Having grown up with Marks and Spencers (my Mum loved it as much as the royals!), it is easy for all of us to take it for granted. However I was delighted to see the great ship M&S celebrating its 125 year birthday and doing it in a style all of their own.I have never seen a brand that has bounced back so much after everything that is thrown at it and is also so confident in its own skin. You gain a wry smile from and a sense of a bunch of marketers who really get it and know themselves by every single thing they do.
The amazing facts about M&S are how they have both stuck to their heritage of being pioneering and actually change the way we eat, shop and dress for 125 years.
The other trick they have managed to pull off is how loved they are by the British public and every single person in Britain seems to want them to succeed. How can you achieve this? This is like searching for the answer to the meaning of life in brand terms and only since Salad Cream's position on Britain's supermarket shelves was in danger did we see the passion on Britain go towards supporting and preserving part of its heritage. If M&S was to ever even hint that it may close its doors, can you think of another company or institution that would cause so much public concern or interest in its well being? Tesco - no, BBC - not really, BHS - no way.
Many companies tell people it is their 10th birthday and send them a voucher or something, however M&S have really invited you to be part of it and you do feel part of it. Amazing giveaways for a penny which helps engage people in the their brand story and the trust element of being over 100 years old has never been more timely. I hope my great grandkids are celebrating their 250 anniversary and that their is still a place for the old dear many years from now.
Great work M&S keep it up!
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