M&S celebrates a century in city

11:44am Thursday 14th February 2008

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MARKS & Spencer celebrated 100 years in Hereford last Saturday.

The store first came to the city on February 9, 1908, with the opening of a small shop in Eign Street.

A century later, having gone through two relocations and four refits, M&S is going strong in High Town.

Customers enjoyed Champagne and bucks fizz with staff in the morning, while food tasting continued throughout the day. A few lucky shoppers even walked away with free hampers - one was given away every hour, on the hour.

Linda Nottingham, the store's longest serving employee after 36 years, cut a birthday cake with the help of Jo Fry, the store's newest recruit.

A selection of items that would have been sold in 1908 were taken from the archives alongside photographs showing how much has changed in 100 years.

Store manager Martin Woodhouse said the birthday celebrations had been very enjoyable and that they tied in well with the store's recent £10 million refurbishment.

"That allowed us to create an extra 35 jobs which have gone to local people," said Mr Woodhouse.