again.

I recently complained about the French website and its lack of choice. I can't understand why we are not able to use the English site as the goods cone from UK now. I understand there may be restrictions on some items. They told me the UK and European operations were quite separate.
On a lighter note I just got some jeans from Next and a label said ' special seams to uplift your bottom ' look forward to my new uplifted derriere ☺

I had an e-mail from M&S yesterday showing their "capsule collection".
The material had obviously been designed by someone who used to design wallpaper in the 40's and 50's. No Thank you and how would you eat soup in those sleeves?

Jane10 I agree, was in M&S yesterday and saw a few things that I may buy ( was in a rush so didn’t) and also every M&S will have different stock, or less stock all round if a small store.Debenhams is the same, they don’t all have the same ranges.
The one in the small market town I go to has much more that would appeal to the older person than a younger one, both for women and men.

I rarely go into Harrogate these days, but when I do , I don't even bother to go into M & S.
I just think expensive tat.

The stuff I used to buy in M+S I now buy in Bonmarche, although Marks wins every time with underwear

Oh dear, am I a frump or something? I bought some new jumpers in M&S last week and I love them! A couple of very plain, soft crew necks for £12.50, perfect for everyday wear. Also a couple of cotton rich 'Aran' style ones, really warm and comfortable. OK, they were a bit weird as they had big buttons on the sleeves - 5 of them on each sleeve from shoulder to cuff . But I just snipped them off. And now I have two sets of 10 buttons in my stash! When you consider the high price of buttons these days, that represents a saving on the cost of the jumpers

But yes, in general, I do agree that M&S have lost their way. I was looking for a navy coat recently, a showerproof one, preferably with a hood. My God, have you seen their range? Absolutely horrendous, nothing but padded, Michelin Man things everywhere. Who wears this stuff?

I absolutely loathe their clothing stores - SO depressing. Went with great reluctance to their Brent Cross one a few weeks ago in search of some jeans size 10 (I'm skinny) and found nothing. Went the following day to a local Shelter shop which stocks designer rejects and found the perfect pair at a fraction of M&S prices - came out with a smile on my face. Money to charity and fab jeans - brilliant!

I sent M & S an email when I saw their Spring/ Summer collection. I said I thought I had walked into a fancy dress shop or the pantomime department of the local theatre. Frills and bows everywhere, wappy sleeves and garish baggy trousers. Also why have they gone back to selling so much polyester and m an made fabrics?

Couldn't agree more. Their reputation does not meet the reality. It is the 'embelishments' that get me - pleasant sweater - back neck zip over heavy so it will never sit right -what are they thinking - and colour sense...

Went to M&S with money to buy knitwear. Looking for jumpers and coatigan - nothing. So disappointed. Went to several shops and found the same so in desperation I went to TKMaxx. I bought a beautiful, warm coatigan for £25 and 2 pure cashmere jumpers, for £25 and £40. Well chuffed. That's me set up for the winter at half the cost. Win,win.