To celebrate British Science Week from 11-20 March there’s a special event to discover how Marks & Spencer’s unique innovations throughout its 132-year history have revolutionised retail.
‘The Innovation Story at M&S’ talk will take place on Wednesday 16 March at 12.30pm at the M&S Company Archive, based at the University of Leeds and will be hosted by Company Archivist Katharine Carter. The lunchtime talk is free to attend and will explore M&S’s innovations in areas including product development, customer service and e-commerce.
The talk will explain how innovation has been a key part of M&S’s strategy since its first Penny Bazaar stall opened in Leeds in 1884. From the first machine washable wool, to implementation of the cold chain process to allow the sale of fresh, chilled chickens to be sold in stores for the first time. M&S has developed a number of leading innovations in the last century which have dramatically changed the face of retail.
As well as product innovations, the talk will also explore how M&S pioneered advancements in customer service. M&S’s first Penny Bazaar offered simple pricing and openly displayed products – something that was previously unseen in British retail. M&S was also the first British retailer introduce self-service food in 1848 and, in 1999 it was the first large British retailer to introduce online shopping to the British public.
Booking for the event is essential as places are limited. Entry into the talk is free, and light refreshments from M&S will be available. To reserve a place and for further details please email companyarchive@marksandspencer.com or call us on 0208 718 2800