Marks & Spencer Company Profile
Marks & Spencer is a leading British retailer bringing food, clothing and homeware to millions of customers around the world.
The company was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer, making it 138 years-old as of 2022. It was set up in Kirkgate Market in Leeds through the Penny Bazaar chain, but soon expanded across the UK thanks to investment in staff and property.
In 1998, it became the first British retailer to make a pre-tax profit of over £1 billion. It returned to its historic Kirkgate Market location in March 2013, when it opened a stall in the same place as the original stall all those years ago.
As of 2021, the company operated across 57 countries with more than 50 international websites.
The key individuals of the retail giant include Archie Norman (chairman) and Steve Rowe (chief executive). However, in March 2022 it was announced that Rowe would be stepping down in May after six years in the role and would be succeeded by Stuart Machin and Katie Bickerstaffe, who will act as co-chief executives.
As well as the main offices in London, there are a number of other head office sites across the UK including Stockley Park (IT Services), Salford Quays (Marks & Spencer Shared Services which provides human resources, and finance administration) and Chester (HSBC’s M&S Money and Retail Customer Services). Notable affiliated brands include Per Una, Autograph, Goodmove, Jaeger and Blue Harbour.
The retailer also has an online grocery delivery service operated through a joint venture with Ocado.
Products and services include:
- Meat, fish, poultry, deli
- Fresh produce and flowers
- Grocery and household
- Frozen food
- Bakeries, on the move food, prepared meals
- Hospitality
- Clothing
- Home and beauty
- M&S Bank (operated by HSBC UK)
- M&S Energy (operated by Octopus Energy)
- M&S Opticians (operated by Owl Optical)
