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Marks and spencer to cut 7000 jobs.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I feel abit sad about the workers, the news comes after the sales have gone down since covid, but I am not so sure it is just down to covid as it might of been going down before it, but more so now, what is your view of it, what is the reason?

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West

M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years.....

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By *entralscotscpl7Couple
over a year ago

Falkirk

They had already committed to closing 50 stores just before covid.

Another well known High Street name nearly gone.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years..... "
Yes. I thought so to they have that.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"They had already committed to closing 50 stores just before covid.

Another well known High Street name nearly gone."
Yes, who would of thought that about with this super giant , soon our high streets will be empty with well known names.

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire


"M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years..... "

This..

They've not kept up with so-called fashion trends, which don't get me wrong are not the best thing for both the environment and working conditions for those making the throw away stuff which sells..

On top of that some of what they were very good at, the basics have dropped off in quality..

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By *atEvolutionCouple
over a year ago

atlantisEVOLUTION Swingers Club. Stoke

I wonder when it wil be that most will wonder what high street shopping was.

First it was the corner shops gone to national chains then the national chains went to retail parks now both are going to Amazon et-al.

I have been shopping online since 2003 (of course I still use what's left of the high street). We are all to blame one way or another - we are just the ones in the transition phase.

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By *entralscotscpl7Couple
over a year ago

Falkirk

My home town of Falkirk is a perfect example of this.

Most of the main retailers pulled out years ago.

M&S were one of the last. Boots is the only original one left i think.

The rest are either empty or have these pop up shops in them that only last a few months.

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By *orthern StarsCouple
over a year ago

Durham

It's such a shame. M & S was once the top brand in the high street and so many people shopped there.

They just seemed to of lost their way a few years ago and never regained their 'status'.

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By *entralscotscpl7Couple
over a year ago

Falkirk


"M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years.....

This..

They've not kept up with so-called fashion trends, which don't get me wrong are not the best thing for both the environment and working conditions for those making the throw away stuff which sells..

On top of that some of what they were very good at, the basics have dropped off in quality..

"

They still do some of the best underwear.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think if truth be told a big majority of places shedding jobs now would have done so sooner or later.

Different story for the hospitality and leisure industry though.

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

Sadly this pandemic will only further the big players and yes some independent small businesses will survive and others start up etc along with those that won't but I think we are walking blindly/ being conditioned to a point where certain sectors are controlled by a few..

Which isn't good for us the users..

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire


"M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years.....

This..

They've not kept up with so-called fashion trends, which don't get me wrong are not the best thing for both the environment and working conditions for those making the throw away stuff which sells..

On top of that some of what they were very good at, the basics have dropped off in quality..

They still do some of the best underwear."

Have worn their pants for years, yeah I know not fabsexy but the quality has dropped off..

Maybe time to change ..

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years.....

This..

They've not kept up with so-called fashion trends, which don't get me wrong are not the best thing for both the environment and working conditions for those making the throw away stuff which sells..

On top of that some of what they were very good at, the basics have dropped off in quality..

They still do some of the best underwear.

Have worn their pants for years, yeah I know not fabsexy but the quality has dropped off..

Maybe time to change .."

Yes, my everyday panties are M&S

We get Ocado food deliveries and M&S produce will start in September, so let's see what it's like........

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire


"M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years.....

This..

They've not kept up with so-called fashion trends, which don't get me wrong are not the best thing for both the environment and working conditions for those making the throw away stuff which sells..

On top of that some of what they were very good at, the basics have dropped off in quality..

They still do some of the best underwear.

Have worn their pants for years, yeah I know not fabsexy but the quality has dropped off..

Maybe time to change ..

Yes, my everyday panties are M&S

We get Ocado food deliveries and M&S produce will start in September, so let's see what it's like........ "

Always puzzled me why they were slow in the home delivery market, it was always going to hit their sales..

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By *est Wales WifeCouple
over a year ago

Near Carmarthen

The UK has fallen into recession for the first time in 11 years due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This is just the start as you can't just stop a major economy for several months without serious economic damage. It needs to be remembered that Without economic output you can't pay for any hospitals or healthcare.

There were an estimated 1000 excess deaths from suicide in the UK between 2008 and 2010 (see the paper below) following the last economic crash. Similar rises occurred in many other countries, especially in Europe and North America. Other research has shown that areas of England experiencing the greatest rises in unemployment experienced the largest increases in the number of suicides.

The estimated increase in 1000 suicide deaths are likely to have been the tip of the iceberg of emotional distress, with possibly 30-40,000 additional suicide attempts during the first three years of the recession.

A recent government paper also shows that the lockdown also caused 2 extra deaths for every three Covid-19 deaths. Ultimately it is very likely that 'the cure' will cause more deaths than the pathogen.

No one seems bothered about these extra collateral deaths. They have not been factored into the overall cost/benefit analysis at all.

You ain't seen nothing yet.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa for the same price or lower, the other problem is that alot of the big chains, havnt kept up with the times, its a real shame, our town centre used to be heaving most days of the week, now its all but empty, yes you can blame amazon etc, but they were the smart ones and saw the change coming and acted on it, my worry is what will happen when all the high streets are compleatly gone, then the online retailers will have us all over a barrel, prices only stay low with compatition, if there is none then ???

but the other problem is us, we are all in efect lazy, and would rather shop online, or worse go to a shop and look at verious items to choose what you want, then go home and order it online, so we must all take some of the blame, the virus has just sped things up a bit, it was going to happen anyway. my other worry is, if nobody is working and paying tax, how will the gov fund all the benifits required for all those now out of work but cant get a new job, we are looking at hard times ahead, possible that it will be worse than its ever been.

Anyway thats my 2 pence worth

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By *ikeC81Man
over a year ago

harrow

M&S has been loosing the plot. Some of the bigger stores are fine, but my local town for example food choice is awful and very samey, lack of count on us range as well

The clothes section is a bit meh, and most times you go in and get told order online anyway.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"M&S has been loosing the plot. Some of the bigger stores are fine, but my local town for example food choice is awful and very samey, lack of count on us range as well

The clothes section is a bit meh, and most times you go in and get told order online anyway.

"

Agree. The clothing has got worse and worse, I think. I bought a absolutely stunning formal office dress suit about 6-7yrs ago, but before lockdown, searches for similar items resulted in disappointment. The quality has declined too. For day to day, I only wear M&S lace top French knicker type things, but the last batch have fallen to bits before the older ones. The lace detaches and the material just feels inferior.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sadly M&S have been left behind. Their tie up with Ocado will help maintain their position in food sales but they've lost it in all other departments. Very sad to watch their demise.

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By *ap d agde coupleCouple
over a year ago

Broadstairs


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa for the same price or lower, the other problem is that alot of the big chains, havnt kept up with the times, its a real shame, our town centre used to be heaving most days of the week, now its all but empty, yes you can blame amazon etc, but they were the smart ones and saw the change coming and acted on it, my worry is what will happen when all the high streets are compleatly gone, then the online retailers will have us all over a barrel, prices only stay low with compatition, if there is none then ???

but the other problem is us, we are all in efect lazy, and would rather shop online, or worse go to a shop and look at verious items to choose what you want, then go home and order it online, so we must all take some of the blame, the virus has just sped things up a bit, it was going to happen anyway. my other worry is, if nobody is working and paying tax, how will the gov fund all the benifits required for all those now out of work but cant get a new job, we are looking at hard times ahead, possible that it will be worse than its ever been.

Anyway thats my 2 pence worth"
Those who are in work are going to be paying for all this that’s for sure

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I liked there crumble crush chocolate biscuits.

Oh well back to glue it is

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa for the same price or lower, the other problem is that alot of the big chains, havnt kept up with the times, its a real shame, our town centre used to be heaving most days of the week, now its all but empty, yes you can blame amazon etc, but they were the smart ones and saw the change coming and acted on it, my worry is what will happen when all the high streets are compleatly gone, then the online retailers will have us all over a barrel, prices only stay low with compatition, if there is none then ???

but the other problem is us, we are all in efect lazy, and would rather shop online, or worse go to a shop and look at verious items to choose what you want, then go home and order it online, so we must all take some of the blame, the virus has just sped things up a bit, it was going to happen anyway. my other worry is, if nobody is working and paying tax, how will the gov fund all the benifits required for all those now out of work but cant get a new job, we are looking at hard times ahead, possible that it will be worse than its ever been.

Anyway thats my 2 pence worth Those who are in work are going to be paying for all this that’s for sure "

problem if not enough people are working, then taxs will have to rise, i remember in the early 70s the higher rate tax was around 80%.

my dad was in that bracket, so used to work until he had reached that threshold, then not bother working for the rest of the month, who wants to earn 20% of what you have worked for?

most others did the same, net result, taxes collected actually went down as a result

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

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By *ancs_tgirl_38TV/TS
over a year ago

Blackpool

The realisation that there's much more sh*t to hit the fan,which will effect real lives, more than folks crying about someone not wearing a cloth mask in shops.

Are you awake yet...

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By *ikingCoolMan
over a year ago

carmarthen

That is a lot of jobs

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By *ikingCoolMan
over a year ago

carmarthen

Wait for it, banks next but they will be bailed out

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By *moothman2000Man
over a year ago

Leicestershire


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa "

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa for the same price or lower, the other problem is that alot of the big chains, havnt kept up with the times, its a real shame, our town centre used to be heaving most days of the week, now its all but empty, yes you can blame amazon etc, but they were the smart ones and saw the change coming and acted on it, my worry is what will happen when all the high streets are compleatly gone, then the online retailers will have us all over a barrel, prices only stay low with compatition, if there is none then ???

but the other problem is us, we are all in efect lazy, and would rather shop online, or worse go to a shop and look at verious items to choose what you want, then go home and order it online, so we must all take some of the blame, the virus has just sped things up a bit, it was going to happen anyway. my other worry is, if nobody is working and paying tax, how will the gov fund all the benifits required for all those now out of work but cant get a new job, we are looking at hard times ahead, possible that it will be worse than its ever been.

Anyway thats my 2 pence worth"

Think you are spot on.Its so much more easier to order anything you want online now.

I'm no fan of amazon but the service they provide is outstanding.

Where is it going to end though?if The big shops cant compete .where does that leave the rest?

The economy needs a radical overhaul.

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

"

Some local authorities are getting absolutely savaged and without bringing politics into it..it doesn't take a genius to work out which ones.

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By *j48Man
over a year ago

Wigan

Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want."

They sell good beetroot though

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want."

1) It's taken Visa credit and debit for my entire adult life, which I'd say is a reasonable time frame

2) The store assistant at the time didn't make the rules, so saying she was a snotty bitch is a bit much

M&S can be criticised for many reasons, but not taking Visa isn't one of them. Lots of shops didn't take cards 30+ years ago when they were far less widespread.

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By *estrianguyMan
over a year ago

chester

Terrible shop not surprised

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

"

Utter bollocks in my opinion. Local Govt. has wasted billions upon billions over the years. Our Labour run authority have built and demolished 2 shopping centre, 2 swimming pools, 3 cinemas, Lord knows how many housing estates and no less than 4 bus stations in my lifetime. They honestly could not run a piss up in a brewery - and they always vote Labour round here ya know - a sick joke, the lot of them.

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By *j48Man
over a year ago

Wigan


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

They sell good beetroot though "

Not for much longer though

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

1) It's taken Visa credit and debit for my entire adult life, which I'd say is a reasonable time frame

2) The store assistant at the time didn't make the rules, so saying she was a snotty bitch is a bit much

M&S can be criticised for many reasons, but not taking Visa isn't one of them. Lots of shops didn't take cards 30+ years ago when they were far less widespread. "

Yup I remember trying to use one in McDonald's about 15 years back...I was shocked then to find they didn't take them.

Now I dont know how to order a bloody burger in there

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

They sell good beetroot though

Not for much longer though

"

Wrong again...the food halls are doing ok

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

Utter bollocks in my opinion. Local Govt. has wasted billions upon billions over the years. Our Labour run authority have built and demolished 2 shopping centre, 2 swimming pools, 3 cinemas, Lord knows how many housing estates and no less than 4 bus stations in my lifetime. They honestly could not run a piss up in a brewery - and they always vote Labour round here ya know - a sick joke, the lot of them."

What did they demolish them for?,which shipping centres?wasnt The arndale refurbed?the Trafford centre is one of the best shopping centres in the country?

Presumably the housing estate have been replaced?

There is a programme on the tele about how Manchester has been gentrified and the city centre is full of state of the art office blocks etc .so they couldn't have done too bad?

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By *ush12345Woman
over a year ago

Northwich

M&S is not going anywhere it is getting rid of the staff it doesn't need. The stores it no longer make a profit. It is about to start food delivering September. The online is the way forward.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"M&S is not going anywhere it is getting rid of the staff it doesn't need. The stores it no longer make a profit. It is about to start food delivering September. The online is the way forward. "

Makes you wonder why they employed them if they didn't need them.

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By *i1971Man
over a year ago

Cornwall

I used to do a lot of work clothes shopping at M&S maybe 15 - 20 years ago, including their shoes which seemed to fit well and more importantly last well and I didn't mind paying that little bit more for those reasons.

I then found they either stopped doing the clothes I liked, or in some cases, the quality didn't seem to be as good. I then went shopping elsewhere & can't recall the last clothing I bought there.

I've still used their food store now & then, and homewares, especially at Christmas for gifts. They certainly haven't moved with the times.

Sad to see the job losses, but presume they may have a following for those shopping online.

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By *moothman2000Man
over a year ago

Leicestershire


"

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

Utter bollocks in my opinion. Local Govt. has wasted billions upon billions over the years. Our Labour run authority have built and demolished 2 shopping centre, 2 swimming pools, 3 cinemas, Lord knows how many housing estates and no less than 4 bus stations in my lifetime. They honestly could not run a piss up in a brewery - and they always vote Labour round here ya know - a sick joke, the lot of them."

Not going to argue politics, but it is not possible for any council to 'waste billions' as they don't have billions to waste.

With response to the list of demolitions, councils don't go around pulling stuff down for the hell of it - that's not the way local authorities actually work.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The fewer the shops, the less choice, and the more it will cost, the nationals for the large part tell you what you can buy now, what will it be like when they are the only ones left, if it doesn’t sell by the thousands you won’t see it on your virtual shelves

As for the recession, the obscenely rich and rich will get richer and the poor can go to hell and get poorer.

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By *moothman2000Man
over a year ago

Leicestershire

I'm sure I read somewhere that the food part was making a healthy profit but the soft goods area has been making a loss for years, despite various management changes to grow it.

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By *omerset tvTV/TS
over a year ago

Weston-super-Mare

All part of the plan by Chinese unleash a deadly disease to bring down the big businesses all round the world then when they are on there knees buy them at a riducious low price. All part of the plan by Chinese for world domination

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

Utter bollocks in my opinion. Local Govt. has wasted billions upon billions over the years. Our Labour run authority have built and demolished 2 shopping centre, 2 swimming pools, 3 cinemas, Lord knows how many housing estates and no less than 4 bus stations in my lifetime. They honestly could not run a piss up in a brewery - and they always vote Labour round here ya know - a sick joke, the lot of them.

Not going to argue politics, but it is not possible for any council to 'waste billions' as they don't have billions to waste.

With response to the list of demolitions, councils don't go around pulling stuff down for the hell of it - that's not the way local authorities actually work. "

Exactly.

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"All part of the plan by Chinese unleash a deadly disease to bring down the big businesses all round the world then when they are on there knees buy them at a riducious low price. All part of the plan by Chinese for world domination "

Not.sure.if.serious.

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"I used to do a lot of work clothes shopping at M&S maybe 15 - 20 years ago, including their shoes which seemed to fit well and more importantly last well and I didn't mind paying that little bit more for those reasons.

I then found they either stopped doing the clothes I liked, or in some cases, the quality didn't seem to be as good. I then went shopping elsewhere & can't recall the last clothing I bought there.

I've still used their food store now & then, and homewares, especially at Christmas for gifts. They certainly haven't moved with the times.

Sad to see the job losses, but presume they may have a following for those shopping online."

I thought they brought in someone to revamp the clothing section a few years ago?

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I used to do a lot of work clothes shopping at M&S maybe 15 - 20 years ago, including their shoes which seemed to fit well and more importantly last well and I didn't mind paying that little bit more for those reasons.

I then found they either stopped doing the clothes I liked, or in some cases, the quality didn't seem to be as good. I then went shopping elsewhere & can't recall the last clothing I bought there.

I've still used their food store now & then, and homewares, especially at Christmas for gifts. They certainly haven't moved with the times.

Sad to see the job losses, but presume they may have a following for those shopping online.

I thought they brought in someone to revamp the clothing section a few years ago?

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look."

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

They have got what the company wanted, more online sales.

Everytime I go in there I get told that I can order it online, to which I replied that you are doing yourself out of a job.

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By *aster C the kinksterMan
over a year ago

Darlington

On a slightly different note. I've been working in Debenhams in Newcastle Middlesbrough etc and usually there are more staff than customers. Debenhams are running on a skeleton staff so I'm assuming that it'll be a Matter of weeks before they all close for good

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

It's another of the long established stories that has struggled to evolve or meet customers' needs. The virus has exacerbated a decline.

The clothing retail sector has fragmented a lot over recent years, giving competitive on many fronts. I've randomly been inside a couple of times in a decade or so and the here was nothing I wanted. Stockings were poor and mixed, as an example, when I happened to look.. It seemed like a shop of bits and bobs, with some bits trying to be somewhat other than tired.

It's really awful that it's cutting staff and they may be the first of many, if the site company doesn't get better management. Fingers crossed as the staff were always amazing.

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"I used to do a lot of work clothes shopping at M&S maybe 15 - 20 years ago, including their shoes which seemed to fit well and more importantly last well and I didn't mind paying that little bit more for those reasons.

I then found they either stopped doing the clothes I liked, or in some cases, the quality didn't seem to be as good. I then went shopping elsewhere & can't recall the last clothing I bought there.

I've still used their food store now & then, and homewares, especially at Christmas for gifts. They certainly haven't moved with the times.

Sad to see the job losses, but presume they may have a following for those shopping online.

I thought they brought in someone to revamp the clothing section a few years ago?

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe? "

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

"

so why does my concil tax go up at double inflation every year, in my town alone they have over 10 huge buildings, granted they run all of hants from here, but the amount of staff they employ is ridiculus, and try to get them to do anything, good luck with that, but be a week late with your council tax and you will have ballifs knocking on your door, usless arseholes the lot of them, and most are still on furlow, and getting paid very well, while everyone else has to go back to work or loose thier homes, if you dont believe me, look into it, its not hard, the wastage is unbelievable

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I used to do a lot of work clothes shopping at M&S maybe 15 - 20 years ago, including their shoes which seemed to fit well and more importantly last well and I didn't mind paying that little bit more for those reasons.

I then found they either stopped doing the clothes I liked, or in some cases, the quality didn't seem to be as good. I then went shopping elsewhere & can't recall the last clothing I bought there.

I've still used their food store now & then, and homewares, especially at Christmas for gifts. They certainly haven't moved with the times.

Sad to see the job losses, but presume they may have a following for those shopping online.

I thought they brought in someone to revamp the clothing section a few years ago?

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like."

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

so why does my concil tax go up at double inflation every year, in my town alone they have over 10 huge buildings, granted they run all of hants from here, but the amount of staff they employ is ridiculus, and try to get them to do anything, good luck with that, but be a week late with your council tax and you will have ballifs knocking on your door, usless arseholes the lot of them, and most are still on furlow, and getting paid very well, while everyone else has to go back to work or loose thier homes, if you dont believe me, look into it, its not hard, the wastage is unbelievable"

If the funding is getting cut how else can they afford to raise money?

I've got a friend who works for lpool council..he has worked all the way though.

Bin men..care home staff .all council workers.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa

It's very easy to blame councils but the reality is that councils have been funded less and less each year and expected to deliver more and more.

In order to do that they have no alternative but to capitalise on anything they have to make money in order to keep frontline services up and running.

Councils were told "do whatever you need to do to get Covid under control, we'll cover the costs" but money still hasn't been forthcoming from central government - my local council is still waiting for the £60M they've lost, and are having to lay people off.

Central government take the cash, local government take the flack.

so why does my concil tax go up at double inflation every year, in my town alone they have over 10 huge buildings, granted they run all of hants from here, but the amount of staff they employ is ridiculus, and try to get them to do anything, good luck with that, but be a week late with your council tax and you will have ballifs knocking on your door, usless arseholes the lot of them, and most are still on furlow, and getting paid very well, while everyone else has to go back to work or loose thier homes, if you dont believe me, look into it, its not hard, the wastage is unbelievable"

All council tax increases are limited to 3% but can raise it to 5% as long as the extra 2% is spent on local care services.

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"I used to do a lot of work clothes shopping at M&S maybe 15 - 20 years ago, including their shoes which seemed to fit well and more importantly last well and I didn't mind paying that little bit more for those reasons.

I then found they either stopped doing the clothes I liked, or in some cases, the quality didn't seem to be as good. I then went shopping elsewhere & can't recall the last clothing I bought there.

I've still used their food store now & then, and homewares, especially at Christmas for gifts. They certainly haven't moved with the times.

Sad to see the job losses, but presume they may have a following for those shopping online.

I thought they brought in someone to revamp the clothing section a few years ago?

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?! "

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"I used to do a lot of work clothes shopping at M&S maybe 15 - 20 years ago, including their shoes which seemed to fit well and more importantly last well and I didn't mind paying that little bit more for those reasons.

I then found they either stopped doing the clothes I liked, or in some cases, the quality didn't seem to be as good. I then went shopping elsewhere & can't recall the last clothing I bought there.

I've still used their food store now & then, and homewares, especially at Christmas for gifts. They certainly haven't moved with the times.

Sad to see the job losses, but presume they may have a following for those shopping online.

I thought they brought in someone to revamp the clothing section a few years ago?

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended "

Yes, the modernisation person took their Victorian fashions, as seen on the original Marks and Spencer penny bazaar, and upgraded them to circa 1982. Still a few decades behind the times.

My Granny worked for M&S for 25yrs, so we used to get all sorts of treats off the staff trolley. She loved M&S and was very loyal, it'd upset her to see it like it is now

Oh, and the scones in the cafe are also pretty good

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By *j48Man
over a year ago

Wigan


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

1) It's taken Visa credit and debit for my entire adult life, which I'd say is a reasonable time frame

2) The store assistant at the time didn't make the rules, so saying she was a snotty bitch is a bit much

M&S can be criticised for many reasons, but not taking Visa isn't one of them. Lots of shops didn't take cards 30+ years ago when they were far less widespread. "

As I've stated it didn't when I presented mine.. I'd guess it was about 1988..

She was, as it was the way she said it at the time, which was a direct contribution to my reaction..

You weren't there and I was..

I'm not bothered if they shut or stay open, I won't shop there.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

1) It's taken Visa credit and debit for my entire adult life, which I'd say is a reasonable time frame

2) The store assistant at the time didn't make the rules, so saying she was a snotty bitch is a bit much

M&S can be criticised for many reasons, but not taking Visa isn't one of them. Lots of shops didn't take cards 30+ years ago when they were far less widespread.

As I've stated it didn't when I presented mine.. I'd guess it was about 1988..

She was, as it was the way she said it at the time, which was a direct contribution to my reaction..

You weren't there and I was..

I'm not bothered if they shut or stay open, I won't shop there.

"
.

I think you missed the point. You can't use M&S in 1988 as being representative of now. Lots of shops didn't take plastic back then, not just M&S, for example. Did you know most places in Netherlands still don't take Visa, for example?

Yes, be critical of M&S, but at least be critical of it as it is today, not 30yrs ago. It is unrecognisable from the late 80s and I've spent a lot of time in M&S stores, thanks to my Granny who worked there.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"All part of the plan by Chinese unleash a deadly disease to bring down the big businesses all round the world then when they are on there knees buy them at a riducious low price. All part of the plan by Chinese for world domination "

What utter bull shit

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"I used to do a lot of work clothes shopping at M&S maybe 15 - 20 years ago, including their shoes which seemed to fit well and more importantly last well and I didn't mind paying that little bit more for those reasons.

I then found they either stopped doing the clothes I liked, or in some cases, the quality didn't seem to be as good. I then went shopping elsewhere & can't recall the last clothing I bought there.

I've still used their food store now & then, and homewares, especially at Christmas for gifts. They certainly haven't moved with the times.

Sad to see the job losses, but presume they may have a following for those shopping online.

I thought they brought in someone to revamp the clothing section a few years ago?

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended

Yes, the modernisation person took their Victorian fashions, as seen on the original Marks and Spencer penny bazaar, and upgraded them to circa 1982. Still a few decades behind the times.

My Granny worked for M&S for 25yrs, so we used to get all sorts of treats off the staff trolley. She loved M&S and was very loyal, it'd upset her to see it like it is now

Oh, and the scones in the cafe are also pretty good "

The latest 1940s fashions.

They are very keen on beige...I've noticed.

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

1) It's taken Visa credit and debit for my entire adult life, which I'd say is a reasonable time frame

2) The store assistant at the time didn't make the rules, so saying she was a snotty bitch is a bit much

M&S can be criticised for many reasons, but not taking Visa isn't one of them. Lots of shops didn't take cards 30+ years ago when they were far less widespread.

As I've stated it didn't when I presented mine.. I'd guess it was about 1988..

She was, as it was the way she said it at the time, which was a direct contribution to my reaction..

You weren't there and I was..

I'm not bothered if they shut or stay open, I won't shop there.

.

I think you missed the point. You can't use M&S in 1988 as being representative of now. Lots of shops didn't take plastic back then, not just M&S, for example. Did you know most places in Netherlands still don't take Visa, for example?

Yes, be critical of M&S, but at least be critical of it as it is today, not 30yrs ago. It is unrecognisable from the late 80s and I've spent a lot of time in M&S stores, thanks to my Granny who worked there. "

Some grudge that tbf

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended

Yes, the modernisation person took their Victorian fashions, as seen on the original Marks and Spencer penny bazaar, and upgraded them to circa 1982. Still a few decades behind the times.

My Granny worked for M&S for 25yrs, so we used to get all sorts of treats off the staff trolley. She loved M&S and was very loyal, it'd upset her to see it like it is now

Oh, and the scones in the cafe are also pretty good

The latest 1940s fashions.

They are very keen on beige...I've noticed.

"

Yes, the beige stuff is right next to the utility stuff, fashioned out of parachute silk and your Gran's old jumper

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended

Yes, the modernisation person took their Victorian fashions, as seen on the original Marks and Spencer penny bazaar, and upgraded them to circa 1982. Still a few decades behind the times.

My Granny worked for M&S for 25yrs, so we used to get all sorts of treats off the staff trolley. She loved M&S and was very loyal, it'd upset her to see it like it is now

Oh, and the scones in the cafe are also pretty good

The latest 1940s fashions.

They are very keen on beige...I've noticed.

Yes, the beige stuff is right next to the utility stuff, fashioned out of parachute silk and your Gran's old jumper "

Ha ha..I'll be wearing that clobber in about 10 years time.

I think I bought a tie in their once..it was the only place you could buy a non skinny tie

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended

Yes, the modernisation person took their Victorian fashions, as seen on the original Marks and Spencer penny bazaar, and upgraded them to circa 1982. Still a few decades behind the times.

My Granny worked for M&S for 25yrs, so we used to get all sorts of treats off the staff trolley. She loved M&S and was very loyal, it'd upset her to see it like it is now

Oh, and the scones in the cafe are also pretty good

The latest 1940s fashions.

They are very keen on beige...I've noticed.

Yes, the beige stuff is right next to the utility stuff, fashioned out of parachute silk and your Gran's old jumper

Ha ha..I'll be wearing that clobber in about 10 years time.

I think I bought a tie in their once..it was the only place you could buy a non skinny tie "

Was the tie made out of parachute silk?

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended

Yes, the modernisation person took their Victorian fashions, as seen on the original Marks and Spencer penny bazaar, and upgraded them to circa 1982. Still a few decades behind the times.

My Granny worked for M&S for 25yrs, so we used to get all sorts of treats off the staff trolley. She loved M&S and was very loyal, it'd upset her to see it like it is now

Oh, and the scones in the cafe are also pretty good

The latest 1940s fashions.

They are very keen on beige...I've noticed.

Yes, the beige stuff is right next to the utility stuff, fashioned out of parachute silk and your Gran's old jumper

Ha ha..I'll be wearing that clobber in about 10 years time.

I think I bought a tie in their once..it was the only place you could buy a non skinny tie

Was the tie made out of parachute silk? "

No it was actually good quality and it 1 of my fave ties tbh.

I'll have to check out their slipper range next time I'm in.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended

Yes, the modernisation person took their Victorian fashions, as seen on the original Marks and Spencer penny bazaar, and upgraded them to circa 1982. Still a few decades behind the times.

My Granny worked for M&S for 25yrs, so we used to get all sorts of treats off the staff trolley. She loved M&S and was very loyal, it'd upset her to see it like it is now

Oh, and the scones in the cafe are also pretty good

The latest 1940s fashions.

They are very keen on beige...I've noticed.

Yes, the beige stuff is right next to the utility stuff, fashioned out of parachute silk and your Gran's old jumper

Ha ha..I'll be wearing that clobber in about 10 years time.

I think I bought a tie in their once..it was the only place you could buy a non skinny tie

Was the tie made out of parachute silk?

No it was actually good quality and it 1 of my fave ties tbh.

I'll have to check out their slipper range next time I'm in."

You can get matching pipes to go with the slippers Lionel

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By *moothman2000Man
over a year ago

Leicestershire


"

so why does my concil tax go up at double inflation every year, in my town alone they have over 10 huge buildings, granted they run all of hants from here, but the amount of staff they employ is ridiculus, and try to get them to do anything, good luck with that, but be a week late with your council tax and you will have ballifs knocking on your door, usless arseholes the lot of them, and most are still on furlow, and getting paid very well, while everyone else has to go back to work or loose thier homes, if you dont believe me, look into it, its not hard, the wastage is unbelievable"

Nothing to look into mate, you're way off target.

Councils have been making staff redundant for years because they have had cuts imposed on them by central government, whilst having additional responsibilities put on them.

Councils do NOT get to keep the council tax they collect - it goes to central government, who give some of it back. That portion has shrunk every year for at least 5 years now.

Bailiffs do not knock on your door if you're a week late with your council tax.

Hardly any council employees have been on furlow - they've worked all the way through.

The ones who can't because of covid closures have been redeployed into other parts of the council to keep frontline services running.

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"

It has always catered for that survabon middle class housewife look.

Is suburban care home a fashion thing, because that's mainly the clothing demographic, in my view. Housewives 30 years ago, maybe?

It does always seem to be full of middle class types when I pop in for a chocolate sundae.

Still a bit sad like.

There's a reason their clothing range is loss making - if it's aiming at the middle class housewives, then it's missing its target audience! The clothing is about 25 years out of date. Do you enjoy your middle class chocolate sundaes Lionel?!

But didnt they bring someone in a few years ago to modernise it?

Triple chocolate sundaes.. highly recommended

Yes, the modernisation person took their Victorian fashions, as seen on the original Marks and Spencer penny bazaar, and upgraded them to circa 1982. Still a few decades behind the times.

My Granny worked for M&S for 25yrs, so we used to get all sorts of treats off the staff trolley. She loved M&S and was very loyal, it'd upset her to see it like it is now

Oh, and the scones in the cafe are also pretty good

The latest 1940s fashions.

They are very keen on beige...I've noticed.

Yes, the beige stuff is right next to the utility stuff, fashioned out of parachute silk and your Gran's old jumper

Ha ha..I'll be wearing that clobber in about 10 years time.

I think I bought a tie in their once..it was the only place you could buy a non skinny tie

Was the tie made out of parachute silk?

No it was actually good quality and it 1 of my fave ties tbh.

I'll have to check out their slipper range next time I'm in.

You can get matching pipes to go with the slippers Lionel "

Rock and roll

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By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool


"

so why does my concil tax go up at double inflation every year, in my town alone they have over 10 huge buildings, granted they run all of hants from here, but the amount of staff they employ is ridiculus, and try to get them to do anything, good luck with that, but be a week late with your council tax and you will have ballifs knocking on your door, usless arseholes the lot of them, and most are still on furlow, and getting paid very well, while everyone else has to go back to work or loose thier homes, if you dont believe me, look into it, its not hard, the wastage is unbelievable

Nothing to look into mate, you're way off target.

Councils have been making staff redundant for years because they have had cuts imposed on them by central government, whilst having additional responsibilities put on them.

Councils do NOT get to keep the council tax they collect - it goes to central government, who give some of it back. That portion has shrunk every year for at least 5 years now.

Bailiffs do not knock on your door if you're a week late with your council tax.

Hardly any council employees have been on furlow - they've worked all the way through.

The ones who can't because of covid closures have been redeployed into other parts of the council to keep frontline services running."

But apart from that he was spot on

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By *lan157Man
over a year ago

a village near Haywards Heath in East Sussex

I can't comment on the M&S ladies fashions but I can tell you my three observations. They can't stay in stock of size 10 shoes for very long thereby losing sales. They keep pushing the mantra " you can order on line " when they run out of stock of popular sizes of men's clothes in store which hastens the end of stores and store jobs and lastly they have become obsessed with selling slim and skinny men's clothes saying they are responding to demand. It's not me demanding those ranges at the expense of regular sizes.

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By *moothman2000Man
over a year ago

Leicestershire


"But apart from that he was spot on "

Pretty much

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years.....

This..

They've not kept up with so-called fashion trends, which don't get me wrong are not the best thing for both the environment and working conditions for those making the throw away stuff which sells..

On top of that some of what they were very good at, the basics have dropped off in quality..

They still do some of the best underwear."

I agree

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By *orkiecplCouple
over a year ago

York

Ok heres a strange thought for discussion, you lose your job and claim benefits, you are then told you must apply for jobs lots of jobs, then you are told you must apply for a carers job even through you have no experience And if you don't you get sanctioned, there is a massive shortage of carers so the government will do anything to sort that problem, so unskilled retail workers losing there jobs and being forced to work as carer in the social care sector would fit the government's plans...

Yes conspiracy hat on DISCUSS

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By *lan157Man
over a year ago

a village near Haywards Heath in East Sussex


"Ok heres a strange thought for discussion, you lose your job and claim benefits, you are then told you must apply for jobs lots of jobs, then you are told you must apply for a carers job even through you have no experience And if you don't you get sanctioned, there is a massive shortage of carers so the government will do anything to sort that problem, so unskilled retail workers losing there jobs and being forced to work as carer in the social care sector would fit the government's plans...

Yes conspiracy hat on DISCUSS "

In other words re-train redundant workers so that they can apply for jobs that are available in the future ? create new careers.

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By *V-AliceTV/TS
over a year ago

Ayr

The entire high street was dying on its arse for years already, mainly due to online shopping.

Covid 19 has given millions of people months of buying things without shops - and a lot of them will stick with it.

More to the point, the larger retail players know that - which is why they're sacking so many staff.

They're businesses - if they can make profits without employees, they're content to do it. Shareholders take priority over shopworkers. That's capitalism.

Like it, or not, more shops are desireable than are necessary.

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By *iminey_cricketsMan
over a year ago

barbican

This is what capitalism gets you when it’s left to run uncontrolled like this. Sadly the tops firms get bigger and absorb or destroy the smaller ones.

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By *j48Man
over a year ago

Wigan


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

1) It's taken Visa credit and debit for my entire adult life, which I'd say is a reasonable time frame

2) The store assistant at the time didn't make the rules, so saying she was a snotty bitch is a bit much

M&S can be criticised for many reasons, but not taking Visa isn't one of them. Lots of shops didn't take cards 30+ years ago when they were far less widespread.

As I've stated it didn't when I presented mine.. I'd guess it was about 1988..

She was, as it was the way she said it at the time, which was a direct contribution to my reaction..

You weren't there and I was..

I'm not bothered if they shut or stay open, I won't shop there.

.

I think you missed the point. You can't use M&S in 1988 as being representative of now. Lots of shops didn't take plastic back then, not just M&S, for example. Did you know most places in Netherlands still don't take Visa, for example?

Yes, be critical of M&S, but at least be critical of it as it is today, not 30yrs ago. It is unrecognisable from the late 80s and I've spent a lot of time in M&S stores, thanks to my Granny who worked there.

Some grudge that tbf"

It's the same now as it was 35 years ago, granny and grandad clothes, over priced for the "shopping experience"

As you said, your granny worked there..

Piss me off and I walk, plenty of other places to spend my money, home and abroad..

It's taken 35 or so years, but it'll close completely within another 2 maximum

The end of missfits and shoddy

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By *alking HeadMan
over a year ago

Bolton

If they do shut down completely, could C&A PLEASE come back? We miss you!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If they do shut down completely, could C&A PLEASE come back? We miss you!"

Thats a blast from the past

I loved C&A

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Only ever shopped in M&S once, about 30 years ago. Put about £100 worth of clothes into my trolley and went to pay..

£100 pounds please. Gave the woman my Visa credit card.. Ohh no we don't accept that, the snotty bitch looked me like I was a lepper or something, you can apply for a store card..

Errm no thanks, I'll shop elsewhere, bye.

I left the stuff on the counter, my trolley where it was and walked out..

Never set foot in an M&S since..

It's never adapted to what buyers actually want.

1) It's taken Visa credit and debit for my entire adult life, which I'd say is a reasonable time frame

2) The store assistant at the time didn't make the rules, so saying she was a snotty bitch is a bit much

M&S can be criticised for many reasons, but not taking Visa isn't one of them. Lots of shops didn't take cards 30+ years ago when they were far less widespread.

As I've stated it didn't when I presented mine.. I'd guess it was about 1988..

She was, as it was the way she said it at the time, which was a direct contribution to my reaction..

You weren't there and I was..

I'm not bothered if they shut or stay open, I won't shop there.

.

I think you missed the point. You can't use M&S in 1988 as being representative of now. Lots of shops didn't take plastic back then, not just M&S, for example. Did you know most places in Netherlands still don't take Visa, for example?

Yes, be critical of M&S, but at least be critical of it as it is today, not 30yrs ago. It is unrecognisable from the late 80s and I've spent a lot of time in M&S stores, thanks to my Granny who worked there.

Some grudge that tbf

It's the same now as it was 35 years ago, granny and grandad clothes, over priced for the "shopping experience"

As you said, your granny worked there..

Piss me off and I walk, plenty of other places to spend my money, home and abroad..

It's taken 35 or so years, but it'll close completely within another 2 maximum

The end of missfits and shoddy

"

I like Marks & Spencers, i like their underwear, it's a reasonable price, looks great, washes and wears well.

I am a granny though, have been for 8 years so i guess I'm suited to it

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By *yn drwgMan
over a year ago

Camarthen


"M&S has been loosing the plot. Some of the bigger stores are fine, but my local town for example food choice is awful and very samey, lack of count on us range as well

The clothes section is a bit meh, and most times you go in and get told order online anyway.

"

Some of the smaller stores outsell more than a few bigger stores together in the Food Hall's which has kept M&S going for over a decade now. The high street will never be the same after this.

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By *dward_TeagueMan
over a year ago

wolverhampton


"If they do shut down completely, could C&A PLEASE come back? We miss you!

Thats a blast from the past

I loved C&A "

They’re still on the continent

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I feel abit sad about the workers, the news comes after the sales have gone down since covid, but I am not so sure it is just down to covid as it might of been going down before it, but more so now, what is your view of it, what is the reason?"

Let's all just stay home and collect furlow, keep kids home, inflict stupid rules on retail stores and watch the economy tank to bankruptsie. This is exactly whats happening in front of our eyes.

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By *dward_TeagueMan
over a year ago

wolverhampton

The pandemic has hastened the end of the High Street & department stores as they were. They were struggling anyway so the pandemic has brought the Inevitable closer.

M&S, Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Fraser etc have all shed jobs and closed stores. People’s buying habits have changed and the concept of a department store as we know it is outdated.

I feel desperately sorry for those that have lost their jobs but their employers, particularly M&S haven’t adapted and their business model is outdated.

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By *yn drwgMan
over a year ago

Camarthen


"The pandemic has hastened the end of the High Street & department stores as they were. They were struggling anyway so the pandemic has brought the Inevitable closer.

M&S, Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Fraser etc have all shed jobs and closed stores. People’s buying habits have changed and the concept of a department store as we know it is outdated.

I feel desperately sorry for those that have lost their jobs but their employers, particularly M&S haven’t adapted and their business model is outdated."

It's not the business module which is outdated it's Joe public's shopping trends, we want internet prices at high street standards the retailers have no chance while the public want rock bottom prices online.

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By *dward_TeagueMan
over a year ago

wolverhampton


"The pandemic has hastened the end of the High Street & department stores as they were. They were struggling anyway so the pandemic has brought the Inevitable closer.

M&S, Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Fraser etc have all shed jobs and closed stores. People’s buying habits have changed and the concept of a department store as we know it is outdated.

I feel desperately sorry for those that have lost their jobs but their employers, particularly M&S haven’t adapted and their business model is outdated.

It's not the business module which is outdated it's Joe public's shopping trends, we want internet prices at high street standards the retailers have no chance while the public want rock bottom prices online."

Your business model is wrong if it doesn’t allow for lower footfall caused by people’s changing buying habits.

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By *heIcebreakersCouple
over a year ago

Cramlington


"the fault in my opinion partly rests with the councils, to vistit my home town to shop in a car costs around £3.00 an hour, and thats if you can get a space, they have closed most of the carparks and sold them for huge sums for developmant, and the less revenue they make from parking the prices go up more, why go to town when you can shop from your sofa for the same price or lower, the other problem is that alot of the big chains, havnt kept up with the times, its a real shame, our town centre used to be heaving most days of the week, now its all but empty, yes you can blame amazon etc, but they were the smart ones and saw the change coming and acted on it, my worry is what will happen when all the high streets are compleatly gone, then the online retailers will have us all over a barrel, prices only stay low with compatition, if there is none then ???

but the other problem is us, we are all in efect lazy, and would rather shop online, or worse go to a shop and look at verious items to choose what you want, then go home and order it online, so we must all take some of the blame, the virus has just sped things up a bit, it was going to happen anyway. my other worry is, if nobody is working and paying tax, how will the gov fund all the benifits required for all those now out of work but cant get a new job, we are looking at hard times ahead, possible that it will be worse than its ever been.

Anyway thats my 2 pence worth Those who are in work are going to be paying for all this that’s for sure

problem if not enough people are working, then taxs will have to rise, i remember in the early 70s the higher rate tax was around 80%.

my dad was in that bracket, so used to work until he had reached that threshold, then not bother working for the rest of the month, who wants to earn 20% of what you have worked for?

most others did the same, net result, taxes collected actually went down as a result"
This is, as economists would say, bollocks.

In 1964 NI and general xax were 12.3Bn, about 36% of GDP.

In 1977 they were 51.6Bn, or 33.9% of GDP. Throughout the period 1964 to 1983 receipts from Income Tax grew year on year (partly as a result of inflation - fele free to go away and do the inflation adjusted numbers) but the proportion of GDP taken by them was remarkably stable in a range from 31.6% to 35%. The peak year for tax and NI as a proportion of GDP was 1984-85, when it was 37.6%, and a certain M Thatcher was in power.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"M&S has been teetering on the brink for years and years.....

This..

They've not kept up with so-called fashion trends, which don't get me wrong are not the best thing for both the environment and working conditions for those making the throw away stuff which sells..

On top of that some of what they were very good at, the basics have dropped off in quality..

They still do some of the best underwear."

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By *eah BabyCouple
over a year ago

Cheshire, Windermere ,Cumbria

I find it really sad, not just M&S but seeing all the high street shops falling away, all the job losses, the town centres looking shabby with empty shops, missing the social side of getting out and about interacting with people and browsing what’s new, I admit I’m not a massive shopper but I much prefer to go to the shops as I really hate online shopping, I’m even sad the Argos catalogue is ending lol as prefer to look at that if I want a kettle etc. than sit looking at a computer screen

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