Forum Topic

M&S

Did quick Day One recce of new M&S food store in Putney. It is far larger than I expected, and has a full range of stuff, including an impressive flowers section. I thought the lighting could have been better (the old store was well lit and felt more "open") , and  I waited 10 minutes at checkout while attendants (with minimal English and little understanding of plastic cards and UK coinage) struggled. Quality is  higher than competing stores, but so are the prices. It has set a commendable standard and shows  how tawdry much of the rest of PHS now feels.

Alexander MacLeod ● 22d17 Comments

I finally got a chance to visit the store. A number of things struck me — the emphasis on flowers seems an odd one. They must be throwing out loads each day. It does create a nice ambience in the store but I don't understand why they think the loss of the floorspace is justified (before anyone says it, they probably know better than me!). There is more fresh produce than I remember. However, M&S don't seem to trust raw food and have an urge to tinker with even basic items like veg adding an unnecessary level of processing which puts up prices. On the other hand prices for basis items like milk are very competitive — even compared to Lidl.

Barry Elms ● 16h

Went into M & S for the 1st time today, might need time to get used to, nobody on a till, so I asked security who got a nice young man who was very nice, he did serve me.  But don't think I should serve myself when staff are just standing there.

Barbara Stevens ● 3d

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/04/french-law-forbids-food-waste-by-supermarketsThis became law in France in 2016!  Vast amounts of food is wasted in this country.

Philippa Bond ● 5d

I hope that they get their stock amounts sorted out because there have been some very big mistakes made by M&S with stock within date being sent off to be destroyed rather than marked down and sold in store/offered on an M&S app or given to local  charities/charity distribution organisations for use as FOOD.  We should all follow the Waste Hierarchy BEFORE sending good food to be composted.I think we are going to have to try again to get a law similar to the one that France has had for years to make sure that good food is allocated to use as food first before anything else or all that time, effort, water, fertiliser, care, packaging and transport from the farmers onwards to get it to the shops is wasted.

Philippa Bond ● 5d

There are plenty of baskets but very few trolleys which could dissuade some shoppers from purchasing large quantities. This contrasts sharply with M&S near Sheen.

Alexander MacLeod ● 8d

It feels as though the design and fit-out may have been somewhat rushed in order to reopen this branch quickly. At the moment the layout doesn’t entirely make sense, stock levels could use some attention, and the overall range of produce doesn’t feel quite as strong as in some other stores.The street-level facade and entrance in particular feel rather bleak and less thoughtfully designed than other locations, which is a shame given the history of the original building.The staff also seemed quite stressed, with some openly complaining to each other in front of customers. This may simply reflect the challenges of getting a newly reopened store up and running.I had high hopes for the return of M&S to PHS, so I’m optimistic these early issues will be addressed as the store settles in and finds its rhythm.

Laura Kaye ● 11d

I must admit I did have a pang of nostalgia - missed the escalator, and being able to pop upstairs to get some knickers or stockings for the ladies in the house or pjs or a shirt for the men

Victoria Diamond ● 14d

The future for PHS has to be food. Most people who want to buy new clothes or electronics would probably be prepared to go to Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth, Chelsea or High Street Kensington. By strengthening the food offer in Putney we might get people travelling to us for food. Dugard & Daughter, M&S, Lidl, etc. are all great. But Exchange parking deals should be extended to them. Foodie Putney, destination.

Bill Christie ● 14d

I'm definitely more Lidl than M&S not just of the cost but because they resist the temptation to unnecessarily process fresh produce. However I am liking the new M&S particularly the bakery and the prices on some basic items are surprisingly low e.g. fresh milk.

Peter Higgins ● 15d

Thank you Michael - that should be of help to some who can use it.  I've used Click & Collect several times in the the past to buy something from Argos which was delivered to a local Sainsbury's and from John Lewis that was delivered to the local Waitrose.  I've found it an easy and useful service and much more stress-free than waiting for a parcel to be delivered!

Philippa Bond ● 18d

Yes, we've already used their click and collect :-)

Michael Ixer ● 18d

Will they be doing Click and Collect so you can order from their online store and collect there?

Philippa Bond ● 18d

Lots of people love Lidl and look forward to one arriving on their High Street.  Why don't you like it?

Philippa Bond ● 20d

Years ago you had loads of clothes and shoes, now you don't even look you just walk past all the food places.

Barbara Stevens ● 20d

Re our new M&S -'It has set a commendable standard and shows  how tawdry much of the rest of PHS now feels.' Yes indeed it does...

Miles Thompson ● 20d

My cousin in  Sutton is Councillor Barry Lewis, they have just opened a LIDL in Sutton, had to laugh at the reviews not one good one. Because Sutton residents are also moaning about their High Street and the fact there is already a LIDL down the road. Then there was a list of all the shops it could have been. Sounds a bit like our High Street, could do with a Primark in the Putney Exchange where Wilko used to be.

Barbara Stevens ● 22d

We are really pleased to see the food store opened.  It was so busy yesterday that you would think everyone in SW15 had decided to pay a visit. I was hoping some of the former staff might return, but I couldn’t see any.  I know some of them went to Southfields. Anyway, it’s wonderful M&S is back in Putney.

Martine Guy ● 22d