Marks & Spencer (M&S) is a leading British retailer, founded in 1884, known for offering high-quality clothing, home products, and food. Headquartered in London, M&S has over 1,000 stores worldwide, with a strong presence in the UK and operations in more than 50 countries. The brand is renowned for its focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and premium food selections, particularly in fresh and prepared meals. With a long-standing reputation for reliability and quality, Marks & Spencer continues to innovate while staying true to its heritage.
Key Details
📍 Location: Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with stores across the UK and in over 50 countries worldwide.
🛍 Founded: Established in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer.
👥 Employees: Approximately 70,000 employees globally.
🏬 Stores: Over 1,000 stores worldwide, including around 700 in the UK.
📈 Business Areas: Specializes in clothing, home goods, and food, with a strong focus on quality and sustainability.
🌍 International Presence: Operates in more than 50 countries, with a growing online and global footprint.
🍽 Food Quality: Known for premium-quality food products, with a reputation for innovation in ready meals and fresh produce.
What I Did
Before starting full-time school in France, I took on a summer job as a cashier at Marks & Spencer to save up some money. I found the position by walking directly to the store, which was just a 20-minute walk from my studio in the 5th district of Paris. Initially, they weren’t hiring, but a few weeks later, I received a call and started the following week.
In my role, I handled customer transactions, assisted with inquiries, and helped create a positive shopping experience. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the job was interacting with a wide variety of customers, from the nicest to the more challenging, hailing from different countries and backgrounds. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the brand’s high-quality products and allowed me to sharpen my customer service skills. The experience was both financially helpful and personally enriching.
This experience took place just before Marks & Spencer withdrew from France following Brexit, making it a memorable and unique chapter of my time in Paris.
Memories
My time as a cashier at M&S 🛒.