Marks and Spencer

[heathr1]

I once bought a dress from them and the staff were discrete when I payed at the till, but I simply got the dress from the rack/hangers.

Has anyone experience of their staff when wanting to try on fem clothes or asking about make-up?

[Jasmine Ellis]

I think asking about make-up is more fun cos the staff is helpful and go out of there way to help you picking the best colours.

I always get my make-up in Boots. And never had a problem

[Helen MC]

I have often bought items, especially panties, at M&S and have not experienced any problems. Simply put the items in the basket, take them to the checkout and pay. Occasionally an assistant has said, "Keep your receipt and if these don't fit you can get a refund" . I have gone along with this as I have any remarks about "Your wife" or "Your partner", and would not stir things up by saying the items were for me.

[Julie York]

I bought a great blouse there and no-one batted an eyelid except me.

However...picture this (sorry no hijack intended, normal service should resume shortly.)

I had a Christmas token..loads of money to spend.
I couldn't think of anything I dare buy and already had the blouse sooooooo

I looked at the fashion jewellery stuff in total male mode and probably shop lifter mode in my dress and demeanour...(looking back).

Looked at this and that and......"no really Officer..I have a thing about queues..so I always look for the vacant till". So there I am in street urchin clothes (o.k. call it sad old 70s rocker), looking through the fashion jewellery, which as a seasoned shop-lifter and international spy was becoming obvious to me that I looked rather furtive because I kept flicking my eyes nervously at the staff on the tills. I felt self conscious anyway and then got more self conscious as I flicked my eyes at the till queues thinking this looks BAD on CCTV and then I rushed to the vacant till with no queue, paid for my goods and left .......and walked down the isle as the Security Guard walked up the isle and gave me a GOOD look as I smiled triumphantly at the thought that I had just bought some earrings.


Yeah..M&S are cool.

BAck to the tread..sorry.

[Holly O'Niell]

I have a sister (who is aware of my dressing) and works in M&S. She said that all staff are trained to be helpful, polite and courteous to anyone they think maybe a crossdresser. Saying that, she has never knowingly been approached by a guy in female clothing. Also said she has served many a guy in drab saying the items were for a girlfriend or wife but had the suspicion they weren't. She added, now she knows about me, that she enjoyed when these situations arise as the customer is obviously a little nervous, she is aware of how much courage they have plucked up to shop.
Holly.

[julie w]

when I am in london I check out m&s on oxford street ,I would not have a problem buying something there why would you care what they think anyway? 10years ago in my braver years I left my hotel and shopped oxford st and m&s dressed if the shop women read me they didnt let on

[Tiana]

i have shopped here usually for lingerie and have never had any problems but i am always relaxed because i assume my money is as good as anyone elses x

[Emma England]

I have often bought items, especially panties, at M&S and have not experienced any problems. Simply put the items in the basket, take them to the checkout and pay. Occasionally an assistant has said, "Keep your receipt and if these don't fit you can get a refund" . I have gone along with this as I have any remarks about "Your wife" or "Your partner", and would not stir things up by saying the items were for me.

Helen, what is wrong about saying that it is for you, instead of going along with the partner comments?

[RaineK]

My :2c: worth is just to add that as a specialist civil matters attorney who consults with a number of large organisations, I know from having seen internal training manuals, staff in certain departments are given specific training to deal with crossdressers (both male & female) and customers who shop with same-sex partners.

Many of the big retailers have traditionally done it to protect themselves from lawsuits or bad publicity but recently they realise society views are changing and same-sex relationships and CD'ing is becoming more publically acceptable and do it for the "right reasons". At last ...

Same thing goes for doctors and other medical staff BTW. They are well aware (and are edcuated for it) that in their career they will get a number of patients in a same-sex relationship or be called to assist (for example) men who cross dress, even if it is just panties and toe nail polish.

My advice ... don't be shy to ask in a retailer for what you are looking for. By being honest about what you are looking for and why will help the sales attendant to help you. It'll also put them at ease and take the tension out of wondering what you really are after to best assist you.

Hope this helps the people who shop whether dressed-up or not.

[Emma_Forbes]

Hi Heather,

This is the reply I had from M & S having asked them their policy.

The M&S policy is that if a customer comes into store dressed as a woman
and wishes to try on women's clothes then this is acceptable. They would
be asked to use the ladies changing room.

However, if a person comes into store dressed as a man and wishes to try
on women's clothes then this store would find this difficult to
accommodate.

I am sure that you can appreciate that we would not wish to cause you or
any of our other customers embarrassment. Therefore in our larger stores
they may have the facilities to be more accommodating and offer you a
greater degree of privacy.

I am sure that you can appreciate that xxxxxxxx is one of our smaller
stores. If you have any questions about any of our larger stores in the
area then it is possible that they may be more accommodating.

I haven't yet taken them up on their offer - if that is what it is. I do have a contact number if you are interested. Drop me a line.

Em