Wednesday, 20 May 2009 Customers – desperate to get their hands on a 1p bargain – queued outside Marks and Spencer in Carlisle today
for the store’s 125th birthday. The shop is treating its customers by going back to its roots as the Original Penny Bazaar. M&S customers can choose up to five products each and every penny donated will go towards the M&S 125 Charity Challenge, which aims to raise £1.25 million for local and regional charities between May and September. Customers in Carlisle can choose to pay more than 1p per item and the proceeds will go towards the Great North Air Ambulance. M&S chairman Sir Stuart Rose and Twiggy officially launched the Penny Bazaar at London’s Marble Arch Marks and Spencer store this morning – but celebrations were being held all over the UK, in both Carlisle and Workington’s M&S shops. In Carlisle, around 100 people were queuing since 8am. First in the line was Ann Dane, of Kingstown. She said: “I didn’t realise I would be first.
“I just fancy a look to see what’s on offer. I occasionally shop in Marks and Spencer.”