Beginnings
It's amazing what a penny can do. 'Don't ask the price, it’s a penny' was the slogan Michael Marks used when he opened his first bazaar in Leeds in 1884. It couldn’t be any simpler and both his idea and hard work soon paid off. But it was when Michael went into partnership with Tom Spencer in 1894 that the company we all know really started to take shape.
Beginnings IN DEPTH
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Painting of Penny Bazaar, Van Jones 1955 -
This yo-yo was donated by Joy Everett. It belonged to her mother, Alice. It was bought from the Lincoln Penny Bazaar in the 1890s by Alice’s parents.
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You can see original Penny Bazaar goods on display at the M&S Company Archive. -
Tom Spencer
In 1973 as a student I worked in the Leamington Spa branch as a holiday job. On Saturdays we could get our hair done for 30p! We felt a million dollars as we marched into the shop to face the Saturday shoppers! I was on "Racks" and loved unpacking the beautiful clothes and pricing them with the "gun".
Kathleen McGuinness
1900 - 1920
We were growing and innovating as living conditions were improving. Most shops kept their stock behind counters, but our stores displayed everything on trays for customers to inspect. The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 also meant that resources were limited so people really needed the buttons, needles and threads we sold to update their old clothes.
1900 - 1920 IN DEPTH
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A typical example of smartly-dressed female sales staff in our early stores, who would be supervised by the store manageress. -
Marks and Spencer has sold innovative products from its earliest days!
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Soon M&S shops opened in a wide variety of central sites, like this one at Castle Street Bristol in 1907. -
We sold music from 1900 to 1920. It was so popular that people posted their penny to the stores, who sent the music out at no extra cost.
I’ll never forget my first (and second!) Melting Middle Chocolate Pudding. I’d seen the advert, but there was a run on them at my local store so it was a little while before I could get any. There are two in a pack but I’d eaten all the evidence by the time my housemate got home!
Selena, 35, Chester
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Helen , Mersey side
Wednesday 19 April
I still use a Monster Music Book of Christmas Carols. Well worth an old penny.
Elise oliver, Doncaster
Tuesday 1 October
Clever marketing skills selling needle and thread to update people old clothes in the first world war.
1920 - 1940
This era wasn’t easy for anybody, including retailers. But companies who adapted survived. We reinvented ourselves and responded to people’s needs. We started to sell more of life’s essentials, including underwear. Since then the bra has become our most iconic product, with one in three women now wearing one bought from M&S. But there was a lot more going on during this period that shaped the way we operate today.
1920 - 1940 IN DEPTH
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Miss M Simpson donated this manicure set. It cost a third of her weekly wages as a sales assistant, so she was allowed to pay in instalments. -
This tea set is one of many in the archive and was donated by Doreen Newlyn. It features a beautiful art deco design.
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M&S started selling records in the 1930s. We had our own brand record line, featuring the ‘Marspen Band’, our in-house musicians. -
In the 1930s M&S sold many electrical household goods, including heaters, irons and light bulbs, which were described as lamps. -
M&S food departments opened in 1931 selling fruit, vegetables and canned goods. -
New houses were being built in the 30s and there was a demand for household goods
I have been a loyal customer and shopped at M&S since 1965 when I was a little girl and often hid under clothes rails as my mother shopped. I would then panic if I couldn't find her but the lovely staff never failed to come to my rescue. I still hang around those tempting rails of clothes and I'm 52.
Mandy Chadwick
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Elise, Doncaster
Tuesday 1 October
Intresting how they had to reinvent themselves to keep business after world war one.
1940 - 1950
As war broke out we were faced with even more challenges. We were low on goods and employees, and our stores were under enemy fire. And in 1941 ‘Making of Civilian Clothing (Restriction Orders)’ meant we could use only 5 buttons, 2 pockets and 4 metres of stitching for every item. We learnt a lot, particularly how to offer quality under any circumstances.
1940 - 1950 IN DEPTH
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This children’s book was printed exclusively for M&S. Inside is written "To Harold from Iris, Christmas 1948". Donated by Mrs E Rutter. -
With so many men enlisted to the armed forces, M&S faced a shortage of trained and skilled staff – the answer was to promote women from staff to management.
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With a simple range of quality dishes, the new Cafe Bars, like this one in the Guildford store in 1941, were a war time success for M&S. -
This lump of metal is what remains of the cash float found in the debris of our Bristol store, which was destroyed during an air attack.
My mum looks great in the 50s inspired 125 dress - now I know what she looked like when she was young!
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Peter Coleman, Banbury Oxfordshire
Monday 2 October
My late mother worked as a store detective For Marks & Spencer In and around The East End of London from 1945 to around 1949 after her birth I found a small archive diary travel warrant and witness statement by about the cases and people she dealt with it is an archive worth saving I think And would be interesting to the archivist at Marks & Spencer
Company Archive, Leeds
Thursday 7 February
Hi Peter, We would love to hear more about your mother's items. Please could you contact us at company.archive@marks-and-spencer.com with some more details?
Elise, Doncaster
Tuesday 1 October
Thought it was amazing how m&s raised money for a spitfire and how the company is still raising money for charities
Kat Healy, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear
Thursday 28 November
Love how M n S have adapted perfectly throughout this period! Opening cafes to get around rationing is fantastic!
Bill Cummins, Ashford, Kent
Thursday 4 June
My Mum was a 14 year old shop girl in 1944 when your Lewisham store was hit by a V1 doodlebug during the 2WW. A large peice of shrapnel hit her leg and took most of her calf with it. She wasn’t able to work for about 6 months. My Mum will be 92 in September 2020 but sadly it looks as though she will not see that birthday as she has a terminal illness. ☹️
Carole Marston , Harwich Essex
Sunday 30 January
My auntie was killed in the Lewisham M & S store she was 16 and worked on the counter at the very front of the store
1950 - 1960
We were not complaining when glamour came bouncing back. It was a time for looking forward. And as soon as it became possible that’s just what we did. Optimism was epitomised by a new style of dress influenced by the Christian Dior ‘Corolle’ collection. This style came to be known as the New Look, because its daring form hadn’t been seen – and probably wouldn’t have been allowed – before.
1950 - 1960 IN DEPTH
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Donated by Mrs P Nicholson, this dress was "worn by all five of my daughters, the hems went up and down depending on which child". -
Hats were very popular in the 1950s as they provided an easy way to update outfits. This one is made of straw and carries the St Michael logo.
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The popular New Look emphasised a narrow waist and created more interest in corsetry. This item is a sample from a wearer trial in 1959. -
This toy cat was donated by Lesley Hughes, who bought it in 1954 for 9s 11d. It was very popular, featuring twice in the employee magazine. -
M&S’s in-house designer, Charlie Wilkinson, produced this beautifully drawn and coloured design.
Red T bar summer sandals
Jackie Terry
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Karen , Essex
Monday 15 February
I am so happy to come across this article. My friend was a fashion buyer for M&S in the 1960's. Sadly she has recently passed away - is there a way for finding more about M&S in this ground breaking era? Kind regards Karen
Archive Team, Leeds
Tuesday 16 February
Hi Karen, we're sorry to hear about your friend. You can search our Online Catalogue to find out more, just click on the tab at the top of the page. Our staff magazine at that time was called St Michael News, which may be a good place to start. You can contact us at company.archive@marksandspencer.com if you have any specific questions. Best wishes, the Archive team.
Deboragh Innes, Lancashire
Wednesday 8 September
A friend of mine Eleanor Park was a buyer for M&S for many years, gave her life to her career and never bore children or married, she told she was married to the job. She passed away 2 weeks ago and will be cremated, alone during a direct cremation tomorrow, leave no legacy or evidence that ever existed. She told me wonderful stories of her time with M&S, i wonder if i could find out more?
Archive Team, Leeds
Thursday 9 September
Hi Deboragh, we're very sorry to hear about Eleanor. We have found her name in a retirement notice for 1989, but I'm afraid we have no further information. You might like to browse our St Michael News staff magazine via the online catalogue to find out more about the business at the time that Eleanor was working at M&S. Best wishes, the Archive team.
1960 - 1970
Forget miniskirts and The Beatles, it was chickens that mattered. This was perhaps a time when anything seemed possible. Innovations in food and textiles meant new products moved quickly from the research laboratories to the shelves. Uniquely, chilled - rather than frozen - chicken also moved quickly all the way to our refrigerated shop counters, always staying at 4 degrees centigrade.
1960 - 1970 IN DEPTH
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This is a girl’s jumper, bought in 1969. It’s made from Orlon, a man-made wool. We now sell a more modern version of Orlon called Cashmillon.
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As miniskirts became fashionable, tights became essential. American Tan was the shade that all of our sales assistants wore in the 1960s. -
Lycra was first used within M&S for corsetry. This stretchy fabric was used for girdles, which had replaced the stiffer corsets. -
Over the years, staff uniforms have changed according to fashions. The M&S Company Archive holds many different examples. -
M&S has always found innovative solutions to customers' changing lifestyles
I was brought up in a children's home in Aberdeen and M&S would donate Christmas presents to us. They also helped me get my paints, brushes and easel so I could go to Grays School of Art for a year. That was 1967. I now work in M&S and have been for 27years. I feel like they are part of my family.
Elizabeth
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David , Kendal
Saturday 3 February
When was m&s kendal cumbria first opened?
Company Archive, Leeds
Thursday 7 February
Hi David, the Kendal store opened on 10th May 1935.
Evaline Foster, Shrewsbury
Sunday 17 February
Who opened the new market st store in1961
M&S Company Archive, Leeds
Monday 18 February
Hi Evaline, we need a bit more info to help with your enquiry. Could you email us at company.archive@marksandspencer.com?
Christine, Hemingby
Thursday 11 April
When did the St Michael Brand cease to exist?
M&S Company Archive, Leeds
Monday 15 April
Hi Christine, St Michael lasted from 1928 until 2000.
Liz Bright , Corby
Tuesday 4 June
When did Marks open in Northampton
M&S Company Archive, Leeds
Wednesday 12 June
Hi Liz, A Penny Bazaar opened at 17 The Drapery in Northampton in 1907. This was followed by a new store at 26-28 Gold Street on the 4th October 1929.
Pam Stubberfield, Isle of Wight
Tuesday 9 July
When did M&S win the Queen’s award for Export?
The Archive Team, Leeds
Thursday 11 July
Hi Pam, We won the Queen's Award for Export in 1993. Best wishes, The Archive Team
Colin Wingfield, High Wycombe
Thursday 5 September
What was Arthur Edward Giffard's job at marks and Spencer
Company Archive, Leeds
Monday 9 September
Hi Colin, Arthur Giffard was Estates Manager. Email us at company.archive@marksandspencer.com if there's anything else we can help with.
Barry Howard, Inverurie
Friday 4 October
Did M&S used to have a farm in north Hampshire in the 1960s
Company Archive, Leeds
Monday 7 October
Hi Barry, We're not sure about this one - could you email company.archive@marksandspencer.com and we'll try to find out more.
Ms Jones, Wirral , Merseyside
Wednesday 29 April
What was the name of the company who made your clothes in the 1960/1970s from Merseyside
Glynnis Walker, Wakefield West Yorkshire.
Wednesday 29 July
I worked for Marks & Spencers from 1969, remember doing an interview with Richard Whitley in Leeds store. It was named Working Together. Do you still have the film?
Barrie, Cramlington, Northumberland
Thursday 1 October
I am sure that we used to buy canned celery hearts in the 1960's. when was it stopped?
Aarti, London
Thursday 19 November
During what period did M&S/St Michael say that over 95% of your goods were produced in Britain?
Archive Team, Leeds
Tuesday 24 November
Hi Aarti, In the 1950s to early 1970s, 99% of our goods were British made. By 1980, the figure was 90% British made – this often appeared on our carrier bags in the 1980s.
Best wishes
The Archive Team
Antonia, Surrey
Wednesday 25 November
When did M&S sell paintings? I have one and am trying to date it. It says Marks and Spencer London Paris on the back.
The Archive Team, Leeds
Thursday 26 November
Hi Antonia,
We'd love to help with your painting. If you could send some pictures of it to company.archive@marksandspencer.com we will see what we can discover!
Rosemary , London
Friday 11 December
What was the name of the Manager of the Plymouth store in 1962-1963.
The Archive Team, Leeds
Tuesday 15 December
Hi Rosemary, We've had a look and have found a Mr Bullock who was assistant manager in 1961 and Mr Hosking who was a manager (it's not clear if he was the store manager) in December 1961. Unfortunately we haven't been able to find any names for 1962-3. Best wishes, The Archive Team
Richard John Rimell, Birmingham.
Sunday 1 August
My Mom Ann Jones worked at West Brom store.
Richard John Rimell, Birmingham.
Friday 27 August
Hi there my mom ann rimell nee jones worked at the west bromwich store in the 1960s. Can you please advise me is Ethfel Hughes and Peter Kilby still alive?
Archive Team, Leeds
Tuesday 31 August
Hi Richard, I'm afraid we're not able to answer your question about those employees. Good luck with your search. Best wishes, The Archive Team
Judy 6,
Sunday 17 October
Hi I had an Aunt who worked in the Cambridge branch in the 60s and she was a Supervisor her name was Dorothy Fuller (Dorrie) we called her .I was only about 7 or 8 years old
Glen, Bath
Monday 29 November
When did your store in Bath start selling food?
Archive Team, Leeds
Tuesday 30 November
Hi Glen, We sold pre-packaged dry goods from the days of the Penny Bazaar market stalls. In 1931 dedicated food departments opened in all stores selling canned goods, fruit, vegetables and cakes. So this would have been the case for the Bath store, then at 7-8 Stall St (moved to 16-17 Stall St in 1933). Best wishes, the Archive team.
1970 - 1990
Suddenly guests were impressed by how little effort you put into dinner. Lifestyles were changing rapidly. More women were going out to work, so we made things easier by introducing good quality, nutritious convenience food, like boil-in-the-bag meals and microwave dinners. But even if time was limited, it didn’t mean the menu had to be. Exotic Chinese and Indian ranges reflected the new travel opportunities of the times. And in the design department big changes were also happening.
1970 - 1990 IN DEPTH
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This is a pair of boy’s cotton BMX pyjamas, age 5-6. BMX bikes were a must-have on Christmas present lists in the late 1980s for most children. -
In 1979 Marks and Spencer became the first high street retailer in Britian to sell the Chicken Kiev.
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Men’s suits have been the focus of much product development, with the first machine washable suit being introduced by M&S in 1987. -
This leisure jump suit is nightwear. It dates from 1978 and is made from brushed nylon, a popular fabric for nightwear in the 1970s.
I started working at M&S in 1960 age 18 at the new store in Manchester. I worked on the section with ladies blouses and trousers, I even modelled them on a Saturday for the customers. I have very fond memories of the store, and the people.
June
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Louise O'Neil, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Wednesday 14 June
In the mid-late 1980s M&S used to sell Syrup Sponge dessert in an individual pot with syrup in the bottom, then sponge, then custard (and maybe cream on top, I can't remember). It was absolutely delicious and I've never seen it anywhere else since. It was a perfect end to my packed lunch!! It would be wonderful to experience it again!!
Julia Salter, Cardiff
Tuesday 5 March
My family used to love you spicy chicken pizzas. They were discontinued due to falling sales. I cannot understand this as I had to queue in your Cardiff store when you were expecting a delivery. What happened?
Hazel Scoot, Milton Keynes
Thursday 7 November
I still have my microwave cookbook, it is a bit "splattered" on the lamb and beef pages! I still refer to it often having written additions to some of the recipes.
Pablo, Liverpool
Sunday 21 June
Marksies used to do the best Corned beef hash but it disappeared off the shelves a few years ago?
Also i used to love their mince beef and onion pasties, The newer ones just aren't the same, They're bland and pale in comparison
Aileen Leslie, East Ham, London
Wednesday 7 October
I am trying to find out the year that M & S closed its store in Upton Park (Green Street) London E13...Could someone help me with that info please?
The Archive Team, Leeds
Wednesday 14 October
Hi Aileen, the Upton Park store closed on the 31st January 1981.
Carrie, London
Friday 23 October
M&S used to sell packs of small round chocolate biscuits that were so crunchy (similar to the texture of biscuits used in Fox’s crunch creams). They were so much nicer than the usual Choc Digestive or Hobnobs that you get now. Would love for you to bring them back!
Gae, Wolverhampton
Sunday 29 November
To Carrie, London, I remember those little round chocolate biscuits they were delicious, wish they’d bring them back!
Gaynor, London
Monday 30 November
M&S do still sell the syrup sponge pudding
Adele Aburrow, Chichester
Saturday 12 December
Looking for a turkey and broccoli recipe from the 80's
The Archive Team, Leeds
Tuesday 15 December
Hi Adele, we'd like to help you track down your recipe. Please could you email us at companyarchive@marksandspencer.com with as much detail as possible and we will see what we can do! Many thanks, The Archive Team
Angela , Leeds
Sunday 17 January
Me n grandma went to Marks n Sparks every Saturday 8.10 bus to Leeds from Rothwell we loved it. Gran passed this year at 92, when we ate Saturday lunch it was lasagne in a tin and a choux bun in the 1980s but they don't sell them like they were! Miss the original ones
Maria-José da Silva Calhota, Zürich
Tuesday 23 February
ich war Au-Pair bei Mrs Mikel, Chefin von Marks and Spencer, 1970 - 1974, wer weiss mehr von dieser Zeit?
Archive Team, Leeds
Wednesday 24 February
Vielen dank für ihre e-mail.
Ich bedauere dass wir in der Archivsammlung keine informationen über Frau Mikel haben.
Mit besten empfehlungen,the Archive team
karen, dorchester
Saturday 3 April
I remember your lemon and raisin cheesecake wedge from the 70's, on a thin sponge base with a solid deep top of claggy cheecake interspersed by the occasional raisin. Any chance you could provide the recipe? or better still bring it back on the shelves, lots of people remember and miss it, there is nothing to compete with it today, sure it would be a highly profitable line.
Carol, Thurrock
Friday 7 May
What happened to the delicious deep filled minced beef pie oval in shape with superb pastry think it was puff pastry?
sarah, London
Friday 1 October
I remember the deep pan pizza pie, the beautiful fish pies we still buy now, pork pies' dont think I have ever had a bad thing from M&S
Janet Cresswell, Cardiff
Thursday 28 October
It was the first pizza i'd ever tasted, there was minced beef and possibly basil, can you please give some information, i loved it.
Bev , Berkshire
Sunday 31 October
I really miss the chicken and smoked ham sandwiches from the 80’s. Never found another to match them
Archive Team, Leeds
Monday 1 November
Hi Janet, Lovely to hear about your memories of our pizza! You can try searching the online catalogue for more information, or email us at company.archive@mands.com and we'll see what we can find out. Best wishes, the Archive team.
M Saunders, West Sussex
Thursday 18 November
Please bring back Lemon and Raisin cheesecake -
Zak, Durham
Tuesday 7 December
Yes!! Bring back the small round chocolate, crunchy biscuits that I still remember from my 1970s childhood
Karen, Colorado
Saturday 11 December
I loved your Minced Beef Pizza, a Saturday night go to with my bestie before a night on the town. I have emailed requesting the long lost receipe of 40 ish years ago.
Archive Team, Leeds
Wednesday 15 December
Hi Karen, please do send us an email about the minced beef pizza and we'll see what we can find. Best wishes, the Archive team.
Jackie , Liverpool
Monday 27 December
Just talking to my grandchildren about food I used to buy them aprox 1995 to2010 one of the items were small sausages but non of us can remember what they were called we think it was something like porkies or or piggies
Please can anyone remember it’s driving us all mad
Juliet Condon,
Monday 27 December
In the Fish for the Family recipe book by Mary Morris I think I remember a recipe for a hot prawn dish that I think was called Prawn Jambalaya. My family loved it. Unfortunately I gave my copy to a charity shop but would love to find the recipe again. If you can help me I would be most grateful. Juliet
Archive Team, Leeds
Wednesday 29 December
Hi Juliet, we'd be happy to help! We will have a look and get back to you via email. Best wishes, the Archive team.
Archive Team, Leeds
Wednesday 29 December
Hi Jackie, We haven't been able to find any small sausages that match your description. We did have a children's food range from 1998 called Bobo's Gang which had a sausage product if that helps at all? Please do email us at company.archive@mands.com if you remember any more details or have any other questions. Best wishes, the Archive team.
Rhoda, Bromley
Friday 21 January
On our days out I would take a picnic which included MandS sausage and tomato rolls and mini Cornish pasty’s , my daughters still talk about the lovely picnics we had .
Mags slater, Leeds
Wednesday 27 April
In the 80s marks used to sell a minced beef roll made with suet pastry - it was delicious, when did you stop selling it.
Archive Team, Leeds
Tuesday 3 May
Hi Mags, we did find a mention of the minced beef roll from 1981, we don't have a date for when it was discontinued though. Thanks for sharing your food memory! Best wishes The Archive team.
1990 - 2010
Competition meant that we now needed to be better than ever, and all departments played their role by creating new and improved products like this. Believe it or not, the pudding is a real feat of food technology. Taking 18 months to develop, the real challenge was making sure the sauce wasn’t soaked up by the sponge around it. But success was achieved, and the result was a real hit with customers.
1990 - 2010 IN DEPTH
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This silk dress was worn by Dame Shirley Bassey in the 2007 M&S Christmas TV advert. The ‘Your M&S’ adverts featuring celebrities began in 2005.
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2006 saw Limited Collection introduce ‘fast fashion’ to M&S, quickly bringing catwalk trends to customers. These sandals hit the stores within 4 weeks. -
This dress, designed to celebrate 125 years of M&S, uses a print originally designed by the artist Kathleen Guthrie in the 1940s.
I remember going to Marks & Spencer at the end of every summer to get new bits of school uniform. It was always exciting to be getting new clothes, but less exciting that the summer holidays were coming to an end!
Caroline
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Sophie, London
Thursday 7 March
I remember when the first Harry Potter film was coming out and M&S did chocolate frogs! There were also children's games too.
2010-Now
Marks & Spencer is looking forward to the next 130 years. Our core purpose is ‘Enhancing Lives. Every Day’, through our company values of Innovation, Inspiration, Integrity and In Touch. These are the building blocks of Plan A, our eco and ethical programme which is at the heart of how we do business. Following the launch of Plan A in January 2007, we’ve introduced Plan A 2020 which consists of 100 new, revised and existing commitments, helping us to achieve our ultimate goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable major retailer.
2010-Now IN DEPTH
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As a brand with influence over 250,000 workers worldwide, we work to improve the livelihoods of our suppliers and their communities.
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We are reducing how much of our clothing and packaging ends up as landfill by improving packaging, recycling more and using fewer plastic bags. -
We've improved labelling to make it easier for you to eat well, and have trained 1,500 Health Advisors to provide advice on healthy living.
Mum buying my first trainers, black with two white stripes! Lasted me for at least 2 years! Awesome.
E G
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Anna Lourari, Ealing Broadway
Sunday 25 February
Great and quick way of literally scrolling thrugh the history of M&S
Elise, Doncaster
Tuesday 1 October
Very interesting read about M&S from the penny bazzar to raising money for a spitfire to today where the company employ over 86,000 staff
jake, bishop
Thursday 23 January
amazing
Bob, Earth
Monday 6 December
Interesting
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