February 28

Alfred Marshall opened the first Marshalls store in Beverly, Massachusetts in 1956, offering brand-name clothing at discounted prices. His innovative off-price retail concept challenged traditional department stores and reshaped consumer expectations. Under his leadership, Marshalls expanded into a national chain with hundreds of outlets. Marshall emphasized lean operations and close relationships with suppliers to secure overstock merchandise. He sold the company to the TJX Companies in the 1970s but remained an industry pioneer. Marshall's model influenced later retailers like T.J. Maxx and Ross Dress for Less. He died in 2013, leaving a lasting retail legacy.

Alice Brock was born in 1941 and became an influential figure in the American counterculture movement. She is widely recognized as the muse behind Arlo Guthrie's 1967 song 'Alice's Restaurant.' Brock ran a popular restaurant in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where she served as artist-in-residence. Her creative pursuits include visual art, writing, and community-building through the arts. She authored books reflecting on her experiences in the 1960s counterculture and culinary world. Up until her death in 2024, Brock remained active in artistic projects and inspired generations with her story.

Sir Terence Patrick Leahy is an English business leader best known for his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Tesco from 1997 to 2011. Under his leadership, Tesco became the third-largest retailer in the world by market value, expanding across Europe and Asia. Leahy championed innovations such as the Clubcard loyalty program and one-stop shopping formats, driving significant sales growth. He was knighted in 2003 for his services to food retailing and corporate responsibility. After leaving Tesco, Leahy has served on various corporate boards and advised governments on retail and business strategies. He remains influential in the global retail industry and charity sector.