Major UK Supermarket Chain’s Contactless Payments Down ‘for Two Days’
Marks and Spencer, a leading UK supermarket chain, is facing a nationwide technical issue with its contactless payment systems, leaving many customers frustrated and unable to make purchases. The problem, which has been ongoing for two days, has prompted shoppers to take to social media to report their experiences and express their disappointment.
According to reports, the issue began on Saturday and has affected multiple stores across the UK. Customers have been unable to use their contactless cards or mobile devices to make payments, causing long queues and delays in stores. A Marks and Spencer spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience, stating: “We are experiencing some technical issues, meaning that we cannot accept contactless payments or process click-and-collect orders. We are really sorry for any inconvenience and hope to resolve these issues soon.”
The issue has been widely reported on social media, with many customers sharing their experiences and photos of the problems they have encountered. One shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, tweeted: “Popped into the Harrow store today to collect some food items after the gym, so didn’t have my physical bank card with me … you know what I am going to say, but your contactless systems and also collection kiosks have been out of service for at least 48hrs.”
Another customer, who was trying to return some clothing to the Camden store, was told that the WiFi had been down company-wide since Saturday, and therefore, they were unable to process the return. The customer tweeted: “@marksandspencer I’ve tried to return some clothing to the Camden store and have been told that your WiFi has been down company wide since Saturday so I can’t return them. Nothing on social media about this – is it true? Now need an extension on return time as going away.”
The problems have not been limited to London, with customers in Birmingham and other parts of the UK also reporting issues. One shopper from Birmingham tweeted: “Is there an issue today with payment systems in just BW or Nationwide. Needed work trousers and had gift cards to spend. Told couldn’t spent £58 on a card. Went back 2 hours later and told it was still down – was going to refund and use cards? !”
The incident highlights the reliance on technology in modern retail and the potential consequences of technical failures. As one customer noted: “Welcome to a world where they will stop you from using facilities whenever they want. Cash.”
The Daily Star understands that the issue is being treated as a priority by Marks and Spencer, and efforts are being made to resolve the problem as soon as possible. In the meantime, customers are being advised to use alternative payment methods, such as cash or chip and pin cards.
This is not the first time that Marks and Spencer has experienced technical issues with its payment systems. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, including the introduction of contactless payments and mobile ordering. However, the current issue has raised questions about the reliability and resilience of these systems.
As the situation continues to unfold, The Daily Star will provide updates on the progress of the investigation and the steps being taken by Marks and Spencer to resolve the issue. In the meantime, customers are advised to check the company’s website or social media channels for the latest information.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having robust and reliable payment systems in place, particularly for large retailers like Marks and Spencer. The company’s commitment to resolving the issue and providing a seamless shopping experience for its customers is evident, and it is hoped that the problem will be resolved soon.
Marks and Spencer has apologised for the inconvenience caused and is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The company has a reputation for providing high-quality products and services, and it is likely that they will take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Daily Star will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Source: The Daily Star
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