The e-gift cards have been sent to a number of customers whose orders were cancelled or delayed due to the on going cyber incident
It was joyous news for fans of Marks and Spencer everywhere as, just weeks ago. it was revealed online orders were back – complete with home delivery – and the cyber attack on the cult British retailer was over. Now, the shopping giant has rolled out a number of emails to some of its customers to share the good news that they are being gifted an e-gift card ‘to spend online or in store’ across fashion home and beauty ranges.
This e-gift card is being sent to those whose orders were cancelled or delayed during the attack. Now with many people having received these emails, it’s understandable to be a little sceptical as to whether they are genuine. It seems across social media M&S shoppers have been reaching out and asking the same question – however the brand’s social media team have been quick to quash any doubt with messages in response that read: “Rest assured, this is a genuine email. It is a thank you from us for your continued support during the Cyber Incident after your order was cancelled.”
Another M&S worker confirmed: “We’ve sent an e-gift card out to our customers as an apology for cancelling or delaying their order(s) during the peak of our recent cyber incident. Happy shopping.”
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It seems shoppers must follow the link in their email to check how much money is on the gift card. Following this, it can be redeemed.
With keen fashion fans racing to the website to stock up on their holiday wardrobe, work wear, summer bits and more, it’s also important to know that the brand is now offering up to five-day home delivery for England, Scotland and Wales as well as free postal returns on all orders.
With online orders back up and running, shoppers can now get their hands on best-selling items that may otherwise be sold out in store – although understandably, the brand’s virtual shelves are somewhat bare since the reopening of online orders.
For example, this gorgeous £49.50 Linen Rich Round Neck Strappy Midi Swing Dress has sold out online in red and olive green, however in the sugar pink hue sizes 12 to 16 are still available.
However, this summer-ready Linen Rich Round Neck Mini Shift Dress, £29.50, has sizes 12 to 24 still in stock and shopper are raving about it saying that it’s a ‘lovely dress for my hot holiday’ – plus, one essential detail when holiday packing: “It didn’t crease”.
Another person cited: “Gorgeous light summer dress. Very comfortable and true to size. Looking forward to wearing this on holiday.”
Although for some people, the dress’ material was a little too thin and the length ‘too short’ – so best to check the dimensions before purchasing.
With summer here and a whole bunch of new in items on the website – coinciding with online orders reopening and e-gift cards being handed out – shoppers can get their hands on the new M&S x England Collection, which includes a pair of high waisted pleat front Bermuda shorts, £29.50. Coming in black and ecru, the shorts have been so popular the ‘short’ and ‘long’ lengths are sold out. However, sizes eight to 18 are still available in the ‘regular’ length.
Fashion fans can also get their hands on some of the brand’s M&S stock, such as Nobody’s Child, FatFace and Sweaty Betty. Nobody’s Child is currently holding a 50% off sale, so if the desired item isn’t on offer at M&S, it’s worth a peek at the own brand’s website to see if it’s cheaper – for a limited time only. For example, this Blue Tile V-neck Floral Flora Midi Dress is £59 at M&S with no sizes in stock. But on the Nobody’s Child website, it’s on sale for £36 with most sizes available.
Other shoppers have also sold out the brand’s popular Quilted Shoulder Bag, £35, in the green colour – however in black and natural colour, it is still in stock online. A compact design with a full lining, the shoulder bag has received glowing reviews with a 4.8 star rating with many people calling it a ‘great holiday bag’. One person who snapped up the bubble textured, quilted accessory said: “Great bag, perfect addition to weekend away luggage.”
Another added: “I bought this for work and wasn’t disappointed. The style, size and quality are amazing, I love it. Another great buy from M&S. I’m finding who ever is designing this year is definitely getting it right.”
“Great lightweight bag with lots of room. Ideal for trips away,” said another.
One shopper did warn that, at 39x45x60cm, it ‘is a little on the large size but decided I would keep as a hand luggage bag for trips away’.
On a more personal note, since online orders are back, I’ve been able to bag a pair of shoes for my husband that have been sold out in store for weeks. The exact shoes are the Suede Lace Up Trainers with Freshfeet™, £65, which are in stock online in sizes six to 12 (with the exception of size 10 not available) in the dark charcoal and sizes six, seven and 12 in the more popular stone. Perfect for every day wear and smart dinners.
It’s not just clothing shoppers can snap up on the website as its garden products are mostly ‘online only’ – for example, those looking to spruce up their garden can now get their hands on the brand’s Venice Bistro Garden Table & Chairs, £199, which comes in olive and a more natural cream colour. Consisting of two chairs and bistro table, the garden set ‘cannot be faulted’, said one happy customer.
They said: ” The chairs are remarkably comfortable and the table big enough for dining but not too big that it dominates. I am looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this spring and summer! One of my best ever buys, well done Marks & Spencer!!”
The set rivals Dunelm’s affordable sets, such as its Amalfi Mosaic Effect Bistro Set which is currently on sale for £104.30 down form £149. With a mosaic design, the table and chairs are slightly smaller than M&S’, making them more of an ideal size for balconies.