Latest news with #MARKSandSpencer
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
M&S issues update for customers with gift vouchers after cyber attack
MARKS and Spencer has issued an update for customers with gift vouchers after its cyber attack. Customers have taken to social media to share their dissatisfaction with the retailer's latest update. 1 M&S have issued an update on its gift vouchers Credit: Getty It comes as the ongoing chaos has left scores of M&S shoppers unable to use their gift vouchers. Yet the retail giant initially told customers they won't get extensions of the expiry dates on vouchers due to expire. One customer took to X, pleading: 'My vouchers expire at the end of this month but I can't use them. Can I have them extended?' But M&S responded: 'Unfortunately we're unable to extend vouchers.' They later appeared to soften, agreeing to "double check" on the customers behalf. Last month, shoppers also said they'd hit a brick wall. One couple revealed on the MoneySavingExpert forum that they've been saving up vouchers from their M&S credit card for months, only to be told they'd have to use them now or lose them entirely. The customer posted: 'We contacted M&S Customer Support which bluntly said that if we didn't use the vouchers by their expiry date then that was tough. 'The only option we have is to spend them on something we don't really need.' They added that M&S stores aren't even able to place orders, meaning customers can't just pop in and buy bigger items either. Victoria's Secret forced to take down website over 'security incident' leaving shoppers in the dark Even staff are reportedly unable to order stock, with fears some branches could start running out of essentials altogether. Some stores have even been stripped of staples like bananas and Colin the Caterpillar cakes, and popular meal deals were pulled in smaller branches An MSE forum ambassador said: 'Given the number of people this may affect, perhaps thousands as you suggest, I would expect M&S to extend the end date for these.' While another shopper fumed: 'The least they could do is extend the date.' M&S credit card reward vouchers are valid for 17 months, while shoppers with gift cards have 24 months from the last transaction to spend them. When The Sun contacted M&S, it advised affected customers to get in touch - but didn't confirm whether it would offer extensions on a case-by-case basis after all. A M&S spokesperson said: "The majority of M&S credit card customers redeem their reward vouchers in stores, and they can continue to do so. "If for any reason customers aren't able to redeem in store, and their vouchers are due to expire soon, we would ask them to get in touch with us so we can support them.' Meanwhile, the attack is still causing carnage across the business. M&S was forced to pull online orders, birthday perks were suspended, and Sparks offers were frozen. The store has now confirmed that some freebies, like birthday cookies, will still be honoured eventually. But when it comes to Rewards Vouchers — a perk many customers save up to use for larger purchases — the answer so far is a hard no. The cyber attack, which kicked off over Easter weekend, has been one of the worst to hit the high street in years. It has forced M&S to halt online orders and triggered widespread disruption, including a £300million blow to profits. Customer info was also nicked during the breach, with security experts now blaming 'Scattered Spider'— a notorious cyber gang thought to be behind the chaos. Online shopping is still out of action and is expected to remain patchy until at least July, with fashion, home and beauty sales taking a battering. Timeline of the attack Saturday, April 19: Initial reports emerge on social media of problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect services at M&S stores across the UK. Customers experience difficulties collecting online purchases and returning items due to system issues. Initial reports emerge on social media of problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect services at M&S stores across the UK. Customers experience difficulties collecting online purchases and returning items due to system issues. Monday, April 21: Problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect persist. M&S officially acknowledges the "cyber incident" in a statement to the London Stock Exchange. CEO Stuart Machin apologises for the disruption and confirms "minor, temporary changes" to store operations. M&S notifies the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and engages external cybersecurity experts. Problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect persist. M&S officially acknowledges the "cyber incident" in a statement to the London Stock Exchange. CEO Stuart Machin apologises for the disruption and confirms "minor, temporary changes" to store operations. M&S notifies the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and engages external cybersecurity experts. Tuesday, April 22: Disruptions continue. M&S takes further systems offline as part of "proactive management". Disruptions continue. M&S takes further systems offline as part of "proactive management". Wednesday, April 23: Despite earlier claims of customer-facing systems returning to normal, M&S continues to adjust operations to maintain security. Contactless payments are initially restored, but other services, including click-and-collect, remain affected. Despite earlier claims of customer-facing systems returning to normal, M&S continues to adjust operations to maintain security. Contactless payments are initially restored, but other services, including click-and-collect, remain affected. Thursday, April 24: Contactless payments and click-and-collect services are still unavailable. Reports surface suggesting the attackers possibly gained access to data in February. Contactless payments and click-and-collect services are still unavailable. Reports surface suggesting the attackers possibly gained access to data in February. Friday, April 25: M&S suspends all online and app orders in the UK and Ireland for clothing and food, although customers can still browse products. This decision leads to a 5% drop in M&S's share price. M&S suspends all online and app orders in the UK and Ireland for clothing and food, although customers can still browse products. This decision leads to a 5% drop in M&S's share price. Monday, April 28: M&S is still unable to process online orders. Around 200 agency workers at the main distribution centre are told to stay home. M&S is still unable to process online orders. Around 200 agency workers at the main distribution centre are told to stay home. Tuesday, April 29: Information suggests that the hacker group Scattered Spider is likely behind the attack. Shoppers spot empty shelves in selected stores. Information suggests that the hacker group Scattered Spider is likely behind the attack. Shoppers spot empty shelves in selected stores. Tuesday, May 13: M&S revealed that some customer information has been stolen. M&S revealed that some customer information has been stolen. Wednesday, May 21: The retailer said disruption from the attack is expected to continue through to July. The retailer said disruption from the attack is expected to continue through to July. Meanwhile, M&S isn't the only store facing cyber trouble. Co-op was forced to shut down part of its IT system after facing a hacking attempt last month. It confirmed that it had "taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe". It was later revealed that the personal data of a "significant number" of its 6.2million customers and former members had been stolen. The details included names, contact information, and dates of birth. However, the retailer assured customers that passwords, credit card details, and transaction information were not compromised. Full services resumed on May 14, following the reactivation of its online ordering system.
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Marks and Spencer at it's best' cries shoppers over €65 summer jacket that ‘goes with everything'
MARKS and Spencer has dropped a stunning wardrobe staple just in time for summer. The retailer is selling a gorgeous cropped denim jacket which would be perfect for styling with any Advertisement 4 The Denim Collarless Short Jacket is €65 Credit: MARKS AND SPENCER 4 One shopper said it looks more expensive than it is Credit: MARKS AND SPENCER The Denim Collarless Short Jacket has hit the rials for €65. Though shoppers should be warned that currently, only two sizes remain online - 12 and 14. But fashion fans may find their size in their local Advertisement READ MORE IN M&S The light-washed denim jacket features a round collar with large gold buttons up the middle. There are gold buttons on two chest pockets and two side ones, adding a level of chic to the piece. It would be perfect for layering over a Or, pair it with some denim jeans for a double-denim look. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous In the official item description on the "It's crafted from pure cotton in an authentic wash for a classic look. Shoppers are racing to buy 'nostalgic' homeware from M&S - it's like being 'transported back in time' & looks 'designer' "The four-pocket design is finished with a button-up fastening and gold-tone hardware. "M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles." Advertisement And shoppers are raving about the jacket in the review section, as it has 4.8 stars. One customer said: "I love this jacket it has everything I want. Short, collarless round neck and lovely colour denim. OVERSIZED FIT "I saw it in the store but they only had two in larger sizes so I checked online and it was sold out in both the size 10 and 8. "There was a size 6 and after reading reviews that said it came up large I thought I'd risk ordering the size 6 I'm glad I did as it's the perfect size for me. Advertisement "I don't know if it's meant to be oversized but as I'm small, oversized doesn't do a lot for me." Another wrote: "Bought this jacket the moment I saw it online, lovely denim goes with everything in my wardrobe. "I love the buttons, and that you can make it more glamorous with jewellery. 'HIGHLY RECOMMEND' "Good length, great fit, highly recommended. M&S at its best." Advertisement Another shopper shared a warning relating to the sizing, saying: "Sized down as the reviews said it's oversized. A size 6 fits perfect and I'm usually a size 8." Someone else had a warning about the buttons. They wrote: "Saw in shop & thought I'd pick it up another day, it sold out really quickly - managed to get online. "Love it… however the buttons are quite loose. Advertisement "I'm a size 14 which came up lovely." 'LOOKS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN IT WAS' Many were impressed with the quality of the jacket. One shopper said: "This jacket is great like the buttons and collar making it different for the normal denim jacket. Great quality denim lots of compliments when I wore it." Someone else wrote: "Lovely denim jacket. I sized up as felt quite fitted. Looks more expensive than it was." Advertisement Another said: "This jacket is very smart You can wear casual or dress up. Size comes up larger had to have 1 size smaller. Very good fit." The cute jacket is available both online and in stores now. 4 The jacket could be styled with a range of outfits Credit: MARKS AND SPENCER 4 It features large gold buttons for an added bit of style Credit: MARKS AND SPENCER Advertisement HISTORY OF MARKS & SPENCER WHEN Michael Marks, an immigrant from the north of England, was able to obtain a stall in Leeds' Kirkgate Market in 1884, M&S was born. He used the catchphrase "Don't ask the price, it's a 'penny'" to build his career after arriving with little money and minimal command of English. His little booth selling basic home goods was rapidly booming because of this simple idea and his diligent work. Michael teamed up with Dewhirst wholesalers' cashier Tom Spencer to help his expanding firm. This collaboration gave rise to "Marks & Spencer" and its initial Penny Bazaar locations, which helped the company take shape as we know it today. More than 15,000 purchases were made on the first day of trading.
