In recent months, Marks and Spencer has had to implement a major shake-up affecting how customers are able to buy its products and the retailer’s new summer fashion has people all saying the same thing
Marks and Spencer shoppers have all made the same complaint after catching a glimpse of its “stunning” new collection of summer clothing. The popular retail chain, which was originally founded in Leeds back in 1884, remains a firm feature on the British high street thanks to its on-trend yet high quality clothing, accessories, homeware, food and more.
In the wake of a recent “cyber incident”, which began in April and originally affected customers’ ability to make contactless payments and for the company to process click-and-collect orders across multiple UK stores, how people shop at the store has seen a major shake-up.
On April 22, M&S chief executive Stuart Machin apologised to customers via a statement and explained while the popular high street retailer had been “managing” the issue, it was still “necessary” to implement a series of “small changes” to “store operations” on a temporary basis while the situation was brought under control.
The CEO stressed stores remain open and, at that time, the app and website were still fully operational. This is now no longer the case.
On April 25, the company stopped taking online orders while the issue remains ongoing. The disruption is expected to continue throughout June and July.
Like many retailers, M&S utilises social media to keep shoppers in the loop on what they can expect to find in-store.
In a recent post on its main Instagram account, the retailer shared a carousel of images showcasing a string of items ideal for the warmer summer months. In the caption accompanying the post, Marks and Spencer simply penned: “New month, new ’fits. Those are the rules, right?”
Featured items include a light halter neck dress, a black tie-detail top and matching midi skirt, a striped waistcoat and trousers, and a pair of long cut-off shorts.
Though the items were quickly lauded in the comments section, many shoppers had the same quibble.
One person said: “Whilst you are not online you need to stock more of your smaller sizes – petite and Size 6 – in your stores. I can only ever find them online, it’s becoming very frustrating and stopping me from shopping in your stores!!!”
In agreement, another said: “I haven’t been able to buy one piece of clothing in store as never have smaller sizes or petite ranges in store”.
A third person lamented: “Being as though we still can’t order online, you really need to make sure you are stocking your stores sufficiently, I had to walk out empty-handed yesterday, with no swimwear in my size. First world problems, granted, but still.”
Someone else said: “So sad I live too far away from a store [sad face emoji] hope online ordering comes back before the end of the summer!”
And another would-be shopper commented: “So many items I want but can’t get in store. Stunning collection, hoping to secure a few pieces soon”.
One person asked whether items could be ordered in store to which, M&S replied: “Unfortunately, we are unable to process any online or store orders at the moment, but stores remain open as usual.”
M&S has been approached for comment.