WHEN I walk into M&S it feels like a warm blanket has wrapped around me.
Whilst stores have been updated to keep up with the times, much remains the same and even now in 2025 it can still remind me of going into the shop in 2005 with my grandparents.
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It’s comfortable and reliable – you know what to expect.
However, walking into M&S at Battersea Power Station in London, felt like a totally different experience.
A good one at that.
The only standalone clothing store the brand offers, it opened in December last year and really is one of a kind.
Apart from the signs that have the M&S branding on, stepping into that store you could have been in the likes of Zara or Mango.
Spacious and modern with smart spotlights that gives it a well lit glow, you really feel like this is a luxurious shop that you can mooch around in for hours.
The store even comes with special cream fabric hangers and canvas bags to carry potential new buys in, something not found in other stores.
Plus a handy way of making sure you’re able to pick up more product as you look around.
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It even smelled differently, which I was informed by a member of staff was the fragrance ‘warmth’ from its apothecary section.
And whilst I do love the normal homely smell of the M&S bakery, this store was giving fashion.
If anything it made me want to stay in there longer for the lovely smell alone.
From big screens showing the editorial looking spring/summer campaigns to the self checkout tills, there’s even a do it yourself returns section.
Everything is well thought through and designed with ease in mind, to make your shopping experience as pleasurable as possible.
And of course for those of you like me who still like to go to a good old fashioned manned till they were available as well.
Staff were also super friendly and helpful and the changing rooms extra luxurious with enough room to try on in comfort.
Clothing wise it has a mix of mens and womens available and whilst it may not be the biggest store in terms of size that the brand has to offer, the product itself was 10/10.
M&S is at the forefront of the British high street when it comes to fashion.
No longer associated as being a shop just for the older generations, it is a place that really does cater for all (including dogs which are allowed in store).
This season there have been some big hits with pieces flying off the shelves.
And this store in particular had the best fashion on offer.
Walking around there was a big section dedicated to swim and beachwear, plus lots of occasion pieces, something the brand is trying to become more known for, including some on-trend polka dot looks that featured in its latest campaign.
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I also noticed some more ‘trendier’ items on full display, such as long denim shorts and suede co-ords.
As someone who goes to other M&S stores fairly regularly and is very familiar with the product, there were so many pieces that felt new to me and could have come home with me then and there.
You really feel like you’re getting something extra special compared to other stores.
The store also isn’t over crowded, with Battersea Power Station still being a fairly new shopping destination, it felt quite exclusive to wonder around in.
Plus you may find that product which goes viral and may be hard to come across in other stores, may actually be found here.
It really is a little hidden gem if you are wanting a more curated shopping experience.
Why Everyone Is Loving M&S
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:
“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.
“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.
“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.
“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.
“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.
“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.
“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”
