M&S In Time Go back to profile
M&S have been working with corporate customers for over 20 years and we have just launched Your M&S For Business; a service dedicated to providing solutions for all your business needs.
Travel back in time and discover some of the interesting facts that have helped to make M&S who they are today. The M&S company values of Quality, Value, Service, Innovation and Trust are not new - they are the principles on which their business was founded.
Look through the Timeline and find out where they fit in.
1884
Michael Marks, a Russian born Polish refugee, opened a stall at Leeds Kirkgate Market. He could not speak English and that is why all items were sold for one penny, including nails, screws, soap, wooden spoons and luggage labels. He attached a sign to the front of his stall saying "Don't ask the price, it's a penny".
1893
Michael moved home, to 20 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester. In the following year he opened a shop in the lower part of the same building. Early Marks & Spencer shops often had signs outside saying "Admission Free" to encourage customers to come in and browse.
1894
It appears that by 1894 Michael Marks had established 12 premises. Thomas Spencer invested £300 to become Michael's partner.
1905
Thomas Spencer died on 25 July 1905, having retired from business two years earlier.
1907
Michael Marks died on 31 December 1907. Michael's son Simon had joined the Company two months before.
1911
In December, Simon Marks was elected to the Board of Directors. Simon was specifically responsible for the buying of merchandise.
1915
Israel Sieff was elected to the Board of Directors. Israel was a very close friend of Simon Marks; he went on to develop the Company's export business.
1916
Simon Marks became Chairman at the age of 28. Simon was to lead the company for 56 years.
1924
The Company's Head Office and registered address moved from Manchester to London.
1926
Marks & Spencer adopted the revolutionary policy of buying goods directly from the manufacturers. This cut costs and allowed a greater level of quality control.
1928
The St Michael trademark was introduced in 1928 as a guarantee of quality and value.
1930
Our flagship store was opened at Marble Arch, London. Originally located in the basement and ground floor of a newly erected office block, the store has since expanded to encompass four floors and is a prominent landmark on Oxford Street.
1931
A food department was introduced selling produce and canned goods.
1934
A Scientific Research Lab was established. This was the first research lab of any British retailer to pre-test garments and research innovative new fabrics.
1935
Marcus Sieff, son of Israel Sieff, joined the Company. Marcus took on responsibility for streamlining operations, and for administration of personnel.
1939
At the outbreak of the Second World War, Marks & Spencer had 234 stores. By 1945, over 100 of these had been damaged by bombs, and 16 had been completely destroyed.
1948
Our first food self-service trial was held at our store in Wood Green, London. Prior to this customers were served from behind counters, but they could now shop in the aisles and browse before selecting their purchases. This was a great success and became the model for all our stores.
1953
We launched the first ever high street petite range - 'For the Shorter Woman'
1954
To improve the fit of our stockings, we carried out the first comprehensive leg survey, before introducing stocking sizes which were based not only on foot size, but on calf and leg measurements.
1956
By 1956 all goods were sold under the St Michael label.
1959
We became the first retailer to introduce No Smoking rules in our stores.
1962
Tights were introduced to our stores for the first time.
1964
Simon Marks died after 56 years service to the Company. Israel Sieff became Chairman.
1967
Israel Sieff retired from the role of Chairman; however he remained on the Board in the role of President and had an active involvement in business affairs. J Edward Sieff, Israel's younger brother, became Chairman.
1968
Avocados were introduced into our stores.
1970
Sell By Dates were introduced for the first time.
1971
Frozen foods were trialled for the first time.
1972
Israel Sieff, President of the Company, died in February. J Edward Sieff retired from the role of Chairman and took up the position of President. Marcus Sieff, son of Israel Sieff, became Chairman. Marcus had joined the company in 1935.
1973
We sold wine for the first time. Boil in the bag ready meals were also introduced this year.
1977
Our first fitting rooms were introduced as a trial at Plymouth store. This proved popular, and over the next few years fitting rooms were rolled out to all stores.
1979
The first Marks & Spencer store opened in the Republic of Ireland in Mary Street, Dublin.
1979
Marks & Spencer launched the Chicken Kiev, which has since become a national favourite.
1982
J Edward Sieff, President of the Company, died on the 3rd of November at the age of 76.
1985
Marcus Sieff retired from the role of Chairman, becoming President of the Company and Lord Derek Rayner took over as Chairman. Lord Rayner had joined Marks & Spencer in 1953, and was seconded several times to work for the government and as an advisor to Margaret Thatcher.
1985
Christmas Hampers were trialled for the first time in 30 stores. Free range eggs were also sold for the first time.
1986
Our first range of furniture was introduced. This was supported by the launch of the Home Furnishings catalogue.
1988
Richard Greenbury became Chief Executive in 1988, with Lord Rayner continuing as Chairman. Richard had been working for M&S for 31 years, originally starting as a 16 year old trainee.
1988
Our first stores opened in Hong Kong.
1991
Our first reusable food carrier bag was introduced.
1991
Following the retirement of Lord Rayner, Richard Greenbury became Chairman and Chief Executive.
1999
Online shopping was launched on our website.
1999
In February, Peter Salsbury became Chief Executive. Richard Greenbury continued as Chairman until his retirement in June, when Brian Baldock was appointed temporary Chairman.
2000
Luc Vandevelde became Chairman. Following the retirement of Peter Salsbury in October, Luc also took over as Chief Executive.
2000
The Autograph range of clothing for women was introduced.
2002
Marks & Spencer announced that it was the first ever retailer to use only free-range eggs in all of its products.
2003
The Limited Collection for women was launched.
2004
On 27 May 2004, Phillip Green, through Revival Acquisitions Limited, launched a possible offer for Marks & Spencer. Stuart Rose was appointed Chief Executive on 31 of May.
2004
Marks & Spencer was named Business in the Community's Company of the Year in 2004, and then again in 2006.
2005
Marks & Spencer's Café Revive became the first UK coffee chain to offer Fairtrade tea and coffee as standard.
2006
Lord Terry Burns became Chairman. Lord Burns is a noted British economist, and previously acted as Chief Economic Advisor and Permanent Secretary to HR Treasury.
2007
We launched Plan A - our 100 point five-year 'eco plan' to address challenges in the key areas of climate change, waste, sustainable raw materials, fair partner and health.
2007
M&S became the first major high street retailer to launch schoolwear made from recycled plastic bottles.
2008
M&S became the first major high street retailer to remove all artificial colours and flavourings from its entire food and soft drinks range.
2008
In June 2008 Stuart Rose became Chairman and Chief Executive.
2008
M&S launches M&S for Business designed to offer corporate customers solutions for gifting, catering, reward, motivation and much more.
2009
M&S celebrates its 125th birthday.
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