Holloway Marks and Spencer celebrates 100 years of trading
The Marks & Spencer store in Holloway in 1931 - Credit: Archant
A store that started as a penny bazaar and is now one of the country’s biggest names celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Barry Edwards, with Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads longest serving members of staff, Louise Whittick and Jayuh Shah. - Credit: © S Saunders/Digital Nation
Marks & Spencer, in Holloway Road, Holloway, celebrated almost 100 years of trading on Saturday (June 8) with a trip down memory lane.
Eleanor Cambridge has her face painted at Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads centenary celebrations - Credit: © S Saunders/Digital Nation
The Holloway store, which was originally based in Seven Sisters Road, first opened its doors in 1914.
Entertainer Roger Daws makes balloon animals and faces for children attending Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads centenary celebrations - Credit: © S Saunders/Digital Nation
And on Saturday, it laid on an exhibition of the brand’s history – showing off its first ever employee uniform and the products it has sold over the years.
Staff take a trip down memory lane and don historical costumes to mark the centenary celebrations of Marks & Spencer Holloway Road. Pictured left tor right are: Rahul Chandry, Jayuh Shah, Ricky Bryan, Su Khaam, Matilda Walker and Gil Cambridge. - Credit: © S Saunders/Digital Nation
At the heart of the celebrations were seven members of staff who between them have more than 175 years service.
Lynn May (left), who has served 36 years at M&S, and Lauran Neale, who served 33 years, compare todays uniform with yesteryears - Credit: © S Saunders/Digital Nation
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Louise Whittick, 55, who has worked at the Marks & Spencer in Holloway since 1975, when there were paper bags instead of plastic, said: “At M&S Holloway Road, it really feels like a close-knit family – in fact, my sister and daughter both work at the store too, so this is very true in my case!
“There’s a great sense of being part of the local community and I’ve really got to know the regular customers well.” Fred Mansell, 63, who has spent 17 of his 37 years with M&S at the Holloway Road store, added: “I came for a six week placement and I’m still here 17 years later! You can’t help but feel how friendly the atmosphere among the staff and customers is in store.”
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The celebrations also saw live music, food tastings and a visit from the Mayor of Islington, Cllr Barry Edwards.
