A travel influencer has offered a unique glimpse into the oldest and smallest Marks & Spencer store in the world. Daniel Burlinson, known as @dannyvlogstravels on Instagram, regularly shares his travel experiences with his 9,900 followers. In a recent video, he visited the historic M&S Penny Bazaar located in the Grainger Market in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
A Tiny Piece of Retail History
The store measures just 17 feet by 14 feet, approximately 238 square feet, making it the smallest operational M&S outlet. While M&S was originally founded in 1884 at Leeds Kirkgate Market, a devastating fire on December 13, 1975, destroyed about two-thirds of that indoor market, including the original stall site. The Newcastle branch, which opened in 1895, remains open today as a functioning Penny Bazaar and is officially recognized as the oldest surviving M&S store.
Inside the Visit
In the video, Danny approaches the store and remarks, "This has caught my eye, Marks & Spencer. This one looks like a very old school one though." He then speaks with an employee who explains the branch's history. Danny notes the store is "still busy," to which the worker replies, "Yes, we have our moments. It's a bit quiet today," a sentiment Danny attributes to it being a Monday. When asked about weekends, the employee confirms it gets "heaving."
Fan Reactions
The video has garnered over 3,000 likes, with fans expressing their delight. One commented, "That's really cool," while another wrote, "Always gotta check out this place when I'm up visiting, and always manage to buy something. Wish the stall here in Leeds Kirkgate market (the birthplace of M&S) was more like this." A third added, "How interesting. I used to look after the one in Leeds everyday a few years ago."
Background on M&S Origins
Michael Marks started the M&S brand with a single market stall in Kirkgate Market, Leeds. The first permanent shop, rather than a stall, was later opened at 20 Cheetham Hill Road in Manchester. The Newcastle Penny Bazaar remains a cherished link to the company's heritage.
