Fibre2fashion Presents Marks & Spencer Brand Story Learn about Marks & Spencer Brand Marks & Spencer is one of the leading retailer of UK, with over 21 million people visiting the stores every week. At Marks & Spencer's you will find stylish, high quality, great value clothing and home products, as well as outstanding quality foods, responsibly sourced from around 2,000 suppliers globally. Around 75,000 people are employed at M&S in UK and all across the globe, and have over 600 UK stores, plus an expanding international business. M&S is number one among the provider of women's wear and lingerie in the UK, and is rapidly growing its market share in menswear, kid's wear and home, due in part to the growing online business. Overall, the clothing and home ware sales account for 49% of business. The other 51% of business is in food, where M&S sells everything from fresh produce and groceries, to partly-prepared meals and ready meals. Marks & Spencer began their phenomenal journey almost 125 years ago. Quality is something where Marks & Spencer has never compromised. Innovation has been a key factor in the journey so far. A lot has been already written about this outstanding British retail outlet, but this is our way of expressing on the sheer genius of the people who made Marks & Spencer what it is today Read More about Marks & Spencer at Fibre2fashion Michael Marks Michael Marks was originally born in 1859 in Slonim, then part of the Russian Poland. He escaped anti-Jewish repression and moved to England around 1882. He was unable to speak English, had few friends and little money. However he had a sharp mind for business and understood what customers wanted. At first he traveled the towns and villages of West Yorkshire, selling wares from his bag. He soon set up a permanent market stall in Leeds which developed into a successful retail business. He was unusual at the time for displaying all his goods, with clearly priced labels. Michael was remembered after his death as a great philanthropist. His generosity was well known and the attendance at his funeral was the largest known at the Manchester Jewish cemetery. Tom Spencer Tom was a practical and plain speaking Yorkshire-man. He took an immediate liking to the affable Marks despite their different backgrounds. Whilst good natured, Spencer was loud and burly in character, in contrast to Marks. He was also well organized and had a keen eye for minute detail. In 1894 he invested £300 into Marks' company, in exchange for half ownership. By 1898, this had expanded to £1,094. Whilst not a staggeringly large amount of money, this figure provided a comfortable income. Tom retired from M&S in 1903 to follow his dream of becoming a farmer. His wife, Agnes Spencer, was a great supporter of Simon Marks, and was heavily involved in the company's charitable work right up until her death in 1959 Read More about Marks & Spencer’s Founder @ Fibre2fashion The period of 1884-1900 Marks & Spencer started life more than 125 years ago when the Jewish immigrant Michael Marks came to the north of England. He began as a pedlar; he soon owned a market stall in Kirkgate Market in Leeds. He classified everything by price, but quickly stopped selling more expensive items when the penny section thrived. Michael decided to look for a partner to help manage his growing business. He initially approached Isaac Dewhirst, who had loaned him money towards his original start up costs. Isaac declined but recommended Tom Spencer - his senior cashier. Tom agreed, and on the 28th of September 1884 Marks & Spencer was born. 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 and Spencer shops often had signs outside saying "Admission Free" to encourage customers to come in and browse. Tom Spencer invested 300pound and brought considerable skills in administration and accounts, which complimented Michael Mark's flair for merchandise, selling and dealing with the people extremely well. Together they created a history that's Marks & Spencer today. Mark & Spencer called their new stores "Penny Bazaar", keeping the penny price slogan and adding the words "Admission free". This was a successful marketing ploy, encouraging customers to browse without any obligation to buy the products. Whilst this is the norm now, it was unheard of then. By the turn of the century Marks & Spencer had expanded to include 36 Penny Bazaars and 12 High Street shops. Read More about Marks & Spencer’s History at Fibre2fashion Sir Stuart Rose Chairman Stuart was appointed Executive Chairman in June 2008. He is a non- executive director of Land Securities plc and Chairman of Business in the Community. Stuart began his career in retail at Marks & Spencer in 1972, before going on to the Burton Group in 1989, becoming Chief Executive of the Multiples Division in 1994. He left the Group following the demerger in 1997. Stuart was Chief Executive of Argos plc in 1998 and later became Chief Executive of Booker plc. Before re- joining Marks & Spencer as Chief Executive in 2004 he was Chief Executive of Arcadia Group plc from 2000 until 2002. Stuart was knighted in 2008 for services to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility. Sir David Michels Deputy Chairman Appointed in March 2006. David is Deputy Chairman, Chairman of the Nomination Committee and senior independent director. He is senior independent director of easy Jet plc and has been appointed interim Chairman with effect from 1 July 2009. David is a non-executive director of Strategic Hotels & Resorts and Jumeriah Group, Dubai. He was senior independent director of The British Land Company plc until 2008 and had previously been a non-executive director of RAB Capital plc and Arcadia Group. David spent his early career employed by Grand Metropolitan, Ladbrokes and Stakis before rejoining Hilton / Ladbrokes in 1999 as Chief Executive, becoming Chief Executive of Hilton Group plc from 2000 to 2006. David was knighted in June 2006. Read More about Marks & Spencer Leadership @ Fibre2fashion Marks & Spencer has spent the last five years putting in place strong foundations in line with our long-term plan. They have introduced new products and services in their core business of General Merchandise (GM) and Food, and have broadened their multi- channel offer, expanded the international presence, and have improvised their property portfolio, and put Plan A at the heart of their core business. Throughout the year they have prudently managed costs and continued their investment in the systems and supply chain so they can improve efficiency across the business. They also responded to the changing needs of the customers by improving their values without compromising on quality; something they view as short-term pain for a long-term gain. As well as helping through these tough conditions, these steps will enable them to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead and maximize value for their shareholders. With a strong brand, the right products and an experienced and talented management team, they are now: • Increasing the pace of change and operational execution in the business; • Leveraging M&S Direct by building more channels to market; • Building their international portfolio to grow the global customer base; and • Reinvigorating their brand communications. Read More about Marks & Spencer Brand values @ Fibre2fashion Marks & Spencer has always taken responsibilities to customers, employees, partners, suppliers and local communities seriously. Doing business in a responsible way underpins their values - Quality, Service, Innovation and Trust. This section tells you how they manage social, environmental and ethical issues across the business. The brand today is arduously taking care of every sensitive issue of the society be it charity for the society, issue relevant to climatic changes, industrial waste management, sustainable raw material management or health people and ethical trading. Charity and community funding Donations Donations to charitable organizations are done through the M&S local stores. They each have a small, limited budget and focus their support towards issues that are important to their local community. Clothing and equipment Centrally it donates returned clothing and business surplus to the charity Newlife. Newlife funds medical research, nurse support and awareness campaigns and vital equipment for disabled and terminally ill children. Read More about Marks & Spencer Corporate Social Responsibility @ Fibre2fashion.