All Marks & Spencer articles

Marks & Spencer is one of the most revered names in UK retail. Michael Marks and Tom Spencer opened the retailer’s first store, a Penny Bazaar, in Leeds back in 1894. It made its reputation in the early 20th century by selling only British-made products, selling clothing and food under the St Michael brand. In the 1970s and 1980s, M&S pushed into international markets including the US, Canada and France. The retailer has focused on becoming more digital, shelling out £750m to snap up a 50% stake in Ocado Retail in February 2019 - a deal that allowed it to sell food online for the first time.