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

212 replies

TheOtherHelenMumsnet · 20/06/2012 09:56

As you may have seen, we've been working with M&S over the past few months to find out what Mumsnetters think of a variety of M&S ranges. The next one of these is schoolwear - M&S would like to know whether you do or don't buy their schoolwear for your DC and why, and what's important to you when you're shopping for uniform.

Please note - it doesn't matter whether or not you have ever bought schoolwear from M&S, this is open to all!

We've included a few questions to get you started below but please feel free to add any further comments you have. Everyone who adds their thoughts will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £100 M&S giftcards.

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

OP posts:
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craftynclothy · 20/06/2012 10:16

When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

Firstly, it has to fit. Dd1 is very skinny and this year dd2 starts in the nursery so will also be getting uniform, she's also skinny and short. I generally look for skirts/trousers with adjustable waists and pinafore dresses that aren't too long. For items like t-shirts and sweatshirts I like them to wash well and keep their shape after washing. I think my basic philosophy is value for money with the exception of skirts/trousers/dresses where the options that fit are very limited.

Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

Exclusively in store, though I would possibly buy online if my local store was out of stock of the sizes I needed. I like to feel the quality before I buy. Also dd's uniform is blue and the shades vary a lot between different shops so I like to see it before buying.

Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

We buy most from Sainsburys as we buy a lot of childrenswear from there and it seems to wash well and fit nicely. We've had a few bits from M&S and they've lasted well too. Dd1 has a cardigan from M&S that she loves because it's softer than the school logo'd ones from the uniform shop. I've not seen that particular one around this year though Sad - I'd definitely have bought more of them. I'm a bit disappointed with the pinafores from M&S this year - we have one for dd2 and it's a little tight (despite her not yet being 3 and skinny) but also v long.

Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Better fit. More items with adjustable waists. Clothing that feels softer. I wouold like a small catalogue that I could bring home with me to look through.

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fanoftheinvisibleman · 20/06/2012 10:36

1.Value for money is very important but this isn't just down to purchase price alone. The cheapest isn't always the best value, the quality needs to be there too. Fit is also important to me. Ds is 6 and currently in year 1. He is tall and skinny and some of his current age 8 trousers are looking short. This is going to mean putting a skinny 6 year old in age 9 trousers. I need them to be adjustable and not too wide to start with or he ends up with a baggy bottom!

  1. I'm happy to buy online but only if I have had a chance to examine the shape and quality first hand in store prior to ordering. I also will only order if can get free delivery.


  1. Most of the uniform I have bought with the exception of jumpers has been from M and S. I have bought polo shirts from Tesco but wasn't happy with the quality. I found they wenr out of shape. I would like to see sweatshirts available as there has never been suitable royal blue ones to match the uniform I need.
  2. Sweatshirts as mentioned above. I am happy with trousers at M and S but this year I am going to have to look elsewhere for polo shirts. Despite buying sizes above ds's age I find that if the width fitting is right then the length is one the short side for my tall thin ds. I wish something could be done to address the fact that tall children aren't always bigger everywhere. You seem to be tackling in with trousers in longer lengths so could you not have longer tops too? Ds has a long body as well as long legs and if the length is right he can end up looking like he is wearing a tent!


I'm afraid I shall probably defect to next for polo's this year.
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iseenodust · 20/06/2012 10:52

I tend to be loyal to M&S polo shirts. They last longer and are better quality than the supermarket ones. They are also reasonably priced.

I recently bought the 2 pair of shorts pack which fit DS fine (he's nearly 8 so I bought age 9) and I thought they were a good price. However having washed them I realised when hanging them out that the material is so thin I could see through it. I'm now thinking they're unlikely to have a long life.

Generally I buy school trousers from M&S or Sainsburys. I'm looking for price, fit and quality.

I appreciate there may not be much money to be made on it but I really want someone to make plimsolls in more than one width. DS has a broad foot and his toes are squished even in the ones with a velcro band fastening.

I have bought online in the past and that works well if I'm in. I saw recently the uniforms booklet in our M&S Simply foodstore and that you can order into there for collection. This is a great idea and I shall probably use it.

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PropositionJoe · 20/06/2012 11:02

I have always bought from M and S. The more expensive Teflon coated trousers last very well and I need the longer length ones as my kids are skinny and clothes sizes these days seem to allow for chunkier children than in the past. I buy the all cotton white long sleeved shirts, few other places seem to do all cotton. I use the little catalogue to see what I need and order online for store collection (which is free), returning anything that doesn't fit. I always get the 20% off offer in June, in fact I collected two pairs of trousers yesterday. I think the polo shirts are good too, and good value.

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mistlethrush · 20/06/2012 11:03
  1. Quality (wear) and practicality are both important - don't want to buy something and have it wear out quickly.


  1. Only in-store (although have looked on-line).


  1. I like M&S non-iron shirts (although have to buy several years ahead). I like Sainsbury's trousers and shorts - and they have the 'regulation' charcoal colour that is required. Biggest problem with shirts is availability of the appropriate size - have found that following year's uniform is not necessarily available in July or August in-store or on-line or to order (only talking non-iron shirts, so don't think its too much to expect?)


  1. Charcoal trousers - and have a decent range of shirts in when its peak school uniform buying times please! Plimsols are also problematic - as iseenodust says, with a dc with wide feet getting an approximate fit that doesn't squeeze the toes or flap at the front is difficult.
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Mintyy · 20/06/2012 11:03

I buy most of my children's school uniform at M & S.

It is because I think the quality is good and the price is fair.

I tend to ignore the extremely low priced options though (outstanding value range?).

I like the polo shirts but find that BHS ones tend to shrink less.

My 11 year old daughter likes the treggings.

I would like to see M & S do some trendier boys trousers, perhaps made out of cotton rather than the ubiquitous teflon-coated stuff.

My biggest bugbear is the stock and display. So many times I will go and find M&S have, say, ten x a particular skirt in age 4-5 and 10-11 but none in any other sizes!

I also wish they could be displayed in smaller age groupings. So one area for all 3 to 7s (for example). Another for 8 to 11s. And another for 12+. It is SO tedious to have to search through racks and racks (which are always crammed full) to find the right size.

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nickiminja · 20/06/2012 11:09

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you?
quality of fabric, price and fit - sdjustable waists, longer length polos as they always shrink up

~2 In store now - after buying dreadful quality M&S stuff online I will only buyin store now

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it?
Sainsbury & Asda. Last year I bought 2 pairs of M&S school trousers. The fabric was appalling, like sacking. The weave was so loose the seams came apart in days and ds came home with his trousers in shreds. The fabric of the polo shirts was nasty too. Sainbury's far better quality for shirts and Asda for trousers imo.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range?
See above. Shocking fabric

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tumbleweedblowing · 20/06/2012 11:23

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? The right colour first (need navy, and there isn't much choice) Quality second. Even similarly priced uniform from e.g. John Lewis is of relatively poor quality in our experience. It needs to stay smart looking, not just stay in one piece. I usually have to buy online, because our nearest M&S is too small to stock more than a very limited range, rarely in the right colours, even at the moment, so a range of styles in-store to compare with is good. A choice of styles is important for us, because three girls in the family all want to establish some point of difference, even if that is only having different buttons on their cardigan.


~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? A mixture, but the bulk usually online. I really do like to be able to see some items instore, for sizing, and to check quality. Then place a massive bulk order now (a couple of days ago actually) and top up through the year as necessary.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? Marks & Spencer, occasionally Sainsbury's or Next, since they often seem to have the right colours if M&S are out of stock - which happened for months on end this year. If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Great, but would have liked more choice. Not everyone has the black/white uniform option. Did the item(s) last well or not? Always, though cotton cardigans do fade.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Recognise that not all girls want to wear bottom skimming skirts - especially not 7/8/9/10 year olds Angry and Sad. More shirts/polo shirts in blue, available all year round (very important). Increase range online at least for those of us who live in the middle of nowhere, but are M&S loyal. Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Navy city shorts for girls, blue "pretty" shirts, broader range of cardigans.

Mainly, please try not to be out of stock of school shirts for months on end. I do buy in reasonable bulk, but was caught out after a series of paint/scissor/playground fall incidents, and had to buy cheap nasty stuff elsewhere in the end.

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toobreathless · 21/06/2012 00:45

I mainly buy for my niece to help my sister out who is disabled.
It has to fit correctly. DN is skinny and clothes are often to baggy around the waist & too short in the leg. The cost is important too as is quality. Colour not a huge issue as trousers tops need to be black which is stocked

Tend to buy bottoms in store as need to check fit & I find returning items an hassle. Tops almost always fit & I buy online.

Mainly buy from sainsburys & generally pleased with their items. Also convenient as I'm in there doing weekly shop. No items from M&S.

Had a quick look at school wear catalogue for M&S and think it looks good. Woukd appreciate a catalogue to take home and browse. Woukd be nice to see more styles of cardigan.

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SkipTheLightFanjango · 21/06/2012 01:02

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.
I always look for price when it comes to the polo shirts/shirts. They get through these so quickly it makes no sense to spend on expensive items. A nice fit for trousers, skirts and dresses is more important, though. Trousers are the worst, adjustable waistbands are a must! It is nice to have some shape to the pinafore dresses, shapeless ones look cheap even when they are not.
~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?
I buy a mixture of online and shop bought. Trousers tend to have to be bought instore as the fit is so varied style by style.
~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?
I have bought uniform from M&S, BHS and cheaper stores, eg Matalan. The polo shirts from M&S lasted better, less "bobbling" and the colour stayed truer, but it can be hard to find colours instore as my local store seems to be stocking mainly white these days Sad. Ordering instore tryed once but took ages to arrive and the store forgot to, as promised, call when they had arrived!
~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?
It would be really good to have a better range instore. As I said white polo's seem to be the only ones realiably available and it puts me off ordering as it's a faff I don't need, tend to go elsewhere. Larger sizes of school shorts would be nice, my eldest was big and no-where stocked boys school shorts above age 11, I know that there is not a great call for the bigger ones but it would have been nice to be able to somewhere, and we were not the only ones who struggled with this.

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AnnaMosity · 21/06/2012 01:05

I never buy your boys trousers as they don't fit skinny boys.
I got to next.
I can't believe the vast range in sizes of polo shirts. I have some from a couple of years ago that are two inches wider abd longer as the Dane age now. Are you getting skimpy?

Also. Why so hard to get school boys sweaters in spring ?! Had to prefer online were our of stock ..wait Etc

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chrisrobin · 21/06/2012 12:19

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Price is important but so is quality. I like to buy heavier weight trousers and shirts that will last the boys tearing round the playground. Non iron is also important, when they come home after PE and I get their uniform out of their bags I don't want to have to spend the evening ironing the trousers. Being able to try on the uniform is a bit plus when shopping, lots of places seem to sell shirts in packets but I want to be able to check they fit my boys properly before I buy them.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? As I like the boys to try the clothes on I buy them instore only. There is a huge variation in sizes between shops and sometimes whithin different ranges in shops. The boys wear their uniform every day of the week so it is important that if fits correctly, collars don't rub, there is enough shirt to tuck into trousers etc.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? The school insists we buy a lot of the uniform from them but shirts, trouser, shorts, socks I buy from M&S mostly. The shirts have lasted really well and I find them fairly easy to get stains out of. I love the cuff button being on elastic, that makes things much easier for the boys when they get changed. The trousers are good, although they do need more ironing than I expected. There is a decent amount of adjustability in the waist but slightly too much material in the seat. The shorts are poor, the material is very thin and the hem came down after only a few wears. The socks are great, they have not shrunk despite being washed and tumble dried weekly for a year nor have they developed holes. I love the space for a name in the yolk and the fact that they are size labelled so I don't have to try and measure each sock to find a partner and get them in the correct child's drawer.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store? Have some shirts out to try on, we went to a huge M&S last August for the boys clothes and had to ask an assistant to take shirts out of packets so we could try them on. Packs of plain white cotton ankle socks for boys (not sports socks), when we tried to get some last year all the ankle socks had bows or frills on them. I don't think schoolwear catalogues are necessary for us as we have to buy jumpers/ sports kit from the school, but I can see that given the range available they would be useful for people who have options.

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Frontpaw · 21/06/2012 12:35

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you?

  • Fit - small children do not have waists! Adjustable elastic waists are a god-send and stop poor DS having to hold his shorts up or tuck his jumper into his shorts. Belt loops are good.
  • Style - we need to fit in with the school uniform (are supposed to get the baiscs from a named store which is twice the price). The style is plain.
  • Packs of shirts are excellent value - I can get a pack of 3 for the price of one from our school 'named' shop.
  • Nice to have the regular 10-20% off schoolwear (and thermal/underwear) sales. This is good to stock up/
  • You never have the shirt sizes I need when I go instore. Often it is rows of tiny shirts and ones for 15 year olds only, and nothing in the stock rooms. This is why I order online and pick up from my nearest store (this works perfectly)

    ~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two?
  • I tend to buy the bulk online before term starts (and pick up instore), and pick up bits and pieces instore. This is because my closest store no longer stocks kids clothes and I have trouble getting what I need instore (Marble Arch and Ken High St).
  • I wouldn't buy (kids) shoes online, but don't buy kids school shoes from M&S.

    ~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why?
  • M&S, John Lewis. Both pretty good. I buy the bulk before the start of term and stock up, depending where I happen to be shopping. Have bought last batch from M&S at beginning of this term. All shirts now trashed (stained with paint) and supposedly non-iron (ha, no they are not). Shorts still in good nick.

    ~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range?
  • Not happy to get the shirts home to find that the top button is a fake and the shirt closes with velcro (loathesome stuff). He is 7 not 3, so able to button a shirt. This wasn't stated on the website or even on the package.
  • There is a catalogue already? I dont use it because I just need to match the unifrom with what the school prescribes, so not much leaway.
  • Stainproof? The non-iron ones do need ironing (London water!) but the supposedly 'washable' paint from school just doesn't wash out.
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ScorpionQueen · 21/06/2012 12:44

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.
I am tied (illegally or not) to a small independent shop for the majority of my DD's uniforms, although they attend a state school. The bits I can get elsewhere such as skirts, trousers, PE shorts etc. I shop around for, looking for a combination of factors- style, price and quality.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?
As above, although I begrudge paying for delivery but live so far from shops collect in store is a faff, and there is nothing worse than driving miles to find no stock.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?
I have bought summer dresses from M&S as they were the nicest cotton I could find. The older they get, the fussier they get so the girls often get cheaper stuff from Matalan as it is trendier.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?
A school wear catalogue would be great. Navy shorts are always hard to find.

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ripsishere · 21/06/2012 12:53

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.
For me, the most important factor is size. My DD is average height but under average girth. The skirts that fit her in length could often double as hulahoops.
Quality is important. She will be wearing whatever I buy her for the next five months before the summer uniform takes over.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?
I seldom buy online. We are lucky to have one of the biggest M+Ss in our town so I don't need to. Also, she is really fussy about the feel of clothes so instore is our only real option.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?
I buy from wherever fits her best. Last winter it was Asda and Debenham. Her summer uniform is a mixture of yours, Debenham and Sainsbury.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?
I would like a catalogue that I could pick up in store. I am not sure what her uniform for next year will be so can't start buying or even looking at what is available.

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ksld · 21/06/2012 13:03

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

Price and quality come first - I tend to buy more expensive uniform for the beginning of the school year and then if something gets trashed in school I will buy cheaper to replace. Have a skinny DS so need adjustable waists. Style is not a consideration - it's school uniform - it looks how it looks.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

Always buy on line from M&S as my nearest store is 30 minutes drive away. Would prefer to buy in store if there was a store in one of the 2 towns nearest to me. On line shopping is fine though. The free delivery and offers in June are the main factor in when I buy my school uniform, I would probably buy elsewhere if there was not free delivery.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why?

Usually begin with a set of uniform from M&S and then resort to Sainsburys to top up when things get trashed/lost/grown out of. As before don't get in store to M&S often so easier to buy in Sainsburys when I'm shopping there already.

If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not?

Polo shirts shrink so need to size up - I am happy to do this and actually the most irritating thing would be if this changed and I bought lots of polo shirts on line in the wrong size.

Trousers - this year DS managed to go through the knee on 3 pairs of trousers - no idea if this was him changing behaviour or the quality of the material. A few years ago trousers came with spare material to patch them - this doesn't seem to happen now?

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Schoolwear catalogue - no not really interested as can see what there is available when I look online.
Like M&S schoolwear as it is - don't keep chopping and changing as I like to know what I am ordering because I've had it before. 3 shirt packs were better than 2 as better value, I know prices have to rise but you could just make the 3 shirts more expensive not remove 1.
Could do with something to patch knee holes.

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monkeymoma · 21/06/2012 13:09

the only thing I would add is I would like if there were discrete reflective stripes on school trousers for walking home from school on dark winter days

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homebythesea · 21/06/2012 13:09

Please do not stock school uniform in June- we want it there in August after summer growth spurts. I always buy online as it is next to impossible to get the sizes you want in store thus a wasted journey especially for teen sizes. But even then stock availability often bad - especially mid year (again teen growth spurts!)

Please do more slim leg styles in boys trousers which appeal more to the teen audience than the "flappy" legged trousers. And do more waist/ length combinations please.

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SuePBlovesaDiamondJubilee · 21/06/2012 13:10

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

Price is a factor but I go with style - I don't like the naffo zips and heart shaped diamond appliques and all. I think about fabric, washability etc. I often buy from supermarkets for convenience.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I shop from M&S in store, not online. I like their collect in store service but live rurally - I tend to make a special trip in.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?
Sainsburys, M&S, Asda, Tesco. I bought summer dresses from M&S and they are far better than the supermarket ones - since outgrown and passed down as new. An offer would help me choose M&S or something to persuade me online as I'm so far from an M&S store.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Maybe offer more bundles or linked saving offers? I'd like a catalogue.

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Stinkyfeet · 21/06/2012 13:17

I have always bought uniform from BHS - fits well and lasts well.

Last summer I bought it all from M & S for the first time - shirts and socks were fine, but very disappointed by the trousers - hems all came undone.

So it's back to BHS from now on for me

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IsabelleRinging · 21/06/2012 13:17

100% cotton shirts/blouses please!!!!!! I have never been able to buy one yet for my dd!

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paulapantsdown · 21/06/2012 13:20

I have to go to Next to get trousers for my boys as M&S are too wide - why oh why can't anyone make clothes for skinnier kids. Plus fit for kids but no skinny kid fit! Smile

I would like to still buy uniform in the middle of August!

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Itsjustafleshwound · 21/06/2012 13:22

I usually look for quality, fit and longevity when buying school uniform. M&S pretty much serves this purpose. However, we are the 'fortunate' few who buy their named/embroidered school jumpers through the shops. All I can say is that they are really of a piss poor quality (my limited understanding of material is that if tops are going to last they need a fair deal of polyester to keep tneir shape, form and be tumbledrier proof). Coming up with the measly mouthed excuse that there are few returns and so consensus must be that they are of an adequate quality, detracts from the fact that being a SOLE supplier, means that parents face the prospect of either not meeting uniform requirements or having to make do with bad quality. Charging the parents an additional £3.50/ delivery with no option to collect from school or store, makes me angry (why charge parents for your decision to store your school wear abroad?)

There is never the sizing I need in store, so most shopping requires internet access and a trip to store (with a long queue) to pick up. I do usually use the supermarkets (Sainsburys) as the quality is similar and it is convenient.

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Dolallytats · 21/06/2012 13:33

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.
Quality and fit are important as my son likes to play 'rough and tumble' and i don't want to have tot buy replacements every 5mins. Fit is also important because he is a skinny little thing and we have a hard time finding trousers with a small enough waistband, while also being long enough in the leg.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?
I shop exclusively online so good value delivery charges are important. It can be frustrating when the item you need/want is out of stock.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?
My son is starting Reception in Sept so this is the first time I will be buying uniform for him. We have looked at M&S and the supermarket clothing ranges to get an idea of what is available. We were looking at M&S because I buy clothes there regularly and, although they are a little more expensive than the supermarket ranges, they seem to be good quality.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?
A schoolwear catalogue would be a great idea!

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daisychicken · 21/06/2012 13:42

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

Price and value for money is important to me besides a good fit - I have 2 boys, both climb trees, play football etc at school and both come home with stained ripped clothes so being able to replace as and when because the price is good matters to me. I also have skinny boys so need trousers with adjustable waistbands so that does determine where I buy trousers from.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I am not a loyal shopper nor do I stick to one method of buying, I buy when I see stuff at a good price. M&S is a bit of a trek so I do like to look and buy online especially as I cannot guarantee stock levels when I visit the store. The cheaper the delivery cost the better as I do find that can make the difference between affordable and non affordable when on a tight budget.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

I have bought uniform from Tesco, Asda, Matalan and M&S. I did like M&S school wear but didn't find it lasted any better than supermarket clothing.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

A wider range of styles would be good to suit different age groups and their preferences. More sizes stocked in each range would also be good and to be able to buy uniform easily all year round - I need to replace as and when not just for the start of a school year.

My older son hates jumpers and sweatshirts so a zip up jacket in sweatshirt material rather than fleece would be popular. I'm not interested in a catalogue as I tend to look online first.

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