Kentish Express Ashford & District
Of new arrivals
A Marks & Spencer spokesman said: “We’re looking forward to bringing a new Marks & Spencer Foodhall to the Warren Retail Park in Ashford.
“We will update the community as plans for the store progress.”
The company has however remained tight-lipped about when the new store could open, despite putting in a planning application to put up its com- pany logos and illuminated signs. There was also no comment from M&S in response to whether the decision to open the new store could see the Foodhall at the town centre shop being closed.
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk Marks and Spencer was founded in 1884 by a partnership of Michael Marks, a Polish Jew and refugee, and Thomas Spencer, a cashier from Yorkshire.
The first branch was in Leeds after the duo secured a place in the indoor market in 1894, while in 1901 the two amalgamated after setting up in Birkenhead market.
The company began to grow in the early 20th century with more branches opening up, and a commitment to British manufacturing.
It set up the St Michael’s clothing and food brand in 1928 in honour of Michael Marks.
After the Second World War the company began to expand in Europe, and was among the first British retailers to sell Asian food. The expansion continued in ireland and in Canada.
It was the first British company to achieve £1 billion profits in a year in 1998, but just three years later profits had slumped to £145 million and the share price fell by more than 60%.
The business has been restructured since the surprise of 2001, with unprofitable stores being closed and the Per Una brand being taken over.
There are still more than 800 stores nationwide, and last year the company recorded pre-tax profits of £689 million last year.