Latest news with #MandS
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Jaffa Cake fans fume after spotting difference in taste claiming 'they're not the same'
A Jaffa Cake fan has taken to social media to share their disappointment over one change - and it seems many other people agree with them. Fans of Jaffa Cakes have taken to sharing a common grievance after noticing a discrepancy in the sweet treat's taste. The popular McVities delight is a quintessential British classic, consisting of a sponge base, a layer of orange-flavoured jam, and a dark chocolate topping. First created nearly a century ago, numerous supermarkets and stores across the nation have developed their own versions of Jaffa Cakes. However, many enthusiasts swear by the original McVities Jaffa Cake. This trusty treat can often be found in the biscuit aisle, despite being legally classified as a cake following a 1991 VAT ruling, reports the Mirror. Recently, a Jaffa Cakes enthusiast purchased a pack at the supermarket after a few years of abstinence. On Reddit, they revealed that they couldn't wait to get home before opening the box and indulging. They soon regretted their decision, describing the cakes as "dry". They elaborated: "That 'spongey' bit? It's not the same spongey bit I remember growing up. It's like drywall." "Well, drywall is a bit far, but it ain't no sponge. I had three, just to make sure I wasn't going crazy, and they were all the same." Upon returning home, they offered the cakes to friends, who concurred with their assessment, with all of them convinced that they're "just not the same". The debate stirred on Reddit as one user posed the question: "Has something changed? Have false memories allowed me to remember an absolutely supreme experience whilst munching on these delights? "Or have they just decided to change the whole recipe to save a few quid?" They further expressed their dismay: "P.S. The absolute kings of the knock-off Jaffas used to be MandS. "I don't dare try them now in case they've followed suit and sucked all the moisture out of theirs as well." In the comments section, fellow Redditors were quick to chime in, seemingly echoing the sentiment. One noted: "I used to think as you get old your taste buds change or you grew bigger but no, they f***ed with the sizes and recipes." Another suggested: "Off-brand Jaffa cakes have been superior for a few years now. Aldi ones are pretty good, MandS too". Complaints also arose about the shrunken size of Jaffa Cakes: "They used to be 12 but now 10 in a packet. "They have shrunk as I can easily get one in my gob as 20 odd years ago I would struggle. So that's 10 mouthfuls for me." Another user voiced frustration: "I'm actually starting to get p***ed off with how literally everything in the shops is crap. "McVities Jaffa Cakes are a premium brand, if I am buying them I want the premium quality that ought to come with the premium branding." Continuing the grumble they added: "But no, I'm paying a premium price for a fancy box containing a worse tasting and smaller product than Aldi own brand. Might try them again in a decade." A request for comment has been sent to McVitie's.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
M&S's sell-out floral dress is finally back in stock - and it looks a lot like Kate Middleton's designer favourite
M&S has launched a gorgeous floral tea dress that looks remarkably like a £245 frock from Rixo - the designer label loved by the Princess of Wales. Kate has stepped out in Rixo's signature prints multiple times, including two versions of the Izzy Pleated Shirt Dress, most recently in a polka dot iteration. But if you're after her elegant style on a high-street budget, M&S has you covered with the Printed V-Neck Lace Insert Midaxi Tea Dress, priced at just £45. With its flattering silhouette, blue ditsy floral print and lace-trimmed details, it channels the same romantic charm as its designer counterpart. However, the M&S version offers added arm coverage with elegant three-quarter sleeves, making it ideal for spring events and unpredictable weather. The result is a timeless and feminine piece that looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests. M&S Collection Printed Tea Dress £45 M&S' floral tea dress makes a charming choice for dressier occasions. Designed in a skimming fit, it features a flowing midaxi-length skirt, flattering V-neckline and three-quarter sleeves. Delicate lace inserts at the shoulders and cuffs lend a romantic touch. Shop Rixo Amari Midi Dress £260 Shop Available in sizes 6 to 24 across regular, petite and tall fits, this dress is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Style it with heels and a clutch for weddings or date nights, or keep things relaxed with sandals and a straw bag - even trainers and a denim jacket for a casual daytime look. With an outstanding 4.8 out of 5-star rating from shoppers, it's already become a bestseller. One reviewer shared: 'Bought this dress for brunch with the girls. I received so many compliments and felt great in it. Really comfy to wear and super pretty.' Another added, 'It's so elegant and timeless,' while a third praised its practicality: 'Washes well, can get away with not ironing so perfect for holidays.' The M&S Rixo lookalike dress is in high demand, so if you're keen to add a royal-approved look to your wardrobe this spring, act fast.
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
M&S boss's pay soared by 39% ahead of cyber attack
M&S CEO Stuart Machin's pay package soared 39 per cent to £7.1 million, driven by performance-linked bonuses, before a major cyber attack disrupted the retailer. Machin's pay for the year to March included £4.6 million in long-term performance bonuses (inaccessible for two years), a £1.6 million bonus tied to M&S's performance, and £894,000 in fixed pay and pension benefits. The pay increase followed a turnaround strategy that boosted clothing and home sales, with shares rising to a nearly nine-year high in April. A cyber attack after Easter halted online orders and compromised customer data, costing the firm an estimated £300 million and causing significant disruption. An M&S spokeswoman said that the CEO's pay was performance-based and reflected the company's growth under Machin's leadership.
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
M&S cyber attack: Shoppers warned to look out for two scam emails from fraudsters
M&S cyber attack: Shoppers warned to look out for two scam emails from fraudsters MandS shoppers have been warned to be on the lookout for scam emails from fraudsters after the retail giant suffered a cyber attack that saw some customer data being compromised The retailer declared an incident on April 22 after the cyber attack The ongoing cyber incident at Marks & Spencer has not only disrupted customer services but also heightened concerns over cyber security. Customers have been cautioned to remain alert and be on the lookout for fraudulent emails from scammers. The high street retailer has confirmed that certain customer details were compromised during the cyber attack, including email addresses and records of online purchases. The disruption to services is ongoing. With the breach of some customers' data, cyber security specialists have sounded the alarm for shoppers, urging them to be cautious of fake communications from scammers leveraging the stolen data, reports the Mirror. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Cybersecurity expert Joe Jones, CEO of Pistachio, said: "Shoppers should be on high alert for convincing scam emails, texts and calls." He strongly recommended against clicking on links from unknown sources and suggested visiting the official website directly for accurate updates. Article continues below Mr Jones highlighted a couple of potential scam emails that cybercriminals might utilise: "With access to names, contact details, and even order histories, cybercriminals can easily craft realistic messages that appear to be from M&S. Be cautious of emails claiming 'your order is out for delivery' or 'there's an issue with your recent purchase'. "Just because they include details that feel familiar, such as your favourite items, this does not prove their authenticity." He further warned that scams could emerge weeks or months after the ongoing incident, emphasising the need for ongoing vigilance. Zain Javed, CTO at cybersecurity firm Citation Cyber, believes online retailers will intensify their security protocols following the cyberattack. He said: "Retailers will be keen to tighten protections, which means customers might encounter more frequent identity checks, multi-factor authentication during purchases, or longer verification processes at checkout. "It's important for consumers to follow these steps as it is essential to help protect from cyber attacks." Adding to the caution, Niall McConachie, regional director for UK and Ireland at cybersecurity company Yubico, indicated that even robust precautions such as strong passwords and two-step verifications may not be enough to thwart determined fraudsters. He suggests considering physical passkeys as an alternative security layer, which may involve biological recognition techniques like facial or fingerprint scanning. Mr McConachie explained: "Passkeys are a more secure data protection option than traditional passwords and legacy MFA since they don't require users to recall or manually enter long sequences of characters that can be forgotten, stolen or intercepted. And when shopping online, they do not slow down the checkout process." He also outlined their benefits by stating, "Passkeys allow shoppers to securely manage logins across countless platforms and applications, offering a stronger authentication method than passwords or even two-step verification. With device-bound passkeys providing the highest level of security, customers can truly safeguard themselves and their valuable data." Article continues below
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Hackers using aliases from TV show claim UK retailers are on their 'Blacklist' after cyber-attacks on M&S and Co-op
The hackers responsible for the devastating cyber attacks on M&S and Co-op have allegedly placed all UK retailers on the 'Blacklist' in a nod to the popular television series. Claiming to be behind the attacks that saw supermarket shelves cleared and mass disruption nationwide, the alleged hackers have now provided evidence which proves that substantial amounts of private customer and employee information has been stolen. In Telegram messages reportedly exchanged for five hours between the alleged cyber crooks and the BBC 's cyber correspondent, they expressed frustration that the Co-op had not given in to their ransom demands, while also failing to confirm the Bitcoin figure demanded in exchange for not revealing or selling off the stolen data. And, while keeping their identity and location unknown, the hackers even highlighted their unwavering bid for fame and notoriety, claiming that they eventually wanted to be known as 'Raymond Reddington' and 'Dembe Zuma', two characters from the hit US crime thriller show The Blacklist. In a message to the BBC, they boastfully proclaimed: 'We're putting UK retailers on the Blacklist.' Released in 2013, the 10 series drama centers around a notorious international criminal and wanted fugitive cooperates with the FBI in the hunt for other criminals on his 'Blacklist'. The BBC said that the 'English speakers' behind the anonymous Telegram account were eventually able to prove their intimate involvement in the cyber attacks through several messages. In Telegram messages reportedly exchanged for five hours between the alleged cyber crooks and the BBC 's cyber correspondent, they expressed frustration that the Co-op had not given in to their ransom demands (file image) The communication, alongside other information provided, eventually led the cyber correspondent to eventually conclude that the hackers were associated with the DragonForce hacking group. DragonForce's ransomware operation uses malicious software, which when triggered can prevent the target from accessing their own devices and data. Criminals then use stolen data as leverage to extort huge sums of money, a process known as 'ransomware-as-a-service'. While unknown who ultimately used the service to attack the two popular British retailers, several security experts believe that the tactics used emulate the loosely coordinated group of hackers dubbed 'Scattered Spider' or 'Octo Tempest '. Having reviewed the amalgamation of evidence provided by the hackers, the BBC said that they contacted the Co-op's press team for comment. It was only then, they allege, that the popular retailer, who had initially downplayed the hack's implications, eventually admitted to the widespread data breach. Co-op had previously claimed that the cyberattack had only a 'small impact' on its operations and insisted there was 'no evidence that customer data was compromised'. However, a Co-op spokesman later said the hackers ' accessed data relating to a significant number of our current and past members '. Following this, in an angry letter he later received by the alleged hackers, it was also revealed that the UK store had 'narrowly dodged a more severe hack' having intervened shortly after its computer systems were initially infiltrated. Quick-thinking bosses had apparently 'yanked the plug' on their systems having spotted M&S' systems, also targeted by the hackers, being seriously compromised. The hackers told the BBC: 'Co-op's network never ever suffered ransomware. They yanked their own plug - tanking sales, burning logistics, and torching shareholder value.' They added that they had successfully infiltrated Co-op's systems and stole customer data, and had been in the process of uploading the malicious data when they were caught. The hackers had moved to limit the impact of the attack by shutting down some IT systems, including parts of its supply chain and logistics operations, resulting in disruption to deliveries. Turning off computers prevent hackers from doing further damage, meaning companies are able to isolate their systems and assess what has been tampered with. It means that while M&S are still scrabbling to get systems such as online shopping back into working order, Co-op has been able to recover more quickly. Co-op said there would be improved availability in its food shops and online from this weekend, while its stock ordering system is now fully online again. It was also now able to accept all forms of payment, including contactless and chip-and-pin. On May 14, a Co-op spokesperson said: 'Following the malicious third-party cyber attack, we took early and decisive action to restrict access to our systems in order to protect our Co-op. 'We are now in the recovery phase and are taking steps to bring our systems gradually back online in a safe and controlled manner.' Meanwhile, M&S customers were left reeling following the devastating hack more than three weeks ago which forced it to halt online sales for five days - with its share prices plummeting by more than £500m and the company shedding £1billion worth of value on the stock exchange. Following the attack, some M&S stores were left with empty shelves as the beleaguered retailer continues to battle with fallout of a crippling hack. Shoppers were also left furious after some outlets were left 'completely empty', with items including bananas, fruit and vegetables, fish and Colin the Caterpillar cakes out of stock. As the crisis continues to plague the British High Street staple, staff have reportedly been forced to work for up to 24 hours a day while enduring 'sleepless nights' to fix it, insiders have revealed. The hackers went undetected in M&S' systems for up to 52 hours before the devastating cyber attack was finally uncovered. Crisis teams then battled tirelessly to protect the beloved British store, frequented by up to 9.4million active customers, throughout the five-day 'attack phase'. Alan Woodward, University of Surrey cyber security professor, told The Times that he believed the fact the store has still failed to reinstate their online sales, with customers having been unable to take any orders through the website or app since April 25, 'suggests they were a little less prepared than maybe they should have been'. Following the devastating attacks, retailers are on red alert for similar attacks, as DragonForce said it was poised to launch more. In an interview with Bloomberg, its anonymous creators threatened to release data if it does not receive payment from the retailers, saying it typically expects millions of pounds for ransom payments. The group operates similarly to a criminal cartel and sells its software to other hackers, such as the Scattered Spider gang. 'Our job is not to destroy, we just take some money and walk away,' it said, also warning that the recent attacks were 'just a start'. DragonForce hackers claimed more than 90 victims last year and targeted companies across various industries. On May 2, the Information Commissioner's Office said it was also looking into the attack, as well as a similar major incident involving M&S' competitor, the Co-op. M&S and Co-op customers have also been urged to use strong passwords and different ones across multiple platforms. The National Crime Agency said: 'We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate. We are considering the incidents individually. However, we are mindful they may be linked and therefore this will remain under review.'
