What is good value in M and S?

moanymoany

JoeyEmma wrote: »

I don't think certain things in M&S are what they used to be. I always used to get their 5 packs of knickers, which were a bit more expensive than other places, but good quality. Now they are cutting prices to try and complete with places like Primark and George at Asda and the quality isn't what it used to be. The new packs of knickers are cheaper but the elastic is rubbish and they don't give such a smooth line under clothes. I've noticed similar things with other basics like vest tops and plain t-shirts. They used to be the ONLY place for bras, but now they are overpriced, poor quality and the staff that fit them aren't as good, especially if you have big boobs. Ok they have a new range for DD+, but they aren't that supportive. I prefer to pay a couple of quid extra and go to Bravissimo where they look at you and know straight away what styles will fit you.

The best knickers are sloggi - they sell them at our local TJ Hughes for cheap. I bought my mum some of the M&S packs, she is hard on them and the washing process at the home is very thorough for obvious reasons! They are the same quality as the last lot I bought her from Tesco!

Merlot

Georgiabay wrote: »

I very rarely buy anything from M & S and was surprised the last time I went in that they now do a 'basic' range in the home department. I bought a set of three stainless steel pans for £9.50. Like others have said though, I'd be inclined to wait for the sales unless you've got presents to buy and could use your vouchers for them.

Is that the ones where you burn your hands on the metal handle, I got given this pan set for a gift and I took it back, the handles get hot, and quite frankly for £9.50 M&S can keep it, you get what you pay for.

http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B000OZC3CO/sr=1-

Personally, I would E-Bay them, you could get £45.00 and then you wouldn't be buying things for the sake of buying - very OS!

pigpen

My mother and I spent 4 hours in there the other weekend looking for something to buy as she had £150 worth of vouchers for being 'the best salesperson in the area' for a specific company.. that was hard I reminded her.. she is the only one in the area!!!!!!!! Anyway.. it looks like she has another £50 on its way.. I told her to tell them to get other vouchers.. boots or tesco or argos.. anything is better than M&S.. I got a bra.. which I am taking back.. I did try it on in the shop.. but when I got it home it is so unbelievably uncomfy I'm sticking with mine that are supposedly too small in the cup and too big in the body.. at least they are comfy!!!

I'd go for a few pretty bits of clothing for the chimps for christmas if it was mine.. or save them fro a new winter coat!

bobbadog

Their crockery / cookwear section is rather good, IMHO... I recieved £100 of M&S vouchers last Christmas from work, and brought a griddle pan, vase, set of soup bowls, gorgeous black damask milk jug, loads of baking trays, roasting dish, whisk / rolling pin / etc etc and a £30 set of kitchen scales reduced to £9 (was setting up home with OH) and loads of other bits - spent only £60 and used the other £40 gradually through the year on foodstuffs. Oakham chicken, the condiments (mint sauce, tartar etc - all normal prices), soft bread - none are overpriced really. x

cashpoortimerich

I think I might be alone here but I LOVE getting vouchers for M&S, I buy things in the sale I would never normally buy for myself like massive bath sheets, glasses (nice champagne ones last year) and extra-long pyjama bottoms. I was given a beautiful cashmere scarf recently, very cosy, not at all scratchy and has not bobbled or worn in the slightest. Obviously from my choices I'm not too fussy about matching sets of everything.

If you have room in your freezer get as many curries (not with rice) as you can carry. They are miles better than anywhere else I have tried and possibly even better than our local Indian restaurant/take-away.

ti1980

I work at M&S so people will think I am biased but I can give u a few tips if anyone wants.

Old_Meanie

A few tips would be great! I think M and S is like anywhere else there is good and bad value. Chicken at half price or 25% off is fantastic value. I would rather get more meat that went further than cheap rubbish thats full of gristle and fat and chemicals. Value range household compares well to anybody including the God Tesco. But I agree about the knickers but t shirts in thick cotton for 3 for £10 are great.

oliveoyl

Don't be sensible... just spend the lot on wine and puddings!!

That's what I'd do anyway

ti1980

Yes, I agree with you, there is good and bad value, it just depends on what suits you.
If you are just looking for cheap cheap cheap then you would be best off selling the vouchers or giving them away as presents etc.
Ok, well the Oakham chicken is very tasty and it goes on offer every few months. Sometimes 25% off or even 50% off, when they are on offer, its time to stock up the freezer if you have the space! Then you can get a medium chicken for about £2.50-£3 which I think is good. These chickens aren't grown at breakneck speed like most 'cheap' chickens.

For Xmas there are the biscuit cartons that are currently on offer at 2 for £5, comparable with the equivalent at Sainsburys/Tesco etc. Made by a very well known brand.

A lot of the ready meals are things that an old styler would make themselves pretty easily but for someone like me who can't stand cooking then they are ideal, though to be fair I usually only get them when they are in the staff shop so dirt cheap at times.

If you really want to make the vouchers stretch then I would wait until after Xmas for the sales as then you can pick up some really good value items. Food and non-food. I think this is when the best sale is personally. Everyones list is different but mine usually includes scented candles, smell lovely, sleepwear, that I wear for lounging around the house which I usually change into after work, very comfy, underwear, usually bras and the odd bit of clothing.

Georgiabay

Merlot wrote: »

Is that the ones where you burn your hands on the metal handle, I got given this pan set for a gift and I took it back, the handles get hot, and quite frankly for £9.50 M&S can keep it, you get what you pay for.

http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B000OZC3CO/sr=1-

Personally, I would E-Bay them, you could get £45.00 and then you wouldn't be buying things for the sake of buying - very OS!

Yes, they're the ones but the handles on mine don't get hot.