Pryce Jones was the pioneer behind the first international mail order business, he revolutionized commerce from his hometown of Newtown, Wales. On October 3, 1859, he sent his first flannel swatches by penny post, recognizing the potential of reaching customers beyond Newtown. This marked the beginning of his mail order enterprise, which delivered Welsh woollen fabrics worldwide by road, rail, and sea. Born in Llanllwchaiarn, Newtown in 1834, Pryce Jones worked as an apprentice before opening his own draper’s shop in 1859. His reputation grew through exhibitions across the UK and internationally, attracting loyal and royal customers, including Queen Victoria, who knighted him in 1887. In 1879, he expanded his business by opening the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse near Newtown Railway Station, cementing his global influence in modern mail order retail.

Michael Marks’ very first market stall at Kirkgate Market, which he opened in 1884, was located in the outdoor market. He relocated to the indoor market in 1886. In 1894 Michael Marks went into partnership with Thomas Spencer, creating the Marks and Spencer name. The attached plan (we believe this is from Leeds Library & Information Service – we do not hold the original) shows the location of the Marks and Spencer stall in 1896, but it is not certain that this was the original location first occupied by Michael Marks when he moved to the indoor market in 1886. The Market Clock in the 1904 hall was unveiled in 1984 to celebrate the centenary of Marks & Spencer.