M&S giving away 'thank you' treats to millions of shoppers after cyber attack
M&S has announced that its Sparks loyalty scheme is now fully back online following its crippling cyber attack.
The supermarket was forced to shut down its online operations after it was targeted over the Easter weekend. The cyber attack affected contactless payments in stores, as well as click and collect orders.
It was later confirmed that customer data, including names, email addresses, addresses and dates of birth - but not card or payment details - was stolen.
In its latest update, M&S said customers will be able to use its Sparks app fully once again, including personalised discounts, birthday treats and coffee stamps.
The M&S coffee scheme allows customers to get a free coffee when they collect six stamps a free coffee in their Sparks app. In addition, M&S will be giving out over 1.8 million birthday treats to those celebrating their birthday this month. There will also be belated birthday treats for customers who had celebrations in May or June.
Customers will be able to choose between 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.
Shoppers will be advised to change their password if they've yet to log in to the Sparks app following the cyber attack. M&S has also launched a 'thank you' discount to staff.
This weekend, M&S will is boosting its 20% colleague discount to 30% for four days for 63,000 colleagues. M&S will also extend the 10% discount to over 2,500 contractors from across its supply chain and partners.
Sharry Cramond, Director of Loyalty, Fashion, Home & Beauty Marketing and Masterbrand, said: 'Over the last three months, our colleagues have demonstrated real commitment and teamwork.
'At the same time, our customers have shown us fantastic support and loyalty. These extra Sparks rewards are a small gesture to say thank you.'
It comes after the boss of M&S issued a statement earlier this month, confirming the rest of its online operations will reopen by August.
Speaking to shareholders at the retailer's annual general meeting, CEO Stuart Machin said: "I'm really hoping by August, the majority of this is behind us, and customers will see the full M&S."
The cyber attack is expected to cost the company around £300million. M&S annual profits - before the attack emerged - jumped by more than a fifth to £875.5million, its highest in over 15 years, thanks to its turnaround programme.
M&S has advised shoppers to take extra caution if they are contacted by someone who claims to be from the supermarket.
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