Marks & Spencer has reported a tough first half of 2025, with the business experiencing a sharp fall in profits after a major cyber attack hit its operations in April. The incident forced the retailer to halt online orders for almost six weeks, leading to one-off costs of over £100 million and a 55% plunge in underlying pre-tax profit to £184.1 million.
Sales in food and fashion divisions were affected, but the company’s recovery has been boosted by investment in new stores – including the high-profile launch of its Aberdeen Union Square site, now home to Scotland’s largest M&S fashion and beauty collection. The Aberdeen opening is part of a broader expansion, with six new stores unveiled so far this year and 18 more expected by next spring.
Chief executive Stuart Machin reflected on the crisis and the recovery, stating: “We have been managing a cyber incident. To protect you and the business, it was necessary to temporarily make some small changes to our store operations, and I am sincerely sorry if you experienced any inconvenience.”
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Machin also highlighted the importance of staff efforts and customer support during the disruption, adding: “We have been working hard with the best experts to manage this, and I want to thank them and my colleagues for their work”.
Looking ahead, Machin is optimistic about the company’s momentum: “The business is getting back on track and expects profit to be in line with last year in the second half”. With Aberdeen’s new flagship store setting the tone for renewed growth in Scotland, Marks & Spencer’s resilience and ongoing modernisation are at the heart of its return to form.
