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Marks and spencer

(90 Posts)
Sallywally1 Sun 04-Oct-20 02:45:12

Have finally lots it’s way. Had a look at their latest offerings and although they have some quite nice dresses they are no good for the majority of its customers as they are either too short, too young, narrow size range and just not what most of its customers want. They only go up to size range 18 which have already sold out, and most women (unless much younger) prefer skirts to be below the knee and to have sleeves, not to mention waisted dresses to be on the waist not just below the bust!

I will be shopping elsewhere from now on. I used to wear virtually from marks. What a shame.

FannyCornforth Sun 04-Oct-20 05:23:28

When you think about what the quality used to be like. There's no comparison.
I totally agree about sleeves.
However, I do like the below the bust waist type thing.
My real waist really doesn't pass muster these days.

Jane10 Sun 04-Oct-20 07:38:17

Re sizes : if you like a particular item but your size isn't in the shop, look at their website and try click and collect. They seem to have a much larger range than they put on display. Also I've had things from the website that I've not seen in store.

dragonfly46 Sun 04-Oct-20 07:41:28

I keep ordering trousers from M&S forgetting how awful they are. They always go back!

Marydoll Sun 04-Oct-20 07:53:30

The only thing now I buy from M&S is Jeggings and pyjamas. Even that quality is not as good as it was previously. ☹️

They have a huge, untapped audience out there. You only have to read the Style threads on GN to see what people like and from whom the buy!

Dorsetcupcake61 Sun 04-Oct-20 08:04:51

It's such a shame. Three years ago one of their larger branches was minutes from where I worked . On a couple of occasions they had fantastic sales which included lots of items in size 18 and above. I bought some lovely tops and jumpers which were up to date but classic. That branch closed. The smaller one near where I live was very good for some items such as T shirts but to be honest you can find the same quality but cheaper elsewhere.
I wonder how long they can keep going in current climate?

Maggiemaybe Sun 04-Oct-20 08:21:30

I was just thinking we were overdue for one of the regular Marks-bashing threads! grin I haven’t been in store since February and am trying not to buy more stuff anyway, using and adapting what I’ve already got. But I did find a lovely summer dress from M & S online in the sale when I was sent a £5 off voucher, and there are loads of clothes on the website that appeal to me. I’d say the range looks better now than it has for a long time.

Curlywhirly Sun 04-Oct-20 08:29:14

The ladies clothes are dreadful. Dowdy voluminous dresses, the trousers have huge hips, their tops are shapeless and very unflattering and there are lots of manmade fibres. The shoes aren't too bad, but again too many are plastic and there are not enough leather ones. For me, the only things that are still ok are their knitwear and underwear.

Liz46 Sun 04-Oct-20 08:35:15

I gave up on M&S trousers years ago when they had huge lumps on the side like jodpurs.

Jaxjacky Sun 04-Oct-20 08:41:32

As I don’t wear dresses it’s not an issue, but I do buy my jeans from M&S, the odd jumper, t shirts and bra’s.

midgey Sun 04-Oct-20 08:46:31

I thought things were much better this autumn. Sallyw I don’t like my skirts way below the knee, their longer mini skirts skirts fit me just fine! (Because I’m short!)

TwiceAsNice Sun 04-Oct-20 08:53:58

I do buy my keg gongs from there as they fit me well and knickers. Have bought pyjamas for daughters and one pair of boots that I love. However their T shirts are awful and rarely buy a dress as they are usually grumpy and in awful colours

TwiceAsNice Sun 04-Oct-20 08:54:39

Jeggings what on Earth is keg gongs!

Grannynannywanny Sun 04-Oct-20 08:59:04

I also find the children’s clothes a disappointment in past 18 months. Staples such as underwear, pjs and school uniforms remain good standard. If I was buying clothes for my GC I would always go to M&S. Now I can’t seem to find much I like. I used to be like a kid in a sweetie shop during their 50% off sales but now I can come away empty handed. I feel some of it isn’t even worth the reduced price.

MawB2 Sun 04-Oct-20 08:59:04

Maggiemaybe gringrin

It must be all of a month since the last one!

Poppyred Sun 04-Oct-20 08:59:08

I didn’t know dresses could be grumpy *TwiceAsNice! ?? But I know what you mean. This years collection is worse than last years and that’s saying something.

BrandyGran Sun 04-Oct-20 09:35:04

I used to buy short length jeans and wear them immediately. Now I have to take them up by 1 1/2" !
When I asked why they were being made longer, I was told that some people like to wear them with heels- my answer to that was why don't they buy medium length then?
I can alter them myself but it's a hassle. The only alternative is to pay £7 to a tailor. This must put people off buying them.
I used to love M&S- style and quality. There were so many things that appealed to me. I like their cotton nighties but now buy my bras in Sainburys s- same quality for almost half the price.

BrandyGran Sun 04-Oct-20 09:38:02

I would love a flowery dress but need it to be made in a warmer fabric than viscose! Younger ones don't feel the cold like older folk. Please Marks think about your customers and ask them what they would like.

Shropshirelass Sun 04-Oct-20 09:43:54

I buy their jeans and underwear, the odd T shirt or jumper but I agree they need to up their game in the design stakes. I also try to buy natural fabrics. Every time a man made fabric item us washed it releases plastics into the environment. I try to do my bit to help the planet to recover.

Shropshirelass Sun 04-Oct-20 09:45:08

PS. To be made in the UK too. (Stopped buying Joules as it is made in China!).

BlueSky Sun 04-Oct-20 09:48:50

Sadly our branch is now closed, it was good for browsing and commenting on how old fashioned their clothes were! But I will miss their Christmas display!

Sallywally1 Sun 04-Oct-20 09:50:49

To be fair their £15.00 jeggings are very good value and I have several. I think overall it is the fabric which lets clothes down nowadays. I used to buy a lot from monsoon and although so,ex of the designs are still good the material is dreadful. What I. Earth is Lenzing and where is all the cotton?

Jane10 Sun 04-Oct-20 09:53:07

I really like Tencel. It's a natural fabric and has a sheen and hangs like silk. I've had a few things made of this fabric from M&S and wish they used it more.

Sallywally1 Sun 04-Oct-20 09:54:38

Actually Woolovers are good for jumpers and I recently bought a lovely A line wool skirt from them in navy which is perfect for work, not itchy and a good length. Only one colour!

Alishka Sun 04-Oct-20 10:00:33

Oh! the memories of when M&S made their clothes in Britain rather than out-sourcing to China. And they had good designers too.
Days long gone, I'm afraid.