M&S restarts online orders six weeks after cyber attack—but there's a catch
If you've been trying to place an online order with Marks & Spencer recently and found yourself out of luck, you're definitely not alone. M&S has been battling with the fallout from a major cyberattack that hit over the Easter weekend, forcing them to pull the plug on their UK online orders since April 25. But this week brings plenty of good news, as Marks & Spencer has just announced their online orders are back up and running as normal, except for one small caveat.
It was revealed that the hack, carried out by a group known as DragonForce (also sometimes called Scattered Spider), exposed customer data like names, addresses, and order histories. Thankfully, card details and passwords stayed safe. Still, it's been a bit of a digital disaster, with even in-store services like contactless payments and click-and-collect being affected.
Jayne Wall, operations director for M&S, wrote on the matter a few weeks ago: "To proactively manage the incident, we immediately took steps to protect our systems and engaged leading cyber security experts. We also reported the incident to relevant government authorities and law enforcement, with whom we continue to work closely. Unfortunately, the nature of the incident means that some personal customer data has been taken, but there is no evidence that it has been shared."
It's said that the retailer's been losing around £4 million a day in online sales, and while their physical stores are still open, there's been little hope of a confirmed date for when the website will be back in action - until today. M&S has been working closely with cybersecurity experts and has already asked customers to reset their passwords as a precaution. It's clear they have been taking the situation seriously, and now the wait is finally over, as you can return to shopping online at M&S to your heart's content.
The small catch? M&S have just warned that due to last month's debacle with online ordering, delivery times are now expected to be longer than Marks & Spencer's shoppers have been used to. It's expected that deliveries may now take up to 10 days. There's been no indication for how long these longer wait times will last, but dedicated M&S lovers will no doubt just be grateful to return to online shopping like old times.
So, what have we missed and what is there for you to shop today?
Since the cyberattack first started, Marks & Spencer has released its summer wardrobe collection, which is now available to shop online. It is worth noting that since we've all been suffering from M&S online shopping withdrawal, many products have been scooped up at near record speed, meaning there's a lot that's already sold out. But we've found our top five things to shop that are still stocked in most sizes.
Check out this Pure Cotton Denim Mini Shift Dress (£35) which comes in two colourways, blue denim or Ecru beige, and sizes 6 to 18 in petite, regular and tall measurements. That said, some size options are sold out, so you'll need to act fast to grab yours before its gone. One shopper who bought this number shared in their 5-star review: "Fits lovely, flattering, 5ft3 and not too short. Great spring to summer dress, maybe a bit thick for full summer." If you're looking for a similar item and don't mind the price tag, or don't want to wait the ten-day delivery time, Nobody's Child has this Blue Denim Ned Pinafore Mini Dress for £69.
For other dress options, this Halter Neck Mini Beach Dress (£59) is a hit with shoppers as it's touted as a popular item. Still available in sizes 10 to 18, this piece is selling like hot cakes, so you'll want to hurry.
Marks & Spencer is offering this 360 Tummy Control Plunge Swimsuit (£35) to cover all of your summer and holiday needs. Also named a popular piece, this swimsuit is available in a range of colours and sizes to ensure the best fit on all body types, making it a must-have for your summer holiday abroad.
A trending pick for summer 2025, shoppers can't go wrong with a solid pair of linen trousers. These Pure Linen Palazzo Trousers (£45) are loved by online and in-store shoppers alike, as well as celebrities, and they're selling like hotcakes, so you'll need to be quick to secure yours before it's gone. If your size has already sold out, Boden is offering these Islington Linen Trousers for £98.
Finally, these Leather Buckle Flatform Sandals (£49.50) are set to be your new go-to shoe for the spring and summer months. With a simple and versatile design, they are perfect for everything from walking around a new city to spending days on the beach.
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