Two weeks after a cyber-attack severely impacted its operations, Co-op has said it is now in a “recovery phase”, with it bringing its systems back online in a “safe and controlled manner”.
The incident forced the convenience retailer to stop ordering all but essential goods from suppliers, leading to empty shelves in many of its stores.
In a statement issued today, Co-op said its stock ordering system was now fully online again and it had switched all orders back to the normal supply processes and systems.
“There will be improved stock availability in our Food stores and online from this weekend, and we are working closely with our suppliers to restock our stores,” a spokesperson said.
The hack also resulted in some payment problems, but Co-op stated today that all forms of payments, including contactless and chip and pin, are now working across its entire store estate.
In the statement, the company thanked “colleagues, members, partners and suppliers for their support so far.”
Meanwhile, Kam Sanghera, MD at Select & Save, criticised the Co-operative Group for ignoring Nisa and Costcutter in the aftermath of the cyber-attack.
Sanghera wrote on LinkedIn, "The Co-operative Group continues to grapple with the aftermath of a significant cyber-attack that has disrupted its supply chain operations and impacted partner retailers, including Nisa and Costcutter, leading to widespread stock shortages across the UK.
"To mitigate the impact, Co-op has prioritised deliveries to rural and island-based stores, which has caused shortages in urban areas.
"This strategic diversion of supplies has led to speculation among Nisa retailers, with some alleging that Co-op is redirecting stock to its own company stores, leaving independent members with empty shelves.
"A Nisa retailer described the situation as Co-op playing 'HUSH HUSH',” implying a lack of transparency in their communications.
"While Co-op insisted that these measures are part of a broader recovery plan, the prolonged disruptions have raised concerns about the company’s handling of the crisis and its implications for affiliated retailers."
Sanghera called on the independent and symbol group retailers to "operate as one to prevent future disruptions caused by fragmented supply chains".
