Independent retailers near rival Co-op stores hit by severe availability issues amid a mass cyber attack have benefited from increased sales.

Since the start of May, Co-op stores across the UK have had empty shelves, with chilled products being impacted the most.

Better Retailing understands a recent cyber attack has impacted ordering and delivery systems, with limited stock for stores who were eventually able to receive deliveries.

Several independent retailers told Better Retailing they had seen a sales boost after attracting customers frustrated by the availability issues in nearby Co-op stores.

One said: “I have two stores near Co-ops and sales were up 27% and 15% respectively in one day. Those Co-ops are looking very empty since the hack.”

Reps from rival symbol groups have also urged retailers to stock up on chilled and fresh to prepare for an increase in demand.

How has the Co-op cyber attack affected Nisa stores?

Although Nisa retailers reported no delivery issues due to them operating on a separate distribution platform, some criticised the symbol group’s head office for providing no communication or assurances.

One said: “Not a single person has contacted us. Their communication system is working fine, so there is no excuse for them not to speak to us.”

Posting on social media about the Co-op cyber attack, Select & Save managing director Kam Sanghera said independent retailers can use the opportunity to boost their reputation in the community.

He added: “Independent retailers have a unique opportunity to demonstrate their resilience, reliability, and close community ties. Unlike the multiples reliant on centralised systems, independents often operate with more flexible, localised control, allowing them to maintain higher stock levels and customer service with no disruption.

“This is the time to remind the community that independent stores are open, stocked, and ready to serve seven days a week. With signage, local social media posts, and direct communication with customers, independents can reinforce the message: ‘We’re here, we’re local, and we’ve got what you need.’

“This moment highlights the strength of personal service and the dependability of businesses that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve.”

How is Co-op responding to the cyber attack?

Commenting on the cyber attack, a Co-op spokesperson said: “We are continuing to experience sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access our systems. This is a highly complex situation, which we continue to investigate in conjunction with the NCSC and the NCA. 

“We have implemented measures to ensure that we prevent unauthorised access to our systems whilst minimising disruption for our members, customers, colleagues and partners.

“As a result of ongoing forensic investigations, we now know that the hackers were able to access and extract data from one of our systems.

“The accessed data included information relating to a significant number of our current and past members.

“This data we believe includes Co-op Group members’ personal data such as names and contact details, and we believe did not include members’ passwords, bank or credit card details, transactions or information relating to any members’ or customers’ products or services with the Co-op Group.

“We appreciate that our members have placed their trust in our Co-op when providing information to us. Protecting the security of our members’ and customers’ data is a priority, and we are very sorry that this situation has arisen.”

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