M&S profits recover to £355m after cyber-attack impact eases
The retailer's profits rebounded significantly in the first half of its financial year, though clothing sales remain below pre-attack levels.
At a glance
- Profits rebounded to £355m from £3.4m year-on-year
- Cyber-attack in Easter 2025 shut website for over six weeks
- Clothing and homeware sales still below two-year comparison
- Company stated brand remains in good health
Marks & Spencer reported profits of £355m for the six months to 26 September, a substantial recovery from £3.4m a year earlier. The improvement reflects the retailer's gradual recovery from a cyber-attack that began over Easter 2025 and forced the closure of its website for more than six weeks.
However, sales and profit from clothing and homeware divisions remain below levels from two years ago. The company said the attack continued to affect clothing sales through the summer period, more than a year after the incident occurred.
Why it matters
The recovery demonstrates the long-term impact of major cyber incidents on retail operations and consumer confidence, with effects persisting well beyond the initial disruption.
Original reporting
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