Victoria’s Secret took its US website offline and shut down its online customer service operations on Wednesday after what it called a security incident. It’s the latest in a string of cyberattacks that have hit retailers around the world.
As of Thursday afternoon, the clothing and lingerie seller’s US website was replaced with a note to customers saying it was aware of the incident and dealing with it, adding the website and some services were temporarily shut down as a precaution. It did not offer details about what kind of security incident occurred, but said its brick-and-mortar Victoria’s Secret and Pink stores remain open.
«Our team is working around the clock to fully restore operations,» the note read. «We appreciate your patience during this process.»
The Ohio-based company’s security incident comes less than a week after Adidas announced that some of its consumer data had been stolen from a third-party customer-service provider. The athletic apparel company said Friday the stolen data mainly consisted of contact information for shoppers who contacted its customer service help desk in the past. UK-based Marks & Spencer stopped taking online orders back in April after its own cyberattack. That retailer expects its online services to remain disrupted until July.
Victoria’s Secret also noted its incident in a Instagram post Wednesday night and linked to a customer FAQ on its corporate site. The FAQ said the company was working to fulfill orders placed before Monday. Once those orders have shipped, customers will receive emails with tracking information. Victoria’s Secret said it will be extending the redemption of in-store coupons and mailers through Sunday. The redemption period for earned rewards will also be extended, though it didn’t say for how long.
The company added that it is unable to accept online returns at its stores, but it will be extending the return period by an additional 30 days. Victoria’s Secret operates more than 13,500 stores in about 70 countries. Its shares fell about 4% in midday trading.
