The first ever Marks’ Penny Bazaar opened in 1884 in the outdoor section of Leeds Kirkgate Market. Michael Marks classified his merchandise according to price, with one section costing a penny and marked with the slogan 'Don’t ask the Price, It’s a Penny'. This was so popular that he quickly stopped selling anything that cost more than a penny. The goods he sold included good quality, small items like nails, screws, pins, soap, wooden spoons, wool, and small toys.
Unlike other retailers at the time, he allowed customers to see and handle goods before deciding to buy. The stall was very successful, and Michael was soon visiting different markets held on different days in other nearby towns. By 1886 he was able to afford the higher rent for an indoor pitch and moved into the permanent covered market at Kirkgate.
The Marks’ Penny Bazaar continued to expand, and by the 1890s Michael was looking for a business partner. In 1894 Tom Spencer took on that role, investing his life savings in the partnership - Marks & Spencer was born.
