This is the world’s smallest Marks and Sparks store. The signage supposedly dates from 19851885 (thanks for pointing that out Alf, it was just a typo!), although I’m not sure if the store has been there in its current position since then - anyone know?
Unfortunately things cost rather more than a penny now!
visits
since April 2006.
As far as I know it is still in its original placeand looks exactly the same as when I was a kid - many moons ago. Grainger Market was opened, I think, in 1835.
The following is from the City Council Market website.
“The Marks and Spencer Original Penny Bazaar in the Grainger Market is the last surviving example of the shops that gave birth to a legend in retailing. It was Michael Marks who opened the first Penny Bazaar in the Kirkgate open air market in Leeds in 1834, with the motto “Don’t ask the price - it’s a penny!” It was hailed as a revolution, providing high quality goods at affordable prices to all.”
Beth, I assume the “1985″ is a typo as the Penny Bazaar was built in 1895 and as far as I know has been there ever since. I think Mrs. K. might have suffered from a typo too as the Leeds stall was opened in 1884. It is a remarkable achievement that it has lasted so long.
Thanks Alf.
I checked it out at City Council Market site as I could not find my book on M&S - well not really on M&S but on the lives of the two blokes who started it all up.
Mam and Dad always went late on Christmas Eve (never before 8pm) and got knock down Christmas meat and things from the Penny Bazaar, all the fruit and veg and then walked 7 miles home.
so marks and spencer were the inspiration for ‘poundland’?