Why M&S is the new Tesco

So M&S continues to bounce back (read the report). I had a sock shopping experience today that confirms to me that M&S is back on the right track.

I forgot my socks this morning (I cycle in) so made a quick dash to the large store in Kensington High Steet. I bought seven 'fresh feet' pairs for the price of five - £10. See here.

To me that's good value. From memory, the last time I went in Tesco it was still cheaper, working out to around a pound a pair. The point here though is that M&S has grasped the marketing tricks that Tesco uses to make us all spend more than we intend to. i.e. I went to M&S to buy one pair of socks and came out with seven. Genius.

- Andrew Oxlade

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[Mrs Thatcher]

I like M&S but I don't think it will be the next Tesco. I hope not.

[Rajnesh Verma]

I work for Tesco and sometimes shop at M & S, but to say they are the new Tesco is stretching it a bit. They have failed in a lot of ways to impress me with their clothing rail, I dress fairly conservatively , but even I don't like their ranges as they still give the air of OAP type clothing. Tesco range is not my cup of tea either, but they do hold an attraction for the "younger" shopper

[Andrew Oxlade]

Thanks for the comments Rajesh.

I totally see what you're saying. I think the older market remains core to M&S.
What I do also think, though, is that M&S has learnt the new way to market clothes with devious special offers.

Tesco is the master of two for the price of one.
Cheers.
Andrew

[Mark]

I think Tesco's success has been due to their ability to consistently deliver against their price-led brand promise of 'every little helps'...whatever sector they're in.....if M&S could show the same consistency against their line of 'so much more just for you' (which your experience, Andy, reinforced) then M&S truly will be on the way to becoming the new Tesco......

[patricia mackie]

I work for tesco on the clothing department. I find the clothes are excellent value for money there is always a great choice for young or the older generation. The larger ladies selection in my store is amazing and the cost is so cheap compared to town prices. We have regular customers who come back week after week to buy our clothes. Going up market is a great idea it attracts a different class of people, which will only work in certain stores.