Marks & Spencer has revealed that its Sparks loyalty program is now fully operational again after a significant cyber attack.
The supermarket had to close its online services due to the cyber attack during the Easter weekend, impacting contactless payments in stores and click and collect orders.
Although customer data such as names, email addresses, addresses, and dates of birth were compromised in the attack, no card or payment details were accessed.
In an update, M&S stated that customers can now fully utilize its Sparks app, enjoying personalized discounts, birthday perks, and coffee rewards.
As part of the coffee scheme, customers can earn a complimentary coffee after collecting six stamps on their Sparks app. Additionally, M&S will distribute over 1.8 million birthday treats to those celebrating their birthday this month, with belated treats for May or June celebrants.
Customers will have the choice of various treats like Percy Pigs, Swiss Truffle Assortment Box, flowers, Prosecco, grapes, or Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits.
To enhance security, customers are advised to change their passwords when accessing the Sparks app post-cyber attack. M&S has also introduced a gratitude discount for its staff.
This weekend, M&S is boosting its colleague discount from 20% to 30% for 63,000 employees for four days. Moreover, the 10% discount is extended to over 2,500 contractors and partners.
Sharry Cramond, Director of Loyalty, Fashion, Home & Beauty Marketing, and Masterbrand, expressed gratitude towards both colleagues and customers, emphasizing the additional Sparks rewards as a token of appreciation.
Following the cyber attack, M&S CEO Stuart Machin assured shareholders that the rest of the online operations would resume by August.
The cyber attack is projected to cost the company approximately £300 million, despite M&S reporting a significant annual profit increase to £875.5 million before the attack, marking its highest in over 15 years.
Shoppers are cautioned to be vigilant if contacted by individuals claiming to represent the supermarket.