Co-op says shelves to be more fully stocked this weekend

Co-op customers should see stocks on shelves start to return to more normal levels this weekend, the company said, after it announced it was switching its online ordering system for suppliers back on after a cyber-attack.

The hack resulted in payment problems, widespread shortages of goods in shops, and compromised customer and staff data.

The criminals, using the cyber crime service DragonForce, also claim to be responsible for a similar attack on Marks and Spencer (M&S) and an attempted hack of Harrods earlier this month.

Co-op said it was bringing its systems "gradually back online in a safe and controlled manner."

In a message sent to its suppliers earlier this week, and first reported by The Grocer, the Co-op asked for patience as it gets its systems back up and running.

It warned of likely increased "volatility" in order volumes.

The cyber criminals claim to have the private information of 20 million people who signed up to Co-op's membership scheme, but the firm would not confirm that number.

M&S admitted on Tuesday that some customer data had been stolen in the hack of its systems.

Customers are still unable to make online orders with M&S, nearly three weeks after the retailer was forced to suspend them.

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