A store that started as a penny bazaar and is now one of the country’s biggest names celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Islington Gazette: The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Barry Edwards, with Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads longest serving members of staff, Louise Whittick and Jayuh Shah.The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Barry Edwards, with Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads longest serving members of staff, Louise Whittick and Jayuh Shah. (Image: terms and conditions apply www.digitalnationphotography.com/terms)

Marks & Spencer, in Holloway Road, Holloway, celebrated almost 100 years of trading on Saturday (June 8) with a trip down memory lane.

Islington Gazette: Eleanor Cambridge has her face painted at Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads centenary celebrationsEleanor Cambridge has her face painted at Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads centenary celebrations (Image: terms and conditions apply www.digitalnationphotography.com/terms)

The Holloway store, which was originally based in Seven Sisters Road, first opened its doors in 1914.

Islington Gazette: Entertainer Roger Daws makes balloon animals and faces for children attending Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads centenary celebrationsEntertainer Roger Daws makes balloon animals and faces for children attending Marks & Spencer Holloway Roads centenary celebrations (Image: terms and conditions apply www.digitalnationphotography.com/terms)

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.

Islington Gazette: 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.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. (Image: terms and conditions apply www.digitalnationphotography.com/terms)

At the heart of the celebrations were seven members of staff who between them have more than 175 years service.

Islington Gazette: Lynn May (left), who has served 36 years at M&S, and Lauran Neale, who served 33 years, compare todays uniform with yesteryearsLynn May (left), who has served 36 years at M&S, and Lauran Neale, who served 33 years, compare todays uniform with yesteryears (Image: terms and conditions apply www.digitalnationphotography.com/terms)

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.”

The celebrations also saw live music, food tastings and a visit from the Mayor of Islington, Cllr Barry Edwards.