POTTSTOWN PA - A cybersecurity attack on Giant Co. supermarkets’ website, as well as other businesses linked to their owner - the Netherlands-based company Ahold Delhaize - persisted during the weekend (Oct. 16-18, Friday through Sunday). Websites went down, locally and across the nation, in the attack reported Oct. 14 (Wednesday) by Inc. magazine.
Its stores continue to operate and are open for business.
Customers shopping at Giant locations in Pottstown, Stowe, Gilbertsville, Royersford, Phoenixville, and Harleysville were affected, among thousands elsewhere. They found they were unable to access coupons or deals normally provided on the company’s web-based mobile app.
Cashiers at Giant’s Upland Square, Pottstown, store were among those who quickly offered assistance. On Saturday they ensured shoppers received advertised prices without question, despite its internet woes.
Buyers were asked to provide their Giant member card or phone numbers. Once entered, discounted prices on cart items were immediately offered. Customers seemed satisfied with the prompt response.
The websites remained offline Monday (Oct. 19) as of 11 a.m. Similarly affected, according to Progressive Grocer news, were other Ahold Delhaize subsidiaries: Food Lion, Giant Food, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to restore our websites and applications,” Ahold Delhaize said in a statement. “Throughout this situation, each of our brands’ stores ... have remained open and ready to serve you. We are also working with our partners, including Instacart, DoorDash and Uber Eats, to meet customers’ pickup and delivery needs.”
Giant’s U.S. headquarters are located in Carlisle PA.
Photo by The Pottstown Post