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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think the M&S cyber attack has shown up how awful the shops are?

112 replies

CaterpillaNavilla · 15/05/2025 22:37

I have a wish list full of things I can’t buy online so have taken trips to the two M&S’s closest to me to try and buy in person instead. The selection of clothing and homeware was awful.

I’m occasionally a size 8 in M&S trousers but neither shop stocked an 8 in any trousers. Nothing seemed to have a full selection of sizes with only 5/6 of each item.

The homeware bits weren’t available or were only available on the wrong sizes (e.g. every size sheets but double in the style I wanted).

Not a single navy cardigan in either shop.

If only I needed towels - the only thing they seemed to have in abundance!

OP posts:
LavenderBlue19 · 15/05/2025 22:39

I would imagine they're having stock control issues, given the cyber attack?

randomchap · 15/05/2025 22:40

The cyber attack is affecting the stock control as well as online orders.

MidnightPatrol · 15/05/2025 22:40

You need to go to a really massive M&S to get the good stuff.

The local ones are tailored to an audience of people over a certain age…

Ofcoursehesthefkingfarmer · 15/05/2025 22:42

😂 I don’t know whether you’re joking? Obviously the shops are affected by the cyber incident as well, this is widely reported?

Ellephanting · 15/05/2025 22:43

I had some Christmas money, I went to M & S to buy a navy cardi and a black cardi. Pretty standard stuff for M & S. I also wanted a new casual jacket. I couldn’t find a single item that I could even consider. I’ve still got the money.

doodleschnoodle · 15/05/2025 22:44

If only there was a reason for the poor stock levels. I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Ohthatsbeikkiant · 15/05/2025 22:44

Has it seriously not occured to you that all the stock fulfillment has been completely undermined by the cyber attack?!

Thedogscollar · 15/05/2025 22:46

Do you realise the impact of a cyber attack on a shop as huge as M&S?
YABVU.

MrsClatterbuck · 15/05/2025 22:48

Was in a very large one last week and was very disappointed. Even before the cyber attack I had noticed that they appeared to not stock any sizes above an eighteen. Also what is the story with their cooked chicken. . The packaging has changed but the stock is dire. I noticed this before the attack and they only have chicken legs but no thighs or breast if there is any at all.

Nomdemare · 15/05/2025 22:59

Feel very sorry for M&S - my husband’s City based financial services firm was also hit by Russian led cyber attack. It’s prevalent; the great unspoken. I imagine the board will be in meltdown.

Ohthatsbeikkiant · 15/05/2025 23:00

I feel so sorry for them too and the Co-oP, complete nightmare

Ellephanting · 15/05/2025 23:03

I went to M & S in January and it was hopeless.

INeedAnotherName · 15/05/2025 23:05

Oh OP...

Surely you realise the cyber attack wasn't just on the online shopping part? Wait until you visit the Co-op, you'll be stunned!

Lolopolo · 15/05/2025 23:06

I can never find size 8 in store at any time!

Spectre8 · 15/05/2025 23:08

I went into my.local one before I know for the cyber attack probably 24hrs after it happened, lots of shelves empty and they continue to be. Staff said oh people who came during the day bought it all..I did think that odd until I got home and saw news about it. Obviously staff weren't going to say cyber attack but it's definitely affecting stock levels. It's been week or so now and they still continue to have empty shelves and this isn't normal, noone is buying up all the food unless it's pandemic times. So yeah it's the cyber attack causing problems.

Depending on bad it is they might have to rebuild alot of their systems again from scratch or buy new software which takes time and in the meantime revet back to work arounds so it must be a logistical nightmare.

Fordian · 15/05/2025 23:08

I’ve cut from OP to now: ‘awful’? Really?

Dearover · 15/05/2025 23:11

Actually it's shown how awful teenagers can be if they lose touch with decency and morals, sit behind a computer screen and think that this level of disruption is all a game.

As for M&S, if I can't buy Percy Pigs for a while, I'll have to struggle on with Colin Caterpillars instead. Happy to remain loyal.

cigarettesanddisappointment · 15/05/2025 23:12

I have so much stuff in my M&S basket waiting to be able to checkout; my local one does not stock any long length trousers, only short and regular, and I’m in desperate need of summer trousers!

Purplebunnie · 15/05/2025 23:13

MrsClatterbuck · 15/05/2025 22:48

Was in a very large one last week and was very disappointed. Even before the cyber attack I had noticed that they appeared to not stock any sizes above an eighteen. Also what is the story with their cooked chicken. . The packaging has changed but the stock is dire. I noticed this before the attack and they only have chicken legs but no thighs or breast if there is any at all.

You are lucky to get an 18. Fat Face, Jack Wills only stock 16 in their shop. It's the fat tax, we have to pay postage because they can't charge for the extra fabric

Paperthin · 15/05/2025 23:15

First world problems and all that.

Florally · 15/05/2025 23:17

I think people have to give them a bit of leniency- estimated losses from this is 5 million pounds plus.

Hopefully people remain loyal customers. This could happen to anyone and any business.

LoafofSellotape · 15/05/2025 23:19

I'm surprised it's only a 5 million loss,it's been a moth off line!

AliBaliBee1234 · 15/05/2025 23:22

Their stock levels have been affected in store too. Co-op having the same problem.

M&S is usually well stocked

MadisonAvenue · 15/05/2025 23:23

Dearover · 15/05/2025 23:11

Actually it's shown how awful teenagers can be if they lose touch with decency and morals, sit behind a computer screen and think that this level of disruption is all a game.

As for M&S, if I can't buy Percy Pigs for a while, I'll have to struggle on with Colin Caterpillars instead. Happy to remain loyal.

Aldi have Leo The Lion, their own version of Percy Pigs 😉

As for M&S, the stock selection in my local store is poor at the best of times. I’ve not been in since the cyber attack.

Florally · 15/05/2025 23:23

LoafofSellotape · 15/05/2025 23:19

I'm surprised it's only a 5 million loss,it's been a moth off line!

I think that’s a quote from the ‘minimum’ at the beginning of the situation.

but still, feel for them massively.

we all want the high street to survive right?