As a size 22 shopper I have comparatively little choice on the high street but prefer it to online shopping. Since M&S significantly expanded the variety of clothing available in my size and made them routinely available in their larger branches, I have purchased more from them during the course of this year than from any other clothing chain. However it takes more than availability to make me buy from a manufacturer; they have also upped their game in terms of trend awareness. In the past I've found their designs often fell short, not by a million miles, but a couple of inches, which is way worse in my book. There was always some superfluous detail like a pocket in an awkward place or some annoying embroidered motif that immediately screamed "M&S!" at you. I find there's less of that try-hard styling now. By the same token they take more risks more often instead of automatically playing it safe and matronly. They provide excellent value for money and their sales have been great this year. (Admittedly because nobody else seems to like what they're doing but it bears saying that I've always hated wearing what everybody else is wearing so it suits me fine. Not sure that's the kind of ringing endorsement M&S wants though).