Marks & Spencer

This Marble Arch flagship M&S is the store's largest outlet in the country. It is Marks and Spencer shopping at its best, and showcases the shopping vision drawn out by former Chairman Stuart Rose- each type of customer has been assigned their own range, from Limited Edition, for the fast fashion consumer with one eye on the catwalk and the other on their wallet, to Autograph, for the more classic but still style conscious dresser, to Per Una, for the mumsy dresser who likes a frill or a flourish. The cashmere is fabulous, and in a wide range of colours and cuts for £79. The shoe collection is huge, and surprisingly good- Samantha Cameron buys her comfortable stilettos here (although don’t let that put you off). The men’s collection has recently been dolled up a bit- look for the Collezioni range of Italian cut suits and accessories- great at giving the illusion of a very expensive outfit. Despite all the change, long-standing M&S fans, of which there are many, need not fear. The store has retained its old faithfuls- the best tights in the business, a huge range of very good quality underwear (including generously sized numbers for the more mature customer) and footglove shoes for the less sure footed shopper. As well as the women's fashions and menswear, there’s also childrenswear, homewares, a food hall, cafés and a bureau de change.