"Not many people know that"

[Mobo]

 

In 1884
Michael Marks, a Russian born Polish refugee opened a stall at Leeds Kirkgate Market, called 'The Penny Bazaar'.

In 1893
He moved to 20 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, and in the following year, opened a shop in the lower part of the same building.

In 1894
He formed a partnership with Tom Spencer, a former cashier from the wholesale company J Dewhirst.

In 1901
He opened a new warehouse and head office at Derby Street, Manchester, the first M&S store.

In 1904
He acquired premises in the recently opened Cross Arcade in Leeds.

In 1907
He died on 31 December.

 

[Nessie]

I knew about the Leeds part   It was part of the folklore of growing up in the town.

[molly78]

Either Mr Marks or Mr Spencer (I can't remember which!) had a stall at Stockport market as well at some point.

[Nadine Moore]

In the 1980's I worked for M&S. They put me on a till with a girl called Julie Spencer - guess what my surname is?

[davidpinkney]

Is your surname Marks?

I used to work for the Dewhirst Clothing company who supplied Marks and Spencer and my mothers maiden name is Spencer.

[Nadine Moore]

Close but no 'S'.

We got many comments, especially as we had to wear name badges "Miss N Mark" & "Miss J Spencer", usually things like do your dad's own the business, etc.