Marks & Spencer controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Major cyber incident
A cyber incident disrupted M&S online ordering, contactless payments, click-and-collect and related operations. The company temporarily suspended online orders, later restored website ordering and subsequently brought back click-and-collect.
2021
Backlash over M&S beans-on-toast party food
Public backlash
Social media users criticized Marks & Spencer for selling its “posh cheesy beans on toast” party food for £5, including objections to the price and accusations that the item gentrified a familiar dish. An M&S spokesperson defended the product and described a four-for-three offer across its fresh party food range.
Company response
Clarification — M&S
A spokesperson for M&S told : "If you love beans on toast, this is the party food for you.The Mirror
Source excerpt
Mark & Spencer have been heavily criticised for selling an item called "posh cheesy beans on toast" for £5 in its Christmas food range.
The retailer was accused of the "gentrifying" beans on toast, and people balked over the price of the item.
A spokesperson for M&S told : "If you love beans on toast, this is the party food for you.The Mirror
2021
Marks & Spencer replaces chocolate tulip images after customer criticism
Public backlash
Marks & Spencer faced customer criticism over images of its Mother's Day chocolate tulips, which some customers said looked suggestive. The images were replaced with new pictures taken from a different angle.
Company response
Remediation — Marks and Spencer
The images have been replaced after the faux pas was pointed out with new pictures shot from a different angle.
Source excerpt
The images have been replaced after the faux pas was pointed out with new pictures shot from a different angle.
Shocked customers have compared Marks and Spencer to Ann Summers after mistaking a Mothers' Day gift for something much ruder.
2018
Backlash over school-uniform hijab
M&S introduced a hijab for its school-uniform range, including sizes for younger girls. The product prompted criticism and boycott calls from some customers, while others viewed it as an inclusive response to customer needs.
2013
Contactless payment complaints
Some customers claimed that M&S contactless terminals had taken payment from cards other than the card intended for the transaction. The company investigated and stated that its payment system had been tested and was robust.
2013
Checkout policy controversy involving pork and alcohol
A policy allowing some Muslim checkout employees to decline handling pork or alcohol generated customer complaints and public criticism. M&S subsequently apologized and said it would seek alternative duties where employees’ beliefs could affect checkout responsibilities.
2010
Interflora online advertising dispute
M&S’s online flower service faced legal action from Interflora over allegations involving search advertising and the use of terms associated with Interflora. The dispute raised questions about online trademark visibility and competitive advertising.
1969
Oxford Street store bombing
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine bombed M&S’s Oxford Street store in London on 18 July 1969. The event was part of a wider period of politically motivated violence and was not a commercial misconduct scandal by the company.