Money
I’m a coupon king and I’ve found the cheapest Quality Streets this Christmas – you need to be quick
A “Coupon King” has tracked down the cheapest Quality Street boxes you can find ahead of Christmas – but you’ll need to be quick to get hold of them.
Self-professed “tightwad” Jordon Cox revealed where Brits can pick up the festive favourites at almost half the price they will be by the big day.
Appearing on ITV’s This Morning, Jordon pointed shoppers in the right direction to take advantage of the cut-price offers.
He said: “We all love a bit of chocolate.
“So the boxes of chocolate – Celebrations, Quality Street, Heroes, Roses – these are the cheapest they’re probably going to be before Christmas.
“They’re down to £3.95 in Tesco.
“If you have the Tesco Clubcard, go into stores.”
The unbelievable prices left show host Alison Hammond stunned, as she exclaimed: “Are you serious?
“I’m going.
“I’m going to get all my Christmas stuff now.”
Alison and everyone else will have to be quick, though, as Jordon revealed that the offer only lasts through this weekend.
Shoppers have to make their way to Tesco before Monday in order to get hold of the discounted treats.
However, Jordon’s glad news also came with a warning as the dreaded “shrinkflation” has struck again.
He explained: “This time last year they were 600g these tins.
“They’re down to 550g.
“It’s the same sort of price but less in them.”
Nonetheless, he said it’s still very much worth the trip to get hold of your chocs, especially with another Christmas staple also on offer.
Terry’s Chocolate Oranges are down from £1.50 to 95p in Tesco until Tuesday, including the newly-revived Toffee Crunch flavour.
Money
‘Even if you don’t have kids, grab them!’ urges mum over FREE nappies deal as Morrison’s shoppers issue warning
A MUM has urged shoppers to snap up free nappies “even if you don’t have kids” before Morrison’s shoppers issued a stark warning to parents.
Stephanie Pim shared a post on Facebook encouraging shoppers at the major supermarket chain to check the app to see if they’re eligible for free nappies.
She wrote: “If you have a Morrisons card check your app. Free nappies.”
However, it’s not just those with children that can snap up the essential item.
The savvy mum added: “Even if you don’t have kids- grab them and pop in the food bank.”
Stephanie’s Facebook post received hundreds of likes and comments from fellow shoppers.
One user wrote: “Thank you for the heads up, it is on mine.”
“I got them a couple of weeks ago,” said another.
However, many shoppers commented that even after signing up for the Morrison’s card and baby club, they still weren’t eligible for the free nappies.
This user commented: “I’m in baby club and not on mine.”
Another added: “Not on mine.”
While a third explained: “Spoke to someone in Morrisons who said it’s potluck if you get them or not which seems silly as people who don’t have children get them and there are others out there with children who need this.”
Morrison shoppers have also complained about the lack of nappies in stock with many customers expressing frustration on social media.
One shopper wrote: “The problem is tons of people got this offer and my local Morrisons has never had the nappies in stock.”
It comes after several lucky shoppers were surprised to learn they could get free Pampers nappies from Tesco.
One excited shopper shared her Tesco receipt on Facebook, revealing that she could choose from either a pack of 55 size ones, a pack of 44 size twos, or a pack of 40 size threes.
The savvy mum, who posted the find on social media, urged parents to check their receipts to see if they’re eligible.
Those lucky enough to be selected get a pack of Pampers nappies for free.
The popular brand costs around £10 normally.
The mum’s Facebook post received numerous likes and comments with shoppers eager to get their hands on the free nappies.
One user commented: “If we go to Tesco. Always yes for a receipt.”
“Need to go to Tesco, worth seeing if we’re one of the lucky ones,” wrote another.
While a third said: “If anyone gets anything like this but doesn’t need them, put them in the Foodbank Collection boxes.”
Other ways to save money when you shop
Cashback sites have amazing freebies for new customers, such as a takeaway from Just Eat or a Benefit beauty product.
Free gifts can change regularly so do check online to see what is being offered before you sign up.
Look for cashback on everything
You can claim on things such as MOTs, insurance, train tickets and holidays.
It is worth looking around and what companies offer cashback schemes as you could be earning hundreds.
TopCashback reckons its average user makes £345 a year.
Save money at the supermarket
It’s a good idea to download apps Shopmium, Check-outSmart, Quidco ClickSnap, GreenJinn and TopCashback’s Snap and Save.
Check out what is available, pick it up in-store and upload a photo of the receipt to get your cashback.
Combine cashback offers with promotions
Double savings and maximise cashback by matching third-party offers from cashback sites with in-store and online promotions.
You can’t always use discount codes with cashback, but you can take advantage of sales and offers such as free gifts.
Download cashback notifiers
The website Honey has a great notifier.
It sits in your browser, pops up when you click on a website that offers cashback and searches for voucher codes.
How to get free nappies from Morrison’s
Morrisons has re-launched its Baby Club offering parents advice, discounts and a free monthly newsletter throughout their parenting journey.
To join, your children must under the age of five.
As well as the points, you’ll also get a free pack of Nutmeg wipes for joining.
We’ve seen reductions of up to 59% on the typical prices, so it’s well worth checking your local supermarket for deals.
You can sign up to the baby club online.
Be sure to also sign up and check the Morrison’s card app to see if you’re eligible for free nappies.
Money
Exact date state pension triple lock to be confirmed in WEEKS and it could mean a £460 boost
THE exact amount the state pension will rise by is set to be confirmed in a matter of weeks.
Millions of people are expected to get a bumper rise of £460 to their state pension next year.
However, this will not be official until September’s inflation rate is released by the Office for National Statistics.
That’s because the triple lock system sees the state pension rise in line with whatever is highest out of: wages for May to July, 2.5% or September’s inflation figures.
Growth in employees’ average total pay was 4% in the three months to July.
While the UK’s rate of inflation remained at 2.2% in August after rising to the same figure the month before.
With inflation highly unlikely to rise above 4% in September, it means the state pension is expected to rise from £11,502.40 to £11,962 per year – a £460 boost.
Although, this will not be confirmed officially until October 16, when the previous month’s rate is announced.
Weekly it would mean a rise from £221.20 to around £230, an increase of almost £9 a week.
Meanwhile, older pensioners who retired before April 2016 will see their weekly payment rise from £169.50 to £176.30 – an increase of £6.80.
Annually, their payments will rise from £8,814 to £9,167, adding £353 a year.
Although it’s worth noting, people on the old system who also have “additional” state pension (SERPS) will see that part of their pension rise only in line with inflation which hasn’t been published yet.
Any decision on a pension increase will be made by Secretary of State Liz Kendall ahead of October’s budget.
The state pension is increased each year in line with the triple lock mechanism, which all major political parties committed to before the general election in July.
Earlier this month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the Government’s backing of the triple lock until the end of this Parliament.
How much is the state pension?
State pension payments increase every April.
This year, the full rate of the new state pension rose from £203.85 a week to £221.20 – rising 8.5% in line with last September 2023’s wage growth.
This equates to £11,502.40 in total over a year.
This is what the state pays those who reach state pension age after April 6, 2016.
The amount of new state pension you receive depends on your National Insurance (NI) record throughout your adult life.
If you have made at least 35 years of qualifying NI contributions or NI credits you may qualify for the maximum amount.
You can get NI credits if you’re caring for a relative or raising children instead of working, for example.
How does the state pension work?
AT the moment the current state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66 – but it’s due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.
The state pension is a recurring payment from the government most Brits start getting when they reach State Pension age.
But not everyone gets the same amount, and you are awarded depending on your National Insurance record.
For most pensioners, it forms only part of their retirement income, as they could have other pots from a workplace pension, earning and savings.
The new state pension is based on people’s National Insurance records.
Workers must have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the maximum amount of the new state pension.
You earn National Insurance qualifying years through work, or by getting credits, for instance when you are looking after children and claiming child benefit.
If you have gaps, you can top up your record by paying in voluntary National Insurance contributions.
To get the old, full basic state pension, you will need 30 years of contributions or credits.
You will need at least 10 years on your NI record to get any state pension.
How do I claim the state pension?
You won’t automatically get the state pension – you need to claim it once you’re eligible.
You should receive a letter no later than two months before you reach state pension age, explaining what to do.
You can find out more here.
You can choose to defer getting the state pension – you don’t have to take it as soon as you are eligible when you reach state pension age.
Leaving your state pension untouched can boost the amount you eventually get.
If you opt to defer your state pension, your entitlement increases by the equivalent of 1% for every five weeks you do so.
As the state system can be tricky to navigate, a key part of any pension planning involves requesting a state pension forecast.
This will help you get your head around how much you could be eligible to receive, and from what age.
Top tips to boost your pension pot
DON’T know where to start? Here are some tips from financial provider Aviva on how to get going.
- Understand where you start: Before you consider your plans for tomorrow, you’ll need to understand where you stand today. Look into your current pension savings and research when you’ll be eligible for the state pension, and how much support you’ll receive.
- Take advantage of your workplace pension: All employers are legally required to provide a workplace pension. If you save, your employer will usually have to contribute too.
- Take advantage of online planning tools: Financial providers Aviva and Royal London have tools that give you an idea of what your retirement income will be based on how much you’re saving.
- Find out if your workplace offers advice: Many employers offer sessions with financial advisers to help you plan for your future retirement.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Money
We’re furious after our neighbour built a ‘SKYSCRAPER’ next door – it’s a ‘monstrosity’ & now he can see into our homes
LOCALS have been left furious and claim their council “let them down” by approving next door’s “skyscraper” extension.
Builder and homeowner Danny Dare is in the process of building what enraged neighbours have called a “monstrosity” on his home in Horwich, near Bolton.
Despite being shockingly compared to a hotel, Danny’s dormer is only 9.4m wide and will give his two-storey property just one other level.
But the two extra bedrooms it adds for Danny and his family has left residents on the street fuming as they blast it spoils the road’s character.
Walter Gent, 64, who lives in a nearby bungalow, said he objected to the plans due to four criteria: the loss of privacy, it not keeping with the character of the road, over-development and the impact on parking.
He said: “I feel let down by Bolton Council.
“Initially, the plans were turned down by Horwich Council but they then passed into to Bolton, who took a complete different view.
“They approved it because other dormers had been built in the area – but how can they compare it to ones built three streets away.
“I’ve already had to put up a 14ft high hedge in my back garden, but the dormer will mean less privacy because it will overlook my house and bedroom.
“It’ll feel like were living next to a hotel or a skyscraper.”
Danny began building the dormer thinking it was a permitted development.
But he applied for retrospective planning permission soon after because the works would cover a side extension – and it was granted.
He told The Sun: “I’m a builder myself and build dormers all the time.
“I’ve never had any problems until I wanted to build one on my home.
“But at the end of day, the council have approved it. So I don’t see what the problem is.
“I can’t understand what people are complaining about.
“They say it’s a privacy issue and it’ll mean we can see through their windows. But that’s not the case.”
Councillor Ryan Bamforth however, slammed Bolton Council for their lack of “moral fibre”.
He said: “Another concerning aspect was the home-owner’s decision to start building and then seek retrospective planning permission.
“I was extremely upset it was granted.
“If councillors roll over to builders and developers every time there will be constant development because they will know retrospective applications will be approved.
“They should have the moral fibre to stand up for what is right and wrong.”
But other residents are less concerned about the dormer.
One woman said: “I know it’s upset some of my neighbours but I’ve got no objections to it at all.
“I can’t see there’s any loss of privacy because the top windows of the house already overlook our gardens anyway.
“And, as far I’m concerned, the house is some distance away from my home.”
A report by a council planning officer said the dormer extension is acceptable because the distance to other homes is in line with planning policy.
It claims it’s also not ‘out of place’ because there are others nearby.
As the dormer “is not readily visible from surrounding streets” it was considered it would “not harm the street scene”, the report said.
There would be “no undue overlooking, or loss of privacy”, it added.
Although parking wasn’t currently an issue, it noted that additional driveway space for vehicles could be considered.
Bolton Council has been contacted for comment.
What are my rights?
IF you’re not happy with your neighbour’s extension plans, there are some things you can do.
Once plans are submitted to the council, locals should be given a period where they can object or comment on the plans.
The plans for anything happening near you should be public once an application is submitted – so you can check on your local council website for these.
If you and a couple of neighbours complain for valid reasons, the council may decided to decline the homeowner the right to go ahead with their plans.
Valid reasons include:
- Loss of privacy
- The project would overshadow your home – blocking natural light
- Impact on the local area
- Traffic and parking
- Impact on neighbours
- Impact on trees and local wildlife
However, if plans have been approved there is little you can do.
You can challenge the decision but again, would need to have a valid reason for doing so with proof.
Money
Morrisons shoppers rush to buy ‘gorgeous’ Sol de Janeiro dupes for £2 instead of £24
SHOPPERS are rushing to buy dupes of popular Sol de Janeiro scents that they say smell “gorgeous”.
They’re on sale for a whopping £22 less than the big brand sprays.
One savvy shopper spotted the bargain buys and posted them on the B&M Bargains, Extreme Money Saving Deals and More Facebook group, writing: “Found these Body mists in a Morrisons local £2 they smell amazing smell lasted for hours I have one happy teenager.”
The user also replied to a comment saying: “It’s a body mist Sol de Janeiro dupe sorry I am not a professional social media Guru.
“I was asking the lady in the shop she said they have gone into all Morrisons locals.”
Another shopper tagged their pal and commented: “Please go Morrisons I need them all.”
A second wrote: “Do they smell the same as the real ones, as we pay £40 for one bottle of real ones.”
Posters replied stating “they smell basically the same” and “these smell so much stronger and like the real fragrances”.
A third posted: “They are gorgeous!!! I bought one just as a little handbag spray and the smell lasts days, my partner loves it!”
While a fourth tagged their friend and said: “If you see these let me know, please. Good stocking fillers.”
The Morrisons deal will likely not be around for long as the sign above the bargain bin states “when it’s gone it’s gone”.
It’s always best to phone ahead to your local shop to check what they have available to avoid disappointment.
You can find your nearest Morrisons store using the locator tool on the website.
It always pays to compare prices so you know you’re getting the best deal.
There are dozens of similar-looking scents listed online at the moment.
One savvy shopper spotted a dupe on sale at Boots and posted it on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, writing: “The boots spray smells even better and lasts longer than the original Sol de Janeiro and at a fraction of the cost.”
The pistachio, almond and salted caramel scent is an imitation of Sol de Janeiro’s flagship Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist.
The original branded product costs £24 for 90ml but is currently on offer at Boots for £19.20.
Earlier in the year Primark released brand new dupes, with a selection of different scents costing just £3.50 for 100ml.
The pink version is Primark’s Hawaii Paradise Body Mist.
Best Sol De Janeiro Dupes
Here’s everywhere you can nab dupes of Sol De Janeiro products, from the iconic mists all the way to body butters…
Home Bargains
- Glow Body Butter £4.49
Scents: Vanilla Almond & Salted Caramel, Pink Lychee & Crystal Waters and Cherry Bomb & Jasmine Blooms - Glow Perfume Mist £3.99
Scents: Vanilla Almond & Salted Caramel and Cherry Bomb & Jasmine Blooms
Primark
- PS… Body Mists £3.50
Scents: Hawaii Paradise, Capri Breeze and Maldives Sunset - PS… Post-Tan Body Butter £3
Scents: Blood Orange
Poundland
- Body Stories Body Mist £2
Scents: Brazilian Bliss - Body Stories Body Butter £2.50
Scents: Brazilian Bliss
It’s always a good idea to shop around to make sure you can find the best deals.
There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.
Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.
Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.
Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and supermarkets.
Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.
Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers.
All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one.
CamelCamelCamel is another option – but only for goods that are sold on Amazon.
To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Money
Exact word to spot on your 50p that could make it worth 700 times more – as rare coin sparks eBay bidding war
AN EXACT word on your 50p coin could make it worth 700 times more as the rare coin sparks a bidding war on eBay.
The unique coin is said to be a must-have for collectors, selling for a whopping hundreds on the online auction site.
The rare 50p coin was issued in 2005 and features Samuel Johson’s Dictionary which saw its value skyrocket.
The wording on the back of the coin makes it a unique piece of British decimal coinage.
What adds to this coin’s value is its rarity, making it a sought-after item that collectors are eager to obtain.
The auction on eBay revealed that four bidders attempted to snap up the rare coin which eventually sold for a staggering £350.
The seller received 5-star reviews from buyers who left enthusiastic comments praising the rare coin.
“A+ pristine coin as advertised,” wrote one user.
Another commented: ” Great quality for coin collectors at a great price.”
While a third said: “Beautiful coin.”
It comes after a 50p coin proved to be a “true gem” thanks to its key details.
The loose change rattling around in your pocket could be pieced together to form the Royal Shield of Arms design but it seems many people are unaware of this.
Matthew Dent redesigned the UK’s coins 16 years ago and now those designs are being replaced with the new UK coinage for King Charles III.
It was decided in 2005 that the country’s coinage was due an overhaul and The Royal Mint ran a competition for the public to submit their designs for the new-look coins.
Some 4,000 designs were submitted and The Royal Mint Advisory Committee selected Matthew Dent’s Royal Shield designs as the winner in 2008.
The Royal coat of arms details a shield divided into four quarters representing England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Matthew’s winning design replaced Christopher Ironside’s Britannia depiction originally on the reverse of all 50ps.
Matthew said at the time: “I felt that the solution to The Royal Mint’s brief lay in a united design, united in terms of theme, execution and coverage over the surface of the coins.”
Using all the coins ranging from the 1p to the 50p, they fitted together rather like a jigsaw and formed a complete shield – as could be seen on the £1 coin design issued from 2008 to 2015.
The old round pound was then replaced by the 12-sided Nations of the Crown £1 in 2017 and have now been withdrawn from circulation.
However, the definitive 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p and 50p shield coins are still in circulation, which means the Royal Shield can still be collected and completed, Change Checker says.
To help you get started you can obtain your own Royal Shield Collector Pack which comes with the Royal Shield 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p and 20p, so all you need to look for is the 50p in your change in order to complete it.
How to sell a rare coin
If, after checking, you realise you’ve come across a rare coin, there are a number of ways you can sell it.
You can sell it on eBay, through Facebook, or in an auction.
But be wary of the risks.
For example, there are a number of scams targeting sellers on Facebook.
Crooks will say they’re planning to buy the item and ask for money upfront for a courier they’ll be sending around.
But it’s all a ruse to get you to send free cash to them – and they never have any intention of picking your item up.
It’s always best to meet in person when buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace.
Ensure it’s a public meeting spot that’s in a well-lit area.
Avoid payment links and log in directly through the payment method’s website.
Most sellers prefer to deal with cash directly when meeting to ensure it’s legitimate.
The safest way to sell a rare coin is more than likely at auction.
You can organise this with The Royal Mint’s Collectors Service. It has a team of experts who can help you authenticate and value your coin.
You can get in touch via email and a member of the valuation team will get back to you.
You will be charged for the service, though – the cost varies depending on the size of your collection.
Meanwhile, you can sell rare coins on eBay.
But take into account that if you manage to sell your item then eBay will charge you 10% of the money you made – this includes postage and packaging.
Always keep proof of postage to protect yourself from dodgy buyers who may claim they never received the item.
Send the parcel by tracked delivery if you can as this way they can’t claim it never arrived.
Most rare and valuable 50p coins
WE reveal the Royal Mint’s most rare and valuable 50p coins in circulation.
Triathlon
Minted in 2011, the Triathlon 50p depicts the same sport which featured in the 2012 Olympics.
There are more than 1,160,000 of the coins in circulation.
With over 200million 50ps circulating in the UK, that makes this coin quite a rare find.
The highest recent sale we’ve found on eBay recently was £30 on June 21.
Judo
Judo is a popular sport that involves grappling with your opponent.
But despite the design, it’s not so easy to get a hold of this coin, of which there are just 1,161,500 in circulation.
The piece was designed by David Cornell after he won a national competition.
It was minted in 2011 and the highest bid we’ve seen on eBay was for £17.95 on June 21.
Wrestling
Wrestling was one of the first Olympic sports so it’s not surprising that it features on one of the 50p pieces.
The 2011 coin was designed by Roderick Enriquez, a graphic designer from Hammersmith, London.
We’ve seen it sell for as much as £15 online so is worth digging around for.
In recent months, one was sold on eBay for £11.95 on June 18.
Football
Of all the coins created to commemorate the 2012 Olympic Games, the 50p Football is among the rarest.
It features an explanation of the controversial offside rule on it, with 1,125,000 produced.
One sold for £20 on eBay on June 11, although it has been known to go for as much as £75 in the past.
Kew Gardens
The Kew Gardens 50p is the rarest of all the 50p pieces, with only 210,000 in circulation.
They have been known to sell for as much as £895 on eBay before.
The design was created by Christopher Le Brun RA and features the famous Chinese Pagoda with a leafy chamber that twists around the tower.
The coin often sparks the interest of new coin collectors due to its rarity.
The highest sale we found in recent weeks was £142 on June 22 with 23 bids.
Money
High street bargain chain with 187 branches to shut ‘brilliant’ store TODAY as shoppers sob ‘a piece of history gone’
A MUCH-LOVED bargain shop chain is pulling the shutters down on one of its stores in just a few hours.
The Original Factory Shop confirmed the closure of another location in Kent.
The discounter, known for its bargain prices, is closing its branch in Deal today, Saturday 28.
TOFS said the site, labelled “brilliant” by shoppers, will be shutting at the end of September.
The retailer thanked local shoppers for their support over the years.
A spokesperson from The Original Factory Shop said: “After the landlord informed us that they were redeveloping our Deal store, we were unable to renew the lease.
“We want to remain in town and our property team would consider any alternative suitable sites. We are working hard to support all of those colleagues that will be affected and seeking to redeploy them across our business.”
The shock closure has left several local customers devastated, although the trader maintains around 190 branches nationwide.
One Facebook user said: “Such a terrible end to such a popular store.
“Obviously, this has not been a business decision as business was good, but another sign of the times.”
A second wrote: “Another piece of history and friendly staff gone.”
A third commented: “I love this shop. I go to Deal, from Dover, regularly the main reason being the factory shop.
“Don’t think I will be shopping at Deal much after it closes.”
Another posted: “Oh no another brilliant shop closing but why? Love that shop.”
While a fifth said: “Such a shame. It was affordable and you could always get something good.
“Now probably destined for townhouses and artisanal deli’s selling £4 sourdough bread.”
“That’s awful news,” another declared.
The closure is down to the building being redeveloped and the chain being unable to renew the lease.
After the Deal store closes, three of The Original Factory Shops will remain in Kent: Tenterden, Biggin Hill and Headcorn.
Other The Original Factory Shop closures
The Deal store closure is not the only one to be announced by The Original Factory Shop this year either.
It has already pulled the shutters down on seven stores in recent months:
- Brightlingsea, Essex
- Bodmin, Cornwall
- Chepstow, Wales
- Fakenham, Norfolk
- Harwich, Essex
- Mildenhall, Suffolk
- Padiham, Lancashire
- Taunton, Somerset
It comes after the retailer, known for selling everything from clothing to homeware and stationery, shut a number of branches last year.
But it’s not all bad news, as it has been opening stores across the UK too, as it shakes up its presence on the high street.
The full list of stores that have opened since August 2023 includes:
- Kirkintilloch – opened August 24
- Stonehaven – opened August 31
- Blandford Forum – opened August 31
- Haddington – opened September 7
- Wetherby – opened September 7
- Nairn – opened September 14
- Ashbourne – opened September 14
- Castle Douglas – opened September 21
- Penrith – opened September 21
- Inverness – opened September 28
- Attleborough – opened September 28
- Ayr – opened October 5
- Ringwood – opened October 5
- Perth – opened October 12
- Lanark – opened October 19
- Peterhead – opened October 26
Why are retailers closing shops?
EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.
The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors.
In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping.
Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.
The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing.
Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns.
Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead.
Boss Stuart Machin recently said that when it relocated a tired store in Chesterfield to a new big store in a retail park half a mile away, its sales in the area rose by 103 per cent.
In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Wilko, Debenhams Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Paperchase to name a few.
What’s increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online.
They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places.
Retail woes
Other retailers, such as Homebase, Boots, and Clarks, have been reducing the number of their high-street branches.
Rising rents, energy bills, and the cost of living have also caused many retailers to fail.
Several big retailers have fallen into administration in the past year, including Wilko, Paperchase, and most recently, The Body Shop and Ted Baker.
The Body Shop collapsed into administration on February 13, putting its almost 198 branches at risk of closure.
Since then, it has closed down 82 locations.
However, it’s not all bad news for the high street, as several other retailers and hospitality venues have plans to expand.
Beer giant Heineken announced plans to invest £39million to help reopen 62 previously shuttered British pubs.
Aldi has announced that it will open 35 new UK stores.
The openings form part of Aldi‘s long-term target of 1,500 stores in the UK.
The supermarket is set to invest £550million in expanding its UK footprint this year alone.
Aldi said each new store opening will create around 40 new jobs on average.
In recent months, Asda has been opening hundreds of convenience stores as it seeks to rival major players Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
B&M plans to open “not less than” 45 brand new stores across the UK in each of the next two consecutive years.
Purepay Retail Limited, the parent company of Bonmarché, Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM), and Peacocks, has said it wants to open 100 new high-street stores over the next 18 months.
It has yet to give the exact locations where it will open the 100 stores or when they will open.
One of the UK’s favourite bakery chains, Greggs, has exclusively revealed to The Sun plans to open more outlet branches by the end of 2025.
Home Bargains, which was running just under 600 branches as of last June, has said it wants to “eventually have between 800 and 1,000 retail outlets open”.
The major discounter has stopped short of saying when it wants to reach the 1,000 store target, however.
Primark is also opening new branches and investing and renovating more than a dozen of its existing shops.
Screwfix is set to open 40 new stores nationwide as its owner, Kingfisher, seeks to expand the DIY brand’s national presence.
The brand opened two new stores in March, and a further three new shops will open this month.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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