Interestingly most of the clientelle was French, "square shaped smart over-sixties French" looking for something in navy and stone to drape over the folds of the older figure. I did hear a few English voices.
Firstly, I do miss the English assistants in understated polyester shirts who sympathise with you when they only have your size in fuchsia and call a flustered younger manager to answer to the charges. The French staff were trying, but inevitably the word 'no' tripped from their lips without qualification and they were difficult to catch, they all looked flustered, partly because the air conditioning had broken down and partly because they couldn't quite work out the clientelle (some of whom were looking dangerously overheated in the queue for the changing rooms which are too small) and there wasn't a manager in sight. They will not order your size (which is largely absent from the rails), you must go home and DIY on the internet.
Warning; once in the changing room, quite the worst 'fat ugly' mirrors and lighting I've ever experienced, made me want to give up clothes shopping, go home and order Crimplene coveralls delivered in brown paper.
But I am truly outraged by the fact that there was not one pair of trousers size 16 "long" in the whole shop. For the taller, rounded woman living in Paris, there is no hope, no long trousers, and hardly a 16 to be found, so the whole Raison d'Etre for Marks and Spencer in Paris is to do LONG trousers (which are also comfy, smart, practical, not too tight and washable). Marks and Spencer Paris, you gave me hope, and you took it away.
Idea for improvement?
I know what would work for me; the entire range in every size for trying on only. When you find the size and style that is right, you go to the counter for a human exchange where the assistants can help you order, discuss any practicalities, and generally build good customer relations and loyalty...
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