In 2009 Marks & Spencer celebrated its 125 year anniversary. It is today trading in over 900 outlets in over 40 countries worldwide. In Russia starting from 2005 Marks & Spencer stores have already opened in Moscow, St Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Omsk and other cities. Introduction Marks & Spencer began with Michael Marks selling penny goods from a market stall in Leeds (UK) in 1884. He sold quality small goods all for one penny, using the slogan "Don’t ask the price, it’s a penny". In 1894, Michael asked Tom Spencer to join him and the famous partnership of Marks & Spencer was born. Marks & Spencer became a Public Limited Company in London in 1926. The St Michael trademark was introduced in 1928 as a guarantee of quality and value. Initially used only on selected foods, the St Michael range was extended so that by the late 1950s all goods sold bore the name. This logo is no longer used but Marks & Spencer is still the dominant brand trademark, with M&S being used more frequently in recent years in the UK. (see brand guidelines for further explanation) Over the years, our brand name has become synonymous with quality, value, service, innovation and trust. The business and its employees are focused on our customers and driven by these principles.