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Marks & Spencer Britain's Favourite Store

Marks & Spencer (or M&S) is Britain's favourite store. Tourists love it too. It attracts a great variety of customers, from housewives to millionaires. The Duchess of York, Dustin Hoffman, and the British Prime Minister are just a few of its famous customers. Last year it made a profit of £529 million, which is more than £10 million a week.

How did it all begin?

It all started 105 years ago, when a young Polish immigrant, Michael Marks, had a stall in Leeds market. He didn't have many things to sell: some cotton, a little wool, lots of buttons, and a few shoelaces. Above his stall he put the now famous a notice: “Don’t ask how much – it’s a penny”.

Ten years later, he met Tom Spencer and together they started Penny Stalls in many towns in the north of England. Today there are 564 branches of M&S all over the world – in America, Canada, Spain, France, Belgium, and Hungary.

What are the best-sellers?

Surprisingly, tastes in food and clothes are international. What sells well in Paris sells just as well in Newcastle. Their best-selling clothes are: for women - jumpers, bras, blazers, dresses and tights, for men - shirts, socks, pyjamas, dressing gowns, and suits for children: underwear and socks. Best-sellers in food include: fresh chickens, bread, vegetables, and sandwiches. Chicken Kiev is internationally the most popular convenience food.

Why is M&S so successful?

The store bases its business on three principles: good value, good quality, and good service. Also, it changes with the times – once it was all jumpers and knickers. Now it's food, furniture, and flowers as well. Top fashion designers advise on styles of clothes.

But perhaps the most important key to its success is its happy, well-trained staff. Conditions of work are excellent. There are company doctors, dentists, hairdressers, and even chiropodists to look after the staff, and all the staff can have lunch for under 40p!