I read in today's Telegraph that M & S are closing some of their smaller stores and regrading others to M & S Foods. Food seems to be the only thing they do well with now - well if they won't listen to their customers. I have just had an e-mail advert from them promoting the Alexa Archive Collection. Dire isn't the word for it. Alexa go back to the day job.
Dd1 spent a lot on basics for her family this summer and half term.. All much much cheaper than where she lives. The children have got clothes from us for Christmas. I tend to like one or two things for me each year. They've stopped stocking the tights without Lycra which I normally buy and I've had to resort to john lewis. They don't seem to have a vision of their customer. Too keen to go for the classic or indigo customer. I used to love per una.
Oh, yes, I like a lot of their home range too. They have a simple Christmas snow globe this year that I really like (the Love one) - it "snows" glitter for ages. In fact I was so fascinated I had to go back before I left the store for another shake. I think I'll have to have it - I guess I can justify buying yet more Christmas stuff by saying I'm sure the grandchildren will love it
I went to the large store at Handforth Dean today. I could have spent hundreds of pounds and the tills were very busy. The cashmere was particularly tempting . I obviously Buck the trend on here.
Made a rare visit to M&S a few weeks ago. My nearest is 15 miles away. Saw a couple of sweaters and a pair of shoes I liked. None available in my size because it is such a popular size (shoes and sweaters). As far as I am concerned it wouldn't bother me if the chain went the way of BHS, but with the Pension Fund fully funded and staff getting proper redundancy payments.
M&S used to be the 'go to' store for good quality, well-priced, and even fashionable clothing, but for several years now, most of their styles have been appallingly frumpy, and too elderly in aspect even for an old biddy like me! Their undies are not too bad, but vastly overpriced in my opinion. I rather like Matalan - they've replaced M&S in my affections.
I tried to buy a sweater and a skirt yesterday in M and S. There was nothing remotely wearable. I'd be sorry to see the clothing side go but it's lost the way. The clothes ranges don't appeal to the age groups they're aimed at. I also looked at nightwarecand underware. Grim. The only thing that appealed was a silk vest but I don't want to spend £35 on a vest. They brought in designers but what most women want is a decent pair of jeans or trousers, a shirt, t shirt and sweater or fleece, that is practical, wearable and affordable. T They are getting the food right.
I wouldn't be sorry to see them go. I've bought nothing from the clothes stores for years. The food stores have lovely things, but we don't have one near enough for me to go regularly.
We were in Madeira last year , went for a walk and discovered C&A.....bought some great loose cotton tunic tops ( it was very hot) and wish I had bought more.
The new store here is really busy, I popped in for teabags on Monday at 18.00 and the young man behind the till asked if it was really Monday as they have been rushed of their feet. I have not really looked at the clothes as I use C&A but SIL has found great cotton Tshirts and Shirts, he has a skin problem on his back.
I went in one of the stores to look for jeans the other day. There were so many options it was bewildering, yet despite trying umpteen on I couldn't find a pair that looked half decent. Why don't they just slash the number of lines they offer, and concentrate on getting them right? The online sales are always bursting at the seams with things nobody wanted.
Think M & S lost the plot with their clothing some time ago. They tried to please everyone and ended up pleasing no one. I do still get some clothing from them on line as I live in SW France. Wonder what will happen if they close the Paris store .
I still like their cotton t shirts but there colour choice this year is awful. Apart, that is, from a fabulous dark purple which sold out really quickly.
Why would anyone wear slippers with a winter coat and laceup boots with an evening dress?
And who is Alexa Chung, she seems to be all over the place socialising in the media spotlight with other people who are equally vague on the horizons of my sphere of perception but I have no idea who she is or what she does (except wear unappealing clothes)