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NOW CLOSED Talk to M&S about their kidswear and win one of two £100 M&S giftcards

320 replies

TheOtherHelenMumsnet · 16/05/2012 10:35

As you may have seen, we're working with M&S over the next few months - the Mumsnet M&S panel are going to be putting shapewear and the Simply Fuller Longer range to the test, and now we're asking all MNers to tell us what you think about M&S kidswear.

Here's what M&S say about their Kidswear: "We believe that at M&S you can find great value and fashionable kids' clothes. We also want to make shopping for kids' clothes as stress-free as possible, so we're asking Mumsnetters for their feedback on all things kidswear-related so that we can continue to improve our ranges."

We've provided some questions below to get you started, but please feel free to add any other comments you have as well. Everyone who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £100 M&S giftcards. Please note, we want your honest opinions and we don't want you to do any research online before you answer the questions below so no cheating now!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

OP posts:
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snappysnappy · 16/05/2012 10:45

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? Yes What's your overall opinion of it? Good quality, washes well, often has appropriate childrens clothing in the younger range but can be a bit 'grown up in the older range
If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? Its hard wearing, washes well, nice colours and is stylish
If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? Okaidi, Boden, Cyrillus, Bennetton, Debenhams, Catimini for occassions

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
Its really a combination but never brand label but when buying M&S clothes I tend to look for daywear and then quality and style are the main considerations, along with the fact that M&S childrens clothes are often in natural fabrics and are comfortable

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I think the boys are girls ranges are both lovely but I feel that as my girls get older I will struggle with the older girls ranges as they are 'grown up'. However many shops struggle with this so its not just M&S
I think a better range of 18-36 month old day wear for girls is needed. There are lots of dresses but for toddlers on their knees for most of the day this isnt appropriate


~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I mainly shop in store but sometimes online and often browse online. I never bring DC#s to pick out clothes, at the moment they are too young

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
As above, just better day wear. Love the quality of babygros, vests, gro bags etc

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goingtoofast · 16/05/2012 10:47

The babywear section has too much blue/pink. More unisex bright clothes are needed.

The sizes of the kids are clothes are inconsistant.

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lionheart · 16/05/2012 10:56

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear?

Yes.

What's your overall opinion of it?

I can usually find something that suits DSs.

If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy?

Design and quality.

If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you?

What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? Gap, Boden, Vertbaudet

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?! Combination of above and a general avoidance of horrible boy designs (sludge coloured, khaki, monster coming, skulls).

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? In store because sizing varies.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? Have a look at the threads on mumsnet relating to the design of boys' clothing. Lots and lots of clues there!

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? More colours! Nightware that is not so cartoony.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw

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TheProvincialLady · 16/05/2012 10:58

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

I buy a lot of my boys' (5 and 3) clothes from M&S, because the clothes are generally good quality for the price and quite nice. Not usually particularly special but good for everyday wear. I also buy a lot from John Lewis and the occasional thing from Next. I also buy second hand.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Good quality, lack of logos and ideally pictures/appliqued things/transfers (why oh why....). Colour and design are important and I like things to be little boyish not fashionable.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I buy things in store because I pass M&S on my way to and from work, and it's convenient. I don't do any research beforehand and the boys don't get much of a say, if any!

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

More adjustable waistbands would make a BIG difference to the number of pairs of trousers I buy. Waistbands are generally huge I find, and my boys are very small in the waist.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

I used to like it. Washed well.

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TheProvincialLady · 16/05/2012 11:01

Oh yes, and like the poster above I NEVER buy anything with skulls or "I am a boy therefore I am badly behaved" slogans. or anything that makes them look like thugs or soldiers.

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Eglu · 16/05/2012 11:03

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
I do buy reasonably regularly. THe clothes are good quality and I like the colours and styles.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
Cost and quality are pretty important, but I also feel strongly about colour. I hate my boys wearing sludge coloured clothes and I want something other than pink for my daughter. Labels don't matter at all to me.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I shop online fairly regularly as I live rurally, but will also go to store, particularly for school uniform.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I think more dungarees/playsuits for girls as they are difficult to get. So far for my children I have found the ranges to be good though.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
The baby stuff can sometime be a bit pink for girls, blue for boys which I hate. However there are some lovely clothes that are very practical and soft.

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Eglu · 16/05/2012 11:04

Forgot to say which other shops I buy from. For the children I buy at Next, Primark and supermarkets as well as other online retailers.

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Indith · 16/05/2012 11:04

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

I don't tend to buy it, my closest M&S doesn't stock it most of the time, just does random displays at holiday times or something. It did have the school uniform at back to school time though and I got that though I wasn't that impressed with it so dont' think I'll bother again. I mainly buy clothes from Sainsburys at the moment with a bit of Next and BHS thrown in because that is what I have local to me.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

It has to be hard wearing. It has to have nice, thick cottons not the thin half see through stuff. It has to have a good selection which means a variety of colours for both sexes not just pink for girls and blue/brown for boys and it has to be nice, simple easy to wear stuff not mini fashion. Cheap is good, value for money is better. Oh and it has to have adjustable waist trousers and roll ups/variety of leg length. Sainsburys wins for me because it is cheap, has hardwearing clothes, has great multipacks that don't include pink (she chose her entire summer wardrobe in various blues) and has a decent range for boys too with good trousers that actually fit ds with the adjustable waist.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

In store mainly, size varies so much I need to see how big it is

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

I think there is a decent variety looking at the website but it all looks like "best" clothes and not stuff for rolling around in the park. MIL buys them stuff from M&S for christmas and it is usually fairly nice but never anything I would go out of my way for. i guess if it was stocked locally I'd include it in my shopping trips when I needed something.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

All looks very white neutral, pink girls and baby blue boys. Boring. The stuff I have too I think it quite long and thin, with more people using cloth nappies these days you might want to consider nappy room.

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latrucha · 16/05/2012 11:05

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? Yes
What's your overall opinion of it? I think the babywear is very sweet and wore well. I always look when needing new thigs. I shop online so buy lots of things at once. These days, I seldom find enough things I want to make the delivery charge worth it. I usually buy somewhere I can get free delivery and returns. It's an extra t'shirt after all.

If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? I do buy sometimes and I think the clother are ok in quality. Not more than ok though, so that doesn't persuade me to chose M+S over someone else. I do finf M+S sizes variable, especially in socks and this puts me off a bit.

What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? Next, Matalan, Boden, John Lewis, M+Co.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors?
Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label?
Or a complicated combination of all of those?! Cost plays a big role, and design. All the places I buy from are more or less good quality, depending on their price.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? Online. I live in a rural area.
If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Free delivery and returns is buy far the biggest factor as I buy almost everything online. Sizing more predictable.
Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Open a store in Aberystwyth. Pleeeeeeeeease.

Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of?
Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I think the babywear ranges are of a nicer design ad quality than the 'younger boy / girl' ranges. Younger girls designs are far nicer than the boys. M+S boys clothes haven't really offered me anything of a nicer style than supermarket cheapies.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? Lovely. I'm sorry my two are out of them now. I usually fail to find anything for my son now. My daughter is very monothematic in what she likes - pink - and essentially Next gives her all she wants out of schooltime. I can get free delivery to their store here too.

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ASillyPhaseIAmGoingThrough · 16/05/2012 11:08

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes, good quality that washes well. I buy because I like the look and fit and the children like the texture and look. Stopping me has been in the past that there were not enough stock in the store so not the right size. H&M/Next/Tesco/NewLook/BHS/Tammy etc.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Style then quality and finally cost.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

Mainly instore, occasionaly online. I would tend to go into the store to check the fabric and colour and then buy there or think about it and buy online.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

The older children are not well catered for, there is not a decent teen range. There is also the need to cater like BHS do for various sizes like you do in ladies, different leg legth for example for school trousers as not all children are built the same. I would like more teen elastic chest, thin strapped and long flowing cotton summer dress choices for summer wear.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? I love the white and pale colours of blue and pink, the softness of the clothes.

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iseenodust · 16/05/2012 11:08

Yes I have bought M&S kidswear. I think the school uniform is excellent value for money as are pants/socks. Like the sun/swimsuits too.

I think it is generally good quality. The other places I tend to buy from are H&M, Debenhams when there is a sale on & Pumpkin Patch/GAP at the outlet.

When buying clothes for DS the factors are cost, quality & colour/design. DS is 7 and refuses to wear black or khaki/camoflauge and I don't like him in stuff with skulls splattered across it. So choice of stores then becomes quite limited Sad This is why H&M has become a reliable favourite. It continues to do bright colours up the age ranges.

I have tended to buy M&S kids clothes online (often prompted by email notification of sale) as our nearest store only carries a small part of the range. I would normally buy from other retailers instore because of variations in age v size/length of leg. Would never bother perusing online first.

Totally agree they do girls clothes better than boys... see the variety & difference in floor space given over. IMO choice tails off as boys get older.

Babywear not so relevant anymore but I have been known to buy it as a gift.

To make me buy more M&S boys clothes they need more colour / interest. eg An old favourite tshirt of DS's is yellow with a lions head covering about 1/2 of it (2 yrs ago Autograph ?)

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Bert2e · 16/05/2012 11:08

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? I buy school wear as it fits my skinny boys and seems to last really well. I don't tend to buy anything else as I find it too expensive.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?! Price is important but I also like logo free clothes that are reasonably good quality

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? I shop mostly in supermarkets as I can pop in quickly and the boys hate shopping! I don't tend to shop online for the boys.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? Reduce their prices and increase choice

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? It's been too long since I've looked at this to comment!

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scarlettsmummy2 · 16/05/2012 11:08

I buy most of my three children's clothes from m and s, normally in the sales.

I think it is great for my three year old daughter, good quality and nice bright colours! I really hate black on little girls.

I find the baby stuff for my 15week old disappointing. The colours are a bit insipid and unexciting, although the vests are the best quality I have found.

My foster son is 14 and the jeans and track suit bottoms are great, especially with the adjustable waist.

The prices aren't too bad however for day to day stuff I am often tempted to go to sainsbury as it's considerable cheaper and decent quality.

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Bramshott · 16/05/2012 11:10

Rushing, but I LOVE the fact that M & S school socks have the size printed in them (so you can identify which DC they belong to) and the dark coloured ones have a white space for a name!

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Spirael · 16/05/2012 11:10

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
Yes, I've bought a few things from M&S Kidswear. It tends to be good quality and hardwearing, but at full price is quite expensive. I particularly like M&S vests, they take a lot of abuse and wash well. I tend to wait for the sales for outfits! Normally I buy DD's clothes from Matalan and H&M.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
A combination, minus brand/label which I don't care about. I avoid pink wherever possible, I wish there were more blues and greens for girls. I tend to avoid words or slogans, I prefer things plain or with just simple, bold pictures. After all, DD is too young to read, but likes looking at pictures!

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I tend to look online first and see whether there's anything suitable in the range, but sometimes I'll just pop in on a whim. I go in my lunch break, so DD doesn't accompany me.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I love the fact that you do packs of good quality, plain vests in different colours up to larger sizes. I wish you sold the colours separately in a "Buy X for X" deal, because then I'd just stock up on the colours I wanted/needed. I'd like different styles of vests too, with collars other than envelope neck and differing sleeve styles/lengths, to go under nice dresses or tops. If M&S did all that, I'd buy all DD's vests from M&S. Wink

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
Really don't like the limited choice of pink/cream/blue in the baby range... More colours please!

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klaxon · 16/05/2012 11:11

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

It's okay. The fit is often poor though. I buy a lot of stuff at Sainsburys because it's easier. There are always queues at M&S where we live AND it's full of little old ladies tutting at my children. Also they are always out of stock off DDs size.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Fit, quality, cost, design.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

In store only, I tend not to take the children because of the cross old bats who frequent the stores

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

Keep better stock control. Stop it looking like a jumble sale, make the aisles big enough to get round with kids, put a till near the kids bit.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Bought a lot when the DC were babies but again they never seemed to have stock of the vests I wanted in the size I wanted.

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GnocchiNineDoors · 16/05/2012 11:15

I can only comment on the babywear. I love the quality of the vests and sleepsuits, however, I often look in the boys section for my DD as the girls is all just poink and the boys, as well as blue, has the multicoloured unisex stuff I like.

I haven't bought any 'day clothes' from there as again, they are too gender specific. For that reason, I buy my daytimes clothes in H&M.

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crunchbag · 16/05/2012 11:27

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
I have bought M&S kidswear but I am not a regular buyer as I find the choice very fluctuating. The quality is good but on the expensive side. I usually shop around for kid clothes so I do not tend to stick to certain brands and shops.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?! For me the quality and cost play a big factor as well as actually liking the clothes. The also have to fit well and last longer than a few months.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I usually buy in store but use the online shop when I can't find the right size in something we really like. We tend to go and see what takes the kids fancy. They are 7 and 10 so know what they like and need to try things on for fit. They are tall and slim so buying trousers without trying them on is impossible.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I like the younger girl range but as I have a tall 7 year old she has already outgrown it. The next range up I feel is too old for her as she likes bright colours and patterns. (Although in the summer this is less of a problem). It would be nice to see M&S cater for tall and short sizes and not be so fixated on age. I find the boys section very boring and not colourful enough. Jeans and trousers are fine but tops could do with brighter colours.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
It has been a while since looking at the baby ranges and I didn't use to buy often from M&S but I remember it being very blue and pink and again lacking in bright colours for either gender and being quite pricey.

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LoonyRationalist · 16/05/2012 11:28

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes I often buy in M&S as do my MIL & my mum & dad for my dd's. I find that generally it is good quality, I've been particularly impressed with the school uniform, the M&S stuff I bought for dd1 in September looks as good as new, I can't say the same for some I bought elsewhere.
I also buy from Tesco, Gap & very occasionally Next.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
Cost/Quality is a ratio I use - I'm prepared to pay slightly more for something that will wear well. Style wise it has to appeal to my 5 & 3 year old's who I let have a say in choosing or they won't wear it.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I do browse online but the DD's prefer to shop instore. If we find something they like but that isn't in stock in their size I will order online. Size can vary as well so shopping in person helps get this right, DD2 got a pair of 3-4 trousers for her birthday that are about 2 inches too long, she is already wearing a few other pairs of M&S 3-4 trousers which fit fine Confused

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I really like the younger girls stuff. My dd1 is a very tall 5 so just gets into 6-7 at the moment. I am not looking forward to moving into the older girls range as much of it seems too grown up for her. To be fair this is just an impression; I haven't looked closely yet, I hope that delving into it there will be more choice.

No idea on boys range I'm afraid

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

It's a while since I've bought baby stuff but I remember liking the M&S baby range, it's where my loyalty today comes from.

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Fliss55 · 16/05/2012 11:29

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? I do buy fairly regularly but I would like a bit more choice ... it's decent quality, not brilliant and decently priced. I tend to go to Next as the first port of call as there is more choice on their directory - both fashion items and basics.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?! Cost and style. Plus I have had some items which have shrunk in the wash so I tend to avoid those stores. Brand / label isnt important.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? Online mainly - because of the convenience and more choice.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? I have a boy and the girls' range seems to be better, more choice and more exciting / nice designs. M&S need to do more 'striking' designs for boys I think, it tends to be much of a muchness.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? No, not enough variety at all ... that's my main issue here.

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stealthsquiggle · 16/05/2012 11:29

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes I have bought it. It's OK - sometimes - although as with everyone else the options for large boys (I have 9yo who wears 13yo clothes) are limited. That is mostly what stops me - I am generally looking for something pretty specific, and will hunt for it. I also buy clothes from supermarkets, H&M, Gap, Fat Face.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

in order of priority - fit, design, quality, cost.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

Very occasionally in store if I happen to be there (especially the once in a blue moon when I am shopping alone, or with just DD (DS hates clothes shopping) but more often online, especially for "need" things like pants, socks, tights, etc - in store purchases are more likely to be impulse stuff that they don't really need.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

More nice stuff without huge graphics plastered across it for older boys. For example, nice pyjamas without graphics, jumpers, "proper" shirts (I realise this is a minority requirement but DS wears collared but not "school" shirts for school...), trousers that aren't camofluage, etc.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Haven't looked at them for a while apart from newborn stuff as presents - which had some nice stuff and some overly pink and disneyfied.

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WhirlyByrd · 16/05/2012 11:33

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
I've bought a lot of DS's clothes from M & S from babywear right through to the stuff he is wearing now. I find most of it good quality and value for money. Washes well and keeps its shape. I buy from lots of other stores, including, Next, Asda, John Lewis and so on, but it's always my first port of call, largely as I have a store locally and 90% of the time can get what I am looking for.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
When buying clothes, I look for quality, colour and style first. If I want something for a special occasion I will tend to look at the 'autograph' or 'limited collection' range, as I really like their styles. First and foremost, I look for things without naff logos, pirate emblems or anything that stereotypes my boy i.e. 'cheeky monkey' / 'little monster' etc as I personally dislike things that stereotype children by gender. I also look for bright, cheerful colours (which also help me find my child in parks etc, as he has a tendancy to run off!) I loathe sludgy colours, and although I used to buy a lot of clothes in Pumpkin Patch when DS was a baby, their range for older boys really put me off. Although I shop in places, I would say I always come back to M & S.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
Tend to buy things on a whim/go out looking specifically for stuff. I don't buy many clothes online, unless it is something I have bought before and I know will fit - it's more of a faff for me to order it/try it on/post it back if it doesn't fit than it is to pop to my store 10 minutes away.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? In general (and not just with M & S) it's a constant source of frustration that there always seems to be a much larger selection of girls clothes available, than boys. For example, in many stores (including my local M & S) the boys range will take up half the floor space. There will be limited sizes available and less selection. So, for example, there may be 2 jumpers to choose from in his size, whereas if he was a girl there would be more choice. However, I have used the order service when things haven't been available and that has been good. I'd like to see more choice in the boys ranges, school stuff available in store all year, as I find when he grows I end up going to supermarkets mid-year. I'd also find there's a tendency towards the boy's stuff being really casual. When we had a formal occasion recently, I ended up in John Lewis, as there was little in formal (but not suits) wear in M & S. I would have bought from M & s had it been in store, as it is cheaper and I had to travel to get to a John lewis.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? Difficult for me to comment, as DS is in school now, but from my experience, there needs to be less gender stereotyping. Not everyone wants to dress a girl in pink, or a boy in blue, and the only other option seems to be beige! I used to buy a lot of vests and bodysuits. They were great value for money and washed well. However, I think Pumpkin Patch had nicer patterns/colours and in those sleep-deprived early days, I also liked the fact that they had colourways running throughout their stock, so you could mix and match designs and know everything would match! My husband (typicla male who would dress DS in a ghastly concottion of mis-matched patterns and colours) also found this useful. It would be great to see M & S take up the baton and do something like this, in a more affordable way, as I think it would really take off.

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LoonyRationalist · 16/05/2012 11:36

Meant to add I rave about to M&S children's knickers to everyone. Well fitting, nice & deep sides & wash & wear well. Please don't change them!!

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Ample · 16/05/2012 11:39

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
I am a regular buyer.
School uniform, girls underwear & sleepwear.
Good value and quality.
I buy from Next and Pumpkin Patch mainly. I like clothes that my daughter can mix and match and I find M&S doesn't have a lot of variety to do this.


~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
Comfort & quality.
I'm not bothered about brand.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I shop instore and online.
If I'm looking for something in particular, I will look online before visiting the store.
I purchase school uniform items only online as I can't always find the sizes I need instore.


~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I like the bright colours in the girlswear (not all girls like pink) but I think the mix & match is something that is missing at M&S, so I would like to see more of that.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
Unisex outfits could be more colourful. I don't like buying white/beige/cream babywear for gifts.

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kellykateneedsaholiday · 16/05/2012 11:39

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? Ive bought it for my three, not regular, maybe 3 or 4 times a year. I quite like it, but like most other clothes shops it could do with a bigger range for boys. Tend to also buy from Asda, sportsdirect, gap. Nothing specific stopping me, just only buy clothes when we need them, not just cos they want them.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?! For my younger son cost, quality and cplour design are important. For my older two they sometimes want brands to be like their friends.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? I look online first, if I dont like anything I wont go in for a look.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? Reduce price slightly, I would like a range of plain basic clothes withou fancy designs and motifs. Im not a fan of slogans. I do love the boys knitted hoodies with the fleecy /furry lining. They wash well and look brilliant on.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? Havent looked at the baby range recently

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