Latest news with #MandS
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Supermarket giant offering all loyalty scheme members better rates on travel money this summer to save you cash
M&S has launched a click & collect for travel money as well as better rates for Sparks customers. Jet-setters can now pre-order cash from the country they are travelling to and pick it up in 560 of the chain's stores. 1 Over 50 currencies are available to choose from with some - such as euros and US dollars -available to order and collect on the same day. However, you may have to wait a week to get more exotic cash such as the Japanese Yen. Plus, the beloved British brand said Sparks loyalty customers can get better rates than those not signed up for the scheme. At the time of reporting, a non Sparks customer who converts £100 into euro, will get €112.43. But a Sparks customer will get €112.66 back. Meanwhile, if you convert £100 into dollars, you will get $132.07 back as a non loyalty member. But a Sparks customer will get $132.34. Katherine Carlson, director of financial services at M&S, said: 'We want to be able to reward our Sparks customers for their loyalty and what better way to do so than helping their money go further on holiday. "And with customers now able to pick up their travel money in more of our stores than ever before, it has never been easier to get ready for your holiday with M&S." She added: "Offering our customers the very best products, services and rewards are a key part of the transformation of our financial services offering and this is just the latest step in that journey.' If you are keen to exchange cash before your holiday, it is important to shop around at a few different places to ensure you are getting the best rate. For example, you can also exchange cash your local Post Office and other supermarkets like Asda and Morrisons offer the service too. M&S launches first-of-its-kind store It is free to sign up for a Sparks card and it also unlocks lots of other offers including a free Birthday treat. Last week, the home of the Percy Pig said the rewards scheme was fully back following its cruel cyber attack. The chain said it would issue a host of "thank you" treats to those who missed out on the birthday freebie. Eager customers will be able to choose between one of two of M&S' bestselling food products. These could include Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box, a Bouquet of Flowers or bottle of Prosecco, a punnet of Grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits. Sparks birthday treats were among the casualties of the cyber attack for those who had a birthday over the spring and early summer. M&S cyber attack M&S is picking up the pieces from a vicious cyber attack which occurred in April and cost the firm £300million in lost profits. For weeks the beloved retailer was unable to process online orders and store shelves were left bare. Online shopping has since returned across England, Scotland and Wales. Earlier this month, three teenagers and a woman were arrested in the UK as part of an investigation into attacks, which also targeted Co-op and Harrods. They have since been released on bail. More M&S news This week, the chain opened its first ever air-side shop in London 's Heathrow airport. It means jet setters can now stock up on iconic M&S food after going through security. It is located at Gate A in Terminal 5 of the busy London airport. A second store also opened at Gate B, selling gifts such as its popular biscuit tins as well as prepackaged food. HISTORY OF M&S M&S was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds. The first official Marks and Spencer store opened in Manchester in 1901. Throughout the 1920s, M&SA gre rapidly, opening more and more stores across the country. The retailer made its reputation in the early 20th century by selling only British-made products. It began textile sales in 1926 and started selling food from 1931. The St Michael trademark was introduced in 1928 as a guarantee of quality and value. This was initially used only for a small range of textiles but was extended over the years to cover all goods sold by M&S. M&S introduced its first in-store cafe in 1935 in the Leeds store. It provided cheap, hygienic, and nutritious mass catering. By 1942, M&S opened 82 cafes across its estate. At the outbreak of the Second World War, M&S had 234 stores. By 1945, over 100 of these had been damaged by bombs, and 16 had been completely destroyed. BY 1960, M&S pioneered in the sale of fresh poultry following the invention of the cold-chain process. In the 1970s and 1980s, M&S pushed into international markets including the US, Canada and France. In 1979, M&S introduced the Chicken Kiev to its food halls across the UK. In 1992, Percy Pigs were launched. The Autograph range of clothing was introduced in 2000, and the St Michael brand was slowly phased out. In 2019, the group announced 110 store closures as part of its plans, affecting several longstanding high-street shops. In September 2020, M&S partnered with Ocado to allow for home delivery of the chain's full food range. M&S has recently announced new stores and is freshening up a swathe of others in a boost for shoppers.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Ultimate guide to the M&S sale, by top fashion editor DINAH VAN TULLEKEN. The cyber hack meant the best pieces didn't sell out - these are the 21 picks every woman needs
M&S 's recent cyber-attack resulted in the retail part of their website being unusable for a full six weeks. Not only was it commercially catastrophic for the company, but it was a disaster for millions of shoppers who rely on being able to click and collect everything, from multipack knickers and school uniform to the store's increasingly fashion forward designs.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Fans rush to M&S to shop one of its biggest sales yet - with best-seller buys and everyday essentials slashed to up to half price in stores
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Shoppers have been sent into a spin over M&S 's massive summer sale, offering some of the store's best-selling items for up to 50 per cent off. Starting on Thursday, July 24, customers can get their hands on stylish essentials across women's, men's and kids clothing as well as lingerie, home and beauty for less. Those looking to bag a bargain will have to be quick, as the huge discounts are on selected items and only available in store while stocks last for a limited time. The summer sale is one of M&S's best and the perfect opportunity to give your wardrobe a much-needed revamp with everyday essentials priced at as little as £3.25. Some of M&S's most popular women's fashion favourites are now available for up to 50 per cent off in stores, including the viral Collection Polka Dot Sweetheart Maxi Dress and Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers. The ladies can also stock up on lingerie basics with knickers from £6 and bras from £10. For the men, crew neck t-shirts are just £4 while the stylishly versatile lightweight chinos are now £22.50 instead of £45. Parents will love the deals in the kids' section, including a girl's dress for £4 and boys' two-piece sweater and shorts set for just £6. Beauty buffs can take advantage of skincare and fragrance deals with summery scents for £5 and a refining serum for as little as £750. Spruce up the house with some of M&S's home bargains from luxurious bedding to quirky kitchenware. Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers The Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers were dubbed the ultimate summer staple by stylish shoppers, and now they are just £19.75 down from £39.50. Raking in dozens of glowing reviews, customers have raved about the linen pants for their quality, comfort and on-trend versatile design. They are available in a neutral, sand colour in a range of sizes from 6 to 24 in petite, regular and long. £19.75 Shop Lyocell Rich Polka Dot Sweetheart Neckline Maxi Waisted Dress M&S's viral £79 Collection Polka Dot Sweetheart Maxi Dress that has been flying off the racks all summer is now half price at £39.50 in the mammoth sale. The black-and-white spotted dress has been hailed as being akin to a high-end designer piece. It can be paired with sneakers or sandals and sunglasses for casual outings or dressed up with heels and jewellery for special occasions. £39.50 Shop Pure Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt A basic tee has always been a summer must-have, and while M&S's pure cotton V-neck t-shirt has always been a winning option at just £6.50, it's now been made even cheaper. Available in a variety of colourways and ranging from sizes 6 to 24, the cotton shirt is only £3.25. £3.25 Shop Tailored Fit Italian Linen Blend Twill Blazer Autograph's sleek Italian Linen Blend Twill Blazer would previously have set shoppers back £150, but now they can get it for just £75. Made from an Italian linen-blend twill, the chic blazer is thin and breathable with a classic design for a timeless look. Perfect for smart or formal occasions like work functions or weddings, the twill blazer will be on regular rotation in any fashion-forward man's summer wardrobe. £75 Shop Regular Fit Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt M&S's £8 Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt has raked in almost 1,700 rave reviews from shoppers and is now down to just £4. It is available in 16 different colours, slim, long or regular fit and in sizes from small to 4XL. £4 Shop Regular Fit Super Lightweight Chinos The Regular Fit Super Lightweight Chinos are ideal for elevating any casual look and are now half price at £22.50, down from £45. They come in a range of sizes and lengths to make sure they make the perfect fit and feel ultra comfortable. £22.50 Shop Body Soft™ Wired Plunge T-Shirt Bra A-E For just £10 down from £20, women will love the Body Soft Wired Plunge T-Shirt Bra, ideal for everyday wear. Versatile and comfortable, the T-shirt bra enhances cleavage and has an elegant lace design. £10 Shop Rosa Lace High Leg Knickers You can never have too much underwear, and now you can stock up on M&S's Rosa lace high-leg knickers for half price. Just £6 down from £12, the knickers combine elegant style and comfort with a high-rise fit to sit comfortably on the waist. £6 Shop Pure Cotton Gingham Revere Shortie Set This adorable pyjama set was once £28 but has been reduced by half. The pure cotton material will have you sleeping soundly all night while the gingham print and frilled trims add to the sweet design. £14 Shop Cotton Rich Jersey Dress (2-8 Yrs) This cute little dress, perfect for everyday wear play dates or birthday parties, is down more than half price at just £4. Coming in sizes suitable for ages two to eight, the comfortable cotton smock has added stretch for easy movement. £4 Shop Cropped Denim Jacket (6-16 Years) This stylish cropped denim jacket will appease even the pickiest of teens thanks to its cool, casual design. Once £20, the jacket is now £10 and features an edgy frayed hem and oversized fit. £10 Shop 2pc Cotton Rich Top & Bottom Outfit (1-16 Yrs) Make your little one the coolest kid on the playground with this sweater-shorts co-ord, which was £12 at full price. Boys of any age will feel cool and comfy in the set, which is available in sizes for ages 12-18 months right up to 16 years. £6 Shop BEAUTY Clarify Refining Overnight Serum 30ml Clear Out Refining Overnight Serum by Fresh Elements works to clarify and refine the skin. Apply before bed and wake up with a non-greasy, moisturised glow. M&S's Clarify range is formulated to support those with oily, combination or blemish-prone skin. £7.50 Shop Cool Blast Seasalt & Neroli Eau de Toilette 100ml The Cool Blasts' scents of jasmine, rose, vanilla and salt air will have you longing for a sunny holiday. Just £5, the sleek bottle is the perfect handbag companion to give yourself a refreshing spritz on the go. £5 Shop Evercalm™ Redness Relief Serum 30ml This light-weight, fast-acting formula is said to be clinically proven to visibly reduce redness on the skin after just 30 minutes. Those who struggle with redness in the summer may have been put off by the serum's £45 price tag, but now it is just £23. £23 Shop HOME Pure Cotton Contrast Striped Waffle Bedding Set Give your bed a fresh update with a luxurious waffle-textured pillowcase and duvet set with stylish green stripes. Prices vary between the single, double, king and super king sizes, however they have all been slashed by 50 per cent. £32 Shop Set of 3 Boho Flower Nibble Bowls These cute flower nibbling bowls add a whimsical touch to any summer tablescape. They are now just £5, come in three tonal hues and are made from sturdy plastic, so breakages are easily avoided. £5 Shop Set of 4 Rounded Acrylic Wine Glasses Have the most picture-perfect picnic in the park with these colourful acrylic wine glasses. The set of four, is a steal at just £4 - just £1 per glass. £4 Shop
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Man tests £16 Harrods chicken Kiev to see how it compares to the £6 M&S variety - with very surprising results
A food fanatic has revealed that he prefers M&S 's £6.75 chicken Kiev over the £16 version from Harrods. Carmie Sellitto tested both varieties the Ukrainian staple but felt that the high street chain's version was a tastier meal - despite being less than half the price. The British TikToker, who goes by the name @touchdalight online, said 'in some chicken Kievs you get a lot of overpowered flavours but this is just perfect' when reviewing M&S's version. He added that 'the garlic butter in this is actually incredible, the flavour is brilliant and even the coating of the chicken is perfect'. But the luxury department store's imitation left much to be desired, despite costing considerably more. 'This is three times more expensive [sic] than the M&S one so it better taste three times better,' he commented as he unpacked the meal. When he first cuts into the chicken, Mr Selitto exclaims 'what! Look at the garlic butter in there' and showed the food to the camera. Whereas M&S's version had garlic butter 'bursting out' when it was sliced, the Harrods sauce held its shape more and did not trickle out in the same way. Mr Selitto, who often makes videos comparing food, said it 'kind of looks like pea sauce' but noted that 'it's pretty loaded with chicken to be fair, you can't go wrong with that'. However, the fault the critic had issue most with was its allegedly strong lemon flavours. He said: 'The sauce is really good to be fair, I really like that, but I'm getting mad hints of lemon which I don't like too much. 'The sauce is also a lot thicker than the M&S one, I'm assuming they've got completely different ingredients because they taste very different. 'The sauce is very overpowering in this.' He added: 'I do prefer the breadcrumbs on the M&S one, it just feels more crunchy and this one is more soggy.' The influencer then concluded: 'I would rate the M&S one a nine out of 10 and the Harrods one a 8.5 out of 10.' He explained this was due to the pricing but remained unconvinced if he would choose the Harrods variety if it cost the same. 'I think its mainly because of the pricing but if they were the same price maybe I'd buy Harrods but then again I'm not sure,' he said. On its website, Harrods advertises its Chicken Kiev at £16 (despite Mr Sellitto saying he bought his for £14) and served two people. The M&S variety said that it served one person. Chicken Kievs caused a huge debate in 2023 over its pronunciation - in a one-off Christmas special, William Sitwell delivered a homemade version on Celebrity Masterchef, but the dish was repeatedly pronounced as 'Chicken Kyiv.' The pronunciation, which has been re-adopted by Ukranians following the country's invasion by Russia in February 2022, caught many viewers off-guard. One posted: 'WTH... have I been saying it wrong all thes years???,' and another shared: '#masterchef we all been calling it wrong should be chick keev not chicken kieyev.' The pronounciation, which has been re-adopted by Ukranians following the country's invasion by Russia in February 2022, caught many viewers off-guard A third posted: 'So, are there any other obviously uncultured souls out there, who still pronounce it chicken kiev, rather than chicken keeev?' 'I've just learned I've been pronouncing chicken Kiev wrong,' one added. 'Kiev' was the standardised spelling for the city under Soviet rule, but recent Russian aggression has seen more Western institutions heed calls to abandon it in favour of the Ukrainian alternative. And after the invasion began in 2022, many shoppers called for supermarkets to rename the dish as chicken kviv.
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The Independent
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Supermarket becomes first in UK to roll out invisible recycling tracker
Marks and Spencer has become the first supermarket to introduce invisible, ultraviolet tags on some milk bottles to track them through the recycling system. Developed by recycling technology firm Polytag, these tags are printed on the labels of M&S's four-pint milk bottles, aiming to boost recycling rates. Once recycled, the bottles can be scanned by Polytag's plastic detection units in retrofitted recycling facilities, providing M&S with real-time data on their single-use plastic packaging. This initiative is designed to help M&S accurately track sustainability targets, improve recycling claims, and potentially reduce costs under extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules. M&S has also invested £100,000 into Polytag's Ecotrace programme, which seeks to roll out a nationwide invisible UV tag reader network, with other supermarkets like Co-op, Waitrose, and Aldi also working with Polytag.
