A Short History of Marks & Spencer
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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 dont ask the price, its 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 womens leg sizes, to create a new and improved sizing system for stockings.
The same year saw M&Ss “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 mens 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.