1884 – Michael Marks, a Russian-born Polish refugee, opened a stall at Leeds Kirkgate Market
1893 – Michael Marks opened a shop in Manchester, and lived above it
1894 – Thomas Spencer – a cashier and book-keeper invested £300 to become Michael Marks’ partner
1930 – M&S’s flagship store opened at Marble Arch, London
1931 – M&S introduced a food department into its stores, selling produce and canned goods
1939 – At the outbreak of World War II, M&S had 234 stores. By 1945, more than 16 had been destroyed by bombs
1954 – M&S carried out the first-ever comprehensive leg survey to improve the fit of its stockings
1959 – Marks & Spencer was the first major retailer to introduce a no smoking rule in all its stores
1971 – M&S frozen foods were trialled for the first time
1989 – Organic fruit, vegetables and salads were introduced in selected M&S stores
1997 – M&S’s Bodysensor range of opaque tights was launched and won the Queen’s Award for Innovation
1999 – Online shopping at M&S is born
2001 – The Per Una range for women, designed by George Davies, was launched
2007 – Marks & Spencer began selling exclusive ladder-resistant sheer hosiery
2008 – A charge of 5p for food carrier bags was introduced, helping raise funds for local environment projects
2009 – M&S agrees to stop charging £2 extra for DD+ bra sizes
2009 – M&S is 125 years old
Since the demise of Hamells and C&A I am an M&S girl through and through. Sadly they never did stock my bra size so the extra pricing never was an issue for me
PS: Most facts courtesy of the May/June edition of the M&S magazine
The not-wife has become a figleaves girl when it comes to underwear. It’s a very handy site for sorting out Christmas or Birthday presents for her when I am at a loss!
I have not heard of figleaves before. Sounds like a good plan of yours for present ideas
We dont have them anywhere near me. Also I only buy cheap clothes…
I don’t buy clothes very often, but they always seem to last me for ever!