A Short History of Marks & Spencer

A Short History of Marks & Spencer

* Marks & Spencer was formed in 1884 when Michael Marks, a Polish refugee opened a market stall in Leeds, with the slogan 'don't ask the price, it's a penny'.

* In 1894 Marks went into partnership with Thomas Spencer, a former cashier from the wholesale company, Dewhirst.

* In 1904 Marks & Spencer opened their first shop in a covered arcade in Leeds.

* In the 1920s we adopted the revolutionary policy of buying directly from suppliers.

* In 1926 Marks and Spencer Limited became a public company.

* In 1930 the flagship Marble Arch store was opened.

* In 1931 a food department was introduced, selling produce and canned goods.

* In 1933 a staff welfare service was set up to provide pensions, subsidised staff canteens, health & dental services, hairdressing and even camping holidays!

* In 1934 we were the first British retailer to set up its own research laboratory to pioneer new fabrics.

* IN 1948 M&S launched its own Food Technology department to work closely with suppliers, producers and farmers.

* In 1954 the research lab undertook the first ever systematic survey of women's leg sizes, to create a new and improved sizing system for stockings.

* The same year saw M&S's "Operation Simplification", which reduced internal paperwork by 25m items per year.

* In 1974 Indian and Chinese foods were introduced.

* In 1975 the first stores opened in continental Europe in France and Belgium.

* In 1985 our Chargecard was launched.

* In 1986 we opened our first edge of town store at the Metro, Gateshead.

* In 1999 online shopping was introduced via our website.

* In 2001 the first Simply Food stores opened in Surbiton and Twickenham and the Per Una range, designed by George Davis, was launched.

* In 2002 the Blue Harbour men's range was launched, with the Limited Collection launched the following year.

* In May 2004 Stuart Rose was appointed Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer. He became Executive Chairman in 2008.

* In November 2009 it was announced that Marc Bolland, currently chief executive of Wm Morrison, will be the new chief executive of Marks & Spencer.

...