Who founded the shop Marks and Spencer?

Michael Marks & Tom Spencer

1884 : Michael Marks, a Russian born Polish refugee opened a stall at Leeds Kirkgate Market.

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

1894 : Michael formed a partnership with Tom Spencer, a former cashier from the wholesale company IJ Dewhirst.

1901 : A new warehouse and head office opened at Derby Street, Manchester. It was the first property that was built to the businesses specifications.

1904 : The business acquired premises for a shop at the recently opened Cross Arcade in Leeds. This was a prestigious site and marked the transition from market stall to a covered arcade.

1905 : Tom Spencer died on 25 July.

1907 : Michael Marks died on 31 December. It was now time for a new generation to advance the success of the two founders.

Michael Marks

Tom Spencer

1908 - 1931

1920s : The business adopted a revolutionary policy, at that time, of buying directly from manufacturers.

1926 : Marks & Spencer Limited became a public company