Marks and Spencer Offers 20% Discount to Irish Shoppers Amid Online Store Reopening

Marks and Spencer has announced a 20% discount for Irish customers as it prepares to restore its online shopping services following a significant cyber attack last year. The retailer confirmed that while its UK website has resumed click-and-collect orders, Irish shoppers still cannot make online purchases. The company indicated that a full return of online services is expected “soon.”

In an effort to express gratitude for customer patience, the discount applies to fashion and home items purchased in Irish stores until August 20, 2023. Customers can access this offer through the Marks and Spencer app from August 14 to the closing date of the promotion. John Lyttle, Managing Director of Fashion, Home and Beauty, emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring services and thanked Irish customers for their ongoing support.

“We plan to have them all fully back up and running soon. To thank you for your support, customers can enjoy 20% off when shopping in-store on fashion and home,” Lyttle stated. He reassured shoppers that Marks and Spencer locations across Ireland remain open and staff are ready to assist.

The company halted online orders after a cyber attack during the Easter weekend in April 2023, which also disrupted contactless payments in stores. This incident forced Marks and Spencer to temporarily shut down part of its IT infrastructure, resulting in the theft of customer data, including names, email addresses, addresses, and dates of birth, though no card or payment information was compromised.

At the time, CEO Stuart Machin addressed customers, acknowledging the disruption caused by the cyber incident and expressing regret for any inconvenience experienced. He stated, “I’m writing to let you know that over the last few days M&S has been managing a cyber incident. To protect you and the business, it was necessary to temporarily make some small changes to our store operations.”

Marks and Spencer is advising customers to remain vigilant against potential scams. Those contacted by individuals claiming to represent the company are urged to exercise caution. Additionally, customers who have not yet logged into the Sparks app are encouraged to change their passwords following the breach.

The financial impact of the cyber attack is estimated to cost the company approximately £300 million (€350 million). In a recent update to shareholders, Machin expressed optimism that operations would be fully restored by August. He noted that the investigation into the attack, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), is a high priority, and significant progress has been made.

“Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cybercrime investigators have been working at pace, and today’s arrests are a significant step in that investigation,” Machin explained. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between businesses and law enforcement in tackling such incidents.

As Marks and Spencer looks to rebuild its online presence, the retailer remains focused on customer satisfaction and safety, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in the face of cyber threats.