How To Save Marks And Spencer, By People Who Shop There (And Those Who Don’t)
Sort The Sizing Out.
Toni White, 32, from Exeter says: “I’ve always bought from MS – it’s the first place I go to when I’m looking for something new, especially when I’m looking for a classic piece to enhance my capsule wardrobe. I last bought clothes in MS just before Christmas when I grabbed myself some gorgeous leggings and skirt. Whoever their lead buyer for young women’s style is killing it right now! But the sizing means I can’t buy many of the pieces because it’s not accurate. I have everything from a size 12 to 16 in jeans and trousers over the years.”
Ask Customers What They Actually Want.
Zuzana Nikovicova, 24, from London says: “I’ve only been in there once, but I didn’t buy anything. I went in to buy something for my mum but I didn’t find anything suitable. All they had were things like shampoos for Christmas presents, but I don’t want to buy my mum a shampoo – she knows how to buy that herself! I think MS needs to ask people what they want, I think this is the main reason they don’t have customers: they don’t stock products people want.”
Make Prices More Competitive.
Reece Davies, 24, from Sheffield says: “I can’t speak for everyone my age but everyone I know (male and female) would never go into MS for a piece of clothing. It has a reputation for being somewhere that an older person would shop at. Instead I go online to places like Boohoo or Very. The prices are a fraction to [those] in MS and get delivered to your door, usually the next day.”
Lynne Robinson, 42, from London says: “I don’t shop lots in MS but I do shop at their convenience stores (and always spend more than I mean to…). I think the quality is good for the price – I once worked in a chicken factory and MS had their own quality-controlled area so I do believe in the quality [of the food].
“I also like their shoes, they’re great quality for the price but seem old-fashioned. I think they need to focus on more real leather shoes, or do something like a collaboration? What about a Stella McCartney vegan shoes collaboration?”