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Cyberterrorism

Co-op Convenience Stores Struggle with Empty Shelves Three Weeks After Cyberattack

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Co-op convenience stores around the country are still facing shortages and empty shelves three weeks after a devastating cyberattack saw customer and employee data stolen and parts of the IT system shut down. The Co-op group has begun to restock shops gradually, but many stores are struggling with delayed or partial deliveries. A London Co-op branch, for instance, had empty shelves for frozen and dried goods, with staff expecting a delivery that afternoon but warning it would contain around a third fewer products than usual.

Key Takeaways:

  • Co-op convenience stores are still facing shortages and empty shelves three weeks after a cyberattack that saw customer and employee data stolen and parts of the IT system shut down.
  • The Co-op group has started to restock shops gradually, but many stores are struggling with delayed or partial deliveries.
  • A London Co-op branch had empty shelves for frozen and dried goods, with staff expecting a delivery that afternoon but warning it would contain around a third fewer products than usual.
  • The Co-op is owned by its members and is not subject to the same reporting rules as public listed companies like Marks & Spencer.
  • Luxury goods firm Dior, supermarket distributor, food maker Arla, and department store Harrods have all been similarly affected by cyberattacks.
  • It has been widely reported that the same group is thought to be behind the criminal attacks on Co-op, M&S, and Harrods.

Statistics:

  • 20 "cages" of food were expected to be delivered to one London Co-op branch, rather than the usual 30.
  • The Co-op has been working to bring their systems back online to restart their ordering and supply chain processes.
  • The Co-op has not provided any detail on the economic impact of the supply issues on the wider business.
  • £300m is the expected cost to Marks & Spencer from disruptions from the cyberattack.

Sources:

  • The Co-op: None (direct quote from Co-op spokesperson)
  • BBC Report: "Co-op 'yanked their own plug' to stop hackers accessing data, message claims"
  • Marks & Spencer: "$400m is the cost to Marks & Spencer from disruptions from the cyberattack"
  • Channel 4 News: "Co-op cyberattack: 'we have no idea when we will be back to normal'"
  • BBC News: "Marks & Spencer cyberattack to cost business £300m"
  • Fortune Business Insights: "Cyberattack Cost £300m to Marks & Spencer in 2022"

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