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Another M&S rant...

(120 Posts)
Witzend Wed 15-Nov-17 16:47:07

Came out of our local big M&S really grumpy. First, I was looking for jeans, and the regular length that used to fit me (after they made the long too long) has changed yet again and is now too short.
2nd, a pair I quite liked had really fiddling little buttons instead of a zip (why??) and I didn't find that out until I was in the changing room.
3rd, found some per Una ones I liked the look of, but instead of the label saying low, mid or high rise, it said 'Roma rise.' What the was that supposed to mean? Had to ask an assistant, and even she wasn't sure. Turned out to be not far off a high rise.
4th, could do with a new jumper of the soft, snuggly type. Finally from a distance saw one I really liked the look of - nice colour, plainish, but a little bit different - until I got close up - silver glitter thread all round the neck! WHY DO THEY DO IT?
Apart from the cashmere, and I wasn't looking for anything like that, I have never seen so many horrible jumpers in my life.
OK, rant over.

Lindylo Thu 16-Nov-17 10:29:11

I've more or less given up with the store. If I do see something I might like they ever seem to have the item in my size - and I have been to more than one store. Is it so strange to be a size 12?

Applegran Thu 16-Nov-17 10:30:26

I am so glad to read others who are not happy with what M&S are offering us! I agree with lots of the above views. I do get underwear there, but often look fruitlessly and frustratingly for other things. I HOPE SOME OF THEIR MANAGERS AND DESIGNERS WILL BE MADE AWARE OF THIS THREAD! I would love to say to them that they spoil otherwise good basic designs by adding daft and unstylish frufrus ( if you know what I mean) There are tons of other places where we can buy clothes on the high street - why doesn't M&S do what it used to do : KEEP IT SIMPLE! If it was easy to get simple unfussy shirts and blouses, trousers, scarves and other things in GOOD BASIC COLOURS, BOTH PASTEL AND STRONG , but no glitter or fancy bits, it would be a great place to shop. It would differentiate them from others and be a reliable place to buy clothes. And, while I am at it, why not provide cardigans and jackets which cover our bottoms? I am size 10 or 12 but still don't want a top which comes half way down my bottom.

Wilma65 Thu 16-Nov-17 10:32:34

Bon Marche have some really nice jeans. I bought some that have a slight stretch to the fabric and the fit lovely

Pensionermum Thu 16-Nov-17 10:32:40

I wander around our largest M&S unable to find anything that I like, and yet if I go to our local M&S outlet (reduced stock) I can usually find lots I want to buy. This tells me I don't like their everyday prices when you can get similar quality at Bon Marche!

David1968 Thu 16-Nov-17 10:34:27

I like M&S for some things, but oh what the heck is all the Sparks malarkey? I have a Sparks account but I haven't time to manage it. (I can't be the only one who feels like this?) Why don't M&S just do "points", like Boots or Sainsburys? It seems M & S are just doing themselves no favours, these days.

Thirdinline Thu 16-Nov-17 10:38:27

I bought lovely warm knitwear in Matalan & Sainsburys for half the price of M&S’s. There was glittery thread in abundance though, I just ignored everything with it in!

In M&S trouser/jeans/jeggings etc I’m a size 10, despite being a size 12 everywhere else.

suzied Thu 16-Nov-17 10:41:17

Had a quick scroll through their “new collection” quite a few horrors have picked out a couple . I think their new head of clothing has come from Halfords, so we should see a lot of boiler suits in the spring maybe. Saw a good review of their shoes so I may brave the store to look at those.

W11girl Thu 16-Nov-17 10:43:16

Look elsewhere...M&S does not do well as far as clothes go....they are frumpy, overpriced and always behind in the fashion stakes. I'm not one for fashion, but I can't even buy a decent classic there. Can't fault their food though....yum!!

Funnygran Thu 16-Nov-17 10:45:28

I can’t understand Sparks either - a very snappy older assistant ‘explained’ it to me and I was none the wiser so I don’t bother with it. I’m another that thinks there is nothing much to appeal to my age group. However in the last few weeks I have bought some things that caught my eye and replaced underwear. I looked out casual and comfortable clothes before going away last weekend and realised that everything, even down to my shoes was from M&S.

Mads Thu 16-Nov-17 10:45:44

I don't have an M&S store nearby so was actually looking forward to a branch down south when we went a couple of weeks ago. As usual, in and out in 10 mins. My expectations are always crushed. Quality, sizing, descriptions. Women's section shrunk and outdone by Christmas decorations, the mens section not swamped with rubbish and looking good as ever . What is a Roma rise is, goodness knows!! When I even buy online I am disappointed. I will stick with my local shops.
It would be good if M & S could read all these comments

Lindylou57 Thu 16-Nov-17 10:52:06

Like many on here I used to love M&S but now buy most of my stuff at Bonnemarche, Yours, Evans (occasionally but not often cos even they have started to disappoint) and Damart online. Just bought a lovely waterproof jacket with hood from Bonnemarche for winter.Super value and beautiful fit.

bluebellwoods Thu 16-Nov-17 10:53:52

I always bought my clothes from M&S but lately sizing is completely different! I have also seen some jumpers in small medium & large?????
Have had lovely jumpers from peacocks & my best friend says the bras in Asda are much better!

Aepgirl Thu 16-Nov-17 10:59:47

To say that M&S has llost its way is an understatement. The quality of all their clothing is appalling and the choice of jumpers is between awful and ugly. Why don't they listen to the customers who were so loyal for so long?

It enrages me that I can buy a sausage roll, but not a decent pair of tights or pants.

grammakate Thu 16-Nov-17 11:15:23

I fear it is not possible to rely on M & S "quality" as I spent 35 pounds on a very pretty cardigan last year only for the front of it to be fluffed up and bobbly after only 3 wearings. After just a light handwash it then went completely out of shape.....very disappointing. Don't bother to look in the store any more!!

123kitty Thu 16-Nov-17 11:28:03

Hi christinefrance, don't think you're missing much on UK site (or stores).

Hm999 Thu 16-Nov-17 11:59:13

Scribbles I bought the bra you described yesterday, most sizes, 3 colours. Look online. It's comfy by the way.
My first M&S gripe is the nightdress and matching lightweight summer dressing gown my daughter bought me August last year for my birthday. Unworn all winter, both have disintegrated into holes after 6 months of wear and washing. She liked it so much she bought the nightie, which has been washed more often - perfect.
2ndly I searched town for a summer dress to wear to a family do. Found a perfect linen dress on a poster in my M&S, they had never stocked it at that branch. Seriously, why bother advertising it then?

Craftycat Thu 16-Nov-17 11:59:21

I still buy from M&S quite a lot- I quite like glitter. My gripe is they stopped doing extra long trousers some time ago & their long ones are not quite long enough!
My DiL goes to a M& S outlet shop somewhere near Bluewater & gets me some great things I have never seen in the shops at very good prices. I wish there was one nearer me.

Caro1954 Thu 16-Nov-17 12:03:40

Don’t even bother looking anymore - ours is a food store with all the other branches reject clothing stuck at the back! The proper stores are not much better. And as for Sparks ...!

Diddy1 Thu 16-Nov-17 12:07:26

Looking for a bra recently, couldnt find anything I liked in the huge M&S range, then I went into Matalan, a shop I have never been in before, as their things cater more for younger shoppers, however I bought two bras for a good price, and they are the best I have ever had, they fit well and have lovely broad side pieces.I will not be looking at Marks bra any more.

Gibby Thu 16-Nov-17 12:08:24

Suzie, can’t believe these photos! What a couple of beauties - they look horrendous like something you’d find in a jumble sale. Would love to see the person who designed them.

Cagsy Thu 16-Nov-17 12:10:44

Most of my clothes and shoes/boots are from M&S, usually bought on line - but I also send a lot back as sizing just can't be trusted anymore. Young people wouldn't dream of shopping for clothes there so if we are their 'core' target why aren't they listening to us?
Having said that part of my Christmas presents for my DGC are always pjs, trousers and jumper or dress plus some undies, all of which I get from M&S online. Thanks to Sparks I can have 20% off, which is quite a saving as there are 4 of them smile

Telly Thu 16-Nov-17 12:35:49

Someone mentioned jumpers bobbling - I bought one of those defuzzers from Lakeland I think - brilliant! Quite therapeutic too!

Victoria08 Thu 16-Nov-17 12:36:49

I was given a gift card for my birthday in August, but am having trouble spending it on clothing.
I badly need some warm leggings or jeggings.
But it seems most of their trousers come in regular length, whereas I need long length.
I found some that were suitable but of course, only regular length. Much too short to tuck into boots. Thus will be the second time I've taken back for a refund.
Think I will spend the rest on a pair of new slippers.
They don't seem to cater much for tall women.

tonibolt Thu 16-Nov-17 12:45:38

On a trip 10 days ago:- I found some Per Una trousers I liked, Roma rise which I have bought before, and generally fit well. My size was not available. The sausage casserole sauce we like is no longer available, (the assistant thought it might be because of Christmas). The nougat which I always buy at Christmas wasn’t available.

The jumpers were all embellished (nastily) or cashmere (too hot!) and I don’t buy the £12.50 ones which are plain as they are very limp and bobble after only a few washes. It isn’t my laundry skill either, as I have jumpers from years ago that are still fine.

jangeo44 Thu 16-Nov-17 12:57:32

Probably the same velvet trousers I purchased Jane10 - wore them in a cruise recently - perfect fit, very comfortable to wear. Agree jumpers and tops abysmal.