Marks and Spencer

History

Marks and Spencer is a major British shopping label, specialising in luxury food, home, food and clothing products. Established in 1884, Marks and Spencer has long been a flagship store on city high streets, and is now one of the biggest retailers in the UK.

The store, colloquially known as "Marks and Sparks" or "M&S", was founded in the late 19th century by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in the north of England, and is renowned for its focus in British-made goods. With almost 800 stores across the UK, Marks and Spencer is one of the leading high street retailers.

The British brand has also expanded overseas, with stores in Paris, the Netherlands and throughout Spain. Now a worldwide brand, Marks and Spencer is recognised for its ability to provide top quality food, clothing and home products at affordable prices.

At Christmas, M&S is renowned for its quality cheeses, chutneys, Christmas puddings and biscuit selections. Voucher codes are often available, so it's worth taking a look before making a purchase. As well as providing top quality products at reasonable prices, Marks and Spencer is dedicated to working to high social and ethical standards.

In 2006, the high street giants introduced the Look Behind the Label campaign in a bid to highlight to customers the various ethical and environmental aspects of sourcing materials and producing their goods. During the festive season, the company sells a range of Christmas food products in aid of Shelter, with the proceeds going to help the homeless. The store has also sold a wide range of women's clothing in aid of Breast Cancer Care.

Current M&S Product Lines

• Womenswear
• Workout-wear
• Summer classics
• Classic collection
• Seasonal classics
• Beachwear
• Sportswear
• The Indigo collection
• Portfolio
• Per Una
• Autograph
• Autograph Weekend
• Charity clothing lines
• Lingerie and hosiery
• Shoes
• Childrenswear
• Paul Hervey-Brookes Gardening Gifts
• Babywear
• Percy Pig and Colin Caterpillar sweets
• Menswear
• Cosmetics and Perfumes
• Homeware
• Food and drink
• Alcohol
• Gift shop/Christmas gift shop
• M&S Bank
• M&S Energy
• Plus Fit
• The children's range

Delivery Information

M&S offer a very efficient delivery service, delivering goods between 7am and 7pm all week. However this doesn't include bank holidays, and at busy times, like Mother's Day and during the festive season, they may deliver outside these hours to accommodate extra orders.

Certain fresh goods and bulky products like flowers, hampers of cheese and wine gift cards and heavy furniture are not available to be delivered on Sundays - but can be delivered during the week.

Prices range from free delivery to £3.99 for next day home delivery. Marks and Spencer offer free home delivery on orders over £50 - but this offer excludes furniture and Made to Measure shirts.

It's worth remembering that for next day home delivery on wine, orders need to be placed by 7pm. Marks and Spencer also offer you the opportunity to collect in store, and offer international delivery.

Returns Policy

Marks and Spencer offer a fantastic returns policy, giving you a mega 35 days to return or exchange an item with a valid receipt or parcel summary document - this will come with any products received by post. This is in addition to your legal rights. As it is a discretionary policy, there are some exclusions - these can all be found and explained on the store's website.

An exchange is offered to customers in instances when the order documents have been lost. Credit notes are given out for the value of the goods if you want to wait to choose your exchange.

All items bought online can be returned to any UK store or by post - whichever is more convenient for you. But everything must be returned in its original packaging and in resalable condition.

Anything you buy which weighs under 5kg is free to post. For other items, collection must be arranged.

Shwopping Policy

Shwopping is an M&S policy which allows customers to swap an old item of clothing (even if it's not from M&S) for something new from the store . You can put your old items into any of hundreds of 'Shwop Drop' boxes - which are found at the cashier points in all major stores.

All clothing is delivered to Oxfam, where it is resold in charity shops or online, sent on to those who need it in the Third World, or recycled to make new material (which businesses like M&S and other high street stores can make into new clothes).

Absolutely nothing goes to landfill - a policy the store is very proud of. Oxfam will use the money raised to help people around the world overcome poverty. It's an easy way to do your bit and save yourself a few pennies.