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If you’ve struggled to place an online order with Marks & Spencer recently, you’re not alone. The retailer has been grappling with the aftermath of a significant cyberattack that occurred over the Easter weekend, forcing the suspension of online orders in the UK since 25 April.
It has now emerged that the hack, perpetrated by a group called DragonForce, compromised customer data, including names, addresses, and order histories. Fortunately, card details and passwords remained secure. Nevertheless, the digital disruption has been substantial, impacting in-store services like contactless payments and click-and-collect.
Marks & Spencer’s operations director, Jayne Wall, stated: “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, who we continue to work closely with. 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.”
With M&S facing a daily loss of around £4 million in online sales, the brand is fighting to get their digital doors back open but hasn’t set a solid date for the website’s return just yet. Bricks-and-mortar stores remain operational while they toil with cyberspace safeguards, even asking shoppers to change their passwords as an extra layer of safety, reports the Mirror.
It’s all hands on deck at M&S HQ, and fingers crossed the wait won’t stretch too long. Can’t wait to update your wardrobe with your usual M&S fix? Fear not, we’ve got your back with some equally trendy and budget-friendly picks from other top-notch online stores to tide you over this spring.
Top picks for your spring wardrobe while M&S sorts its tech woes. River Island Square Neck Mini Dress
River Island’s Brown Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress
(Image: River Island)
Fancy a dress that oozes sophistication without the eye-watering price tag? River Island’s “classy” number could easily be mistaken for designer clobber. A hit among fashion-forward shoppers, the Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress doesn’t skimp on style or choice, with hues ranging from chocolatey brown to a vibrant red, and available in sizes six through 22 for £42.
Never Fully Dressed Palma Island Dress
The dress is perfect for heatwave dressing
(Image: Never Fully Dressed)
Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt has been turning heads with her fashion choices, and her latest dress is perfect for the UK’s current mini-heatwave. Sharing a snap of herself in the frock on Instagram stories, Scarlett revealed that it’s the Palma Island Dress from Never Fully Dressed, available in sizes XS to XXXL. It’s currently in stock in all sizes, but given how fabulous Scarlett looks in it, we predict it won’t be around for long.
Next Black V-Neck Ruffle Sleeve Mini Dress with Linen
Black V-Neck Ruffle Sleeve Mini Dress with Linen from Next
(Image: Next)
Next shoppers can’t get enough of a “perfect” dress that’s flying off the virtual shelves. The high-street favourite is known for its trendy clothing and accessories, and one dress in particular is proving a hit with fans. The V-Neck Ruffle Sleeve Mini Dress with Linen is priced at £28 and comes in a variety of colours and patterns, including white, animal leopard print, blue floral print, monofloral, navy vintage floral, and more. It’s available in regular or petite fit, in sizes six to 26.
Uniqlo Linen Blend V-Neck Dress
Uniqlo’s Linen Blend V Neck Dress
(Image: Uniqlo)
Shoppers are going wild for Uniqlo’s latest must-have item – a “divine” gingham linen blend dress that perfectly captures chic summer vibes. The popular Japanese retailer, beloved for its trendy and affordable wardrobe finds, is drawing crowds online with this charming number. Priced at just £39.90, the black and white V-neck dress is flying off the virtual shelves, flattering figures with its gathered shoulders and waist.
Next Midi Slip Summer Dress
Pink/Orange Midi Slip Summer Dress from Next
(Image: Next)
This “lovely” dress comes in an array of summer-ready patterns including a bright pink and orange, trendy blue tie dye, and even classic black/green or animal prints.
And while M&S fans may be missing their shopping fix during the brand’s hiatus, you can still bag your Percy Pigs and go-to ready meals via Ocado, which offers a wide selection of their delectable food items. For now, other M&S favourites like blooms, hampers, and those unique seasonal goodies will have to wait, but the retailer extends a heartfelt thanks for customer patience.
Keep your fingers crossed; hopefully, it won’t be much longer until everything’s back up and available online!
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