Marks & Spencer (MKS.L) is in the process of reinstating full benefits for its Sparks loyalty scheme customers and providing a temporary “thank you” discount to staff, as the retailer gradually resumes full operations following a disruptive cyber attack.
The Sparks scheme, along with all orders from the M&S website, was suspended after hackers gained access to its IT systems over the Easter weekend in April. The clothing, home, and upmarket groceries retailer has confirmed that shoppers can now access the full range of Sparks benefits, including personalised discounts, birthday treats, and coffee stamps.
More than 1.8 million individuals are set to receive birthday treats this month, such as complimentary bags of Percy Pigs, prosecco, or biscuits. These products are being offered as a catch-up for those with birthdays in May or June, as well as for July birthdays.
The company also announced an additional staff discount for four days for its 63,000 workers and over 2,500 contractors. The usual 20% staff discount is being increased to 30% on fashion, homewares, and beauty items. Furthermore, contractors, including security and cleaning staff, and those working on beauty counters for brands like Clinique and Estee Lauder (EL), will receive a 10% discount for the first time outside the Christmas period.
M&S has previously stated that its profits are expected to be hit by up to £300 million this year, after it was forced to pause online orders for nearly seven weeks following the attack. During the incident, customers’ personal data, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and order histories, was stolen.
The website began accepting clothing orders last month, with homewares quickly following. However, the “click and collect” service, where online orders can be picked up in stores, is still not operational. Beauty products and food-to-order items, such as party platters and celebration cakes, also remain unavailable online. Full service is anticipated to be restored within a few weeks.
Last week, four individuals, including three teenagers, were arrested in the UK as part of an investigation into cyber attacks on Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods, which occurred within days of each other. The National Crime Agency, which is investigating the hacks alongside the police, is examining the possible involvement of Scattered Spider, a loose collective of native English-speaking hackers.
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