The story of Marlboro commences in the late 1800s on Marlborough Street in London where Philip Morris began manufacturing this famous brand. Initially targeted as a luxury product for the highbrow American market, its presence was prominent in hotels and resorts. Come the 1930s, Marlboro rebranded itself as a 'women's cigarette', featuring the ‘Mild As May’ slogan.

Marlboro underwent yet another transformation in the post-World War II era when it repositioned itself as a men’s cigarette, addressing a market niche of men concerned about lung cancer. A clever addition of ammonia to the cigarettes made them "milder, more aromatic, sweeter, and less harsh", bolstering their market share. The 'Marlboro Man' rose to iconic status by the 1960s, embodying the macho cowboy persona that contributed to the brand's persona.

Combining their love for speed with advertising, Marlboro delved into sponsoring motor racing teams like McLaren and Ferrari, tweaking corporate imagery to align with varying anti-tobacco sponsorship laws worldwide. With constant innovation, Marlboro has introduced variants such as Marlboro 2.0 and Marlboro Vape Heatsticks in recent years. Alongside its primary products, the brand has also splashed into merchandising, offering accessories like lighters and sunglasses. A visit to Marlboro provides an intriguing look into the evolution of branding and marketing strategies in the tobacco industry.