Celebrating 50 years at M&S: meet Yvonne! 22 July 2026

We love recognising the faces of Merry Hill who have shown their dedication over the years, and so we met up with Yvonne, who’s spent 50 years at M&S, and has been at our store since its opening in 1990!

Her final role before her much-deserved retirement has been as a Stock Controller, although she’s worked across many different departments including the People Team and Business Involvement Group.

To celebrate Yvonne’s service, we found out more about her highlights from over the years:

When did you start at M&S and how old were you?

Yvonne: I started in 1976 aged 16 – I left school the one week, had a week off then started straight away in their Youth Training Scheme.

And when did you start at Merry Hill?

Y: I helped open it in 1990! My daughter was born in 1991, and I was pregnant when I came here. At the time, I was Section Manager for menswear.

What’s your favourite memory of working at M&S?

Y: I’ve got two favourite memories – one was meeting my husband, obviously; he worked at M&S but he went off to do other things, and now I have two beautiful children, so that has got to be a definite plus for M&S!

Fun fact – both my kids worked for M&S, as well as my sister, brother-in-law, brother and his wife. You might as well call it Marks & Dunn from my maiden name!

My other one is that we used to have HR within the store, and that was definitely the highlight – I made friends for life through HR.

What did you enjoy most about working for M&S and what made you stay for 50 years?

Y: It’s just an environment I’m happy with – if you’re gonna work in retail, you might as well work for M&S because I don’t think there’s any better out there.

Naturally it’s changed over the years; when I started there was a hairdresser, dentist and chiropodist that used to come into store in Dudley – it has to move with the times, but I’ve loved to see how it’s evolved.

The people really make it – I’ve made so many friends! My first holiday abroad was with two friends from M&S. As you go along, you make new friends, and you just gel as a team.

Finally, I love the work ethic of M&S – they really do look after us.

What are you looking forward to most about retiring?

Y: At the minute I’m quite daunted, because 50 years of doing something and then going to nothing, I am wondering what I’m going to do.

I am going to go out there and volunteer; perhaps not the gym as I’m not a gym person, but maybe something like chair Pilates.

What’s your all-time favourite M&S product?

Y: I’ve got to admit – Madagascan Vanilla Custard. That is to die for! If you have cold custard on a hot pudding… lovely.

How would you like your colleagues to remember you?

Y: Just that I was there for them and a friendly face – I’ve worked on the big team (the Business Involvement Group) where a number of colleagues would come to me for advice.

If you could sum up your 50 years into one sentence, what would it be?

Y: Best time of my life!

Final (and very important question): Percy Pig or Colin the Caterpillar?

Y: Gotta be Colin, because I like chocolate!

All of us at Merry Hill wish Yvonne all the best for the future!