THE exact date that Aldi is launching its popular Bluey range has been announced – and items are being flogged from just £7.

The budget supermarket is extending its sought-after wooden toy collection with an exclusive range of Bluey toys, inspired by the Aussie cartoon.

5

The products are emblazoned with the popular children’s TV character – including a special edition Wooden Kitchen.

Aldi has revealed that the range will be available in stores from October 24 to November 7.

But the German supermarket warned that shoppers will need to act fast if they want to grab the Specialbuys items.

Bluey Wooden Trolley – £19.99

Kids can get their hands on the Aldi exclusive toy set for just £20 – and it comes packed with cupboard essentials.

This includes wooden pasta, almond milk, pizza and cereal – and it’s even got a a wooden scanner to help kids role play.

Wooden Cash Register – £19.99

Playtime can be made even more immersive with Aldi’s fun wooden cash register.

The charming set includes a register, scanner, conveyor belt, till screen, name tag, and food accessories.

It boasts state-of-the-art features like wooden coins, notes, a bank card, and a card reader to facilitate different payment options.

Wooden Mechanic Set – £19.99

And for the more car-obsessed little ones, the wooden mechanic set includes a jump start battery, power leads, bulbs, tyres, windscreen wash, motor oil and engine parts.

The kit is also complete with with DIY essentials like a screwdriver, spanner, nuts and bolts, and has everything they need to fix, shine and polish the Heeler’s car.

5

Bluey Kitchen – £59.99

Kids who are ready to whip up their favourite dishes will be delighted with the Bluey Kitchen.

The most pricey of the bunch, this Aldi exclusive is sure to be a fan favourite.

It’s equipped with pots and pans, colander, casserole dish, spatula, spoon, knife – perfect for budding chefs.

The set has a chopping board, plate, mug, chalkboard and an interactive hob featuring lights and sounds inside.

Aldi say the wooden culinary heaven should provide hours of imaginative play and it’s available in stores from November 7.

5

Bluey Figures – £8.99

Parents will also be able to pick up playtime goodies like the Bluey Figures, perfect for young children and toddlers.

Bluey Scribbler and Art Easel – £9.99

What’s more, this easel is sure to appeal to artsy tots – sure to encourage creativity with a choice of magnetic or chalk-based drawing.

5

Advertisement

Sleepy Time Bluey Soft Toy – £14.99

Once they’re all tuckered out, the talking sleepy time Bluey soft toy makes the perfect bedtime companion.

And you can nab a simple Bluey Soft Toy for just £6.99.

Bluey Post and Pavlova Sets – £12.99

These are inspired by Bluey episodes, with each set including accessories to play as a postman or baker.

With the exception of the Bluey Kitchen set which is only available from November 7, the entire range is in store from October 24.

The launch follows the success of the Bluey plush chair which was released earlier this year.

5

A SHOP you’ve never heard of is selling bags of Celebrations for just 1p each.

The chocolate favourite is making its return to stores ahead of the festive season and eagle-eyed shoppers have have found the cheapest prices.

1

As Christmas becomes more expensive with each passing year, some punters may now have the perfect solution to rising food costs.

Now, online retailer Discount Dragon will have you covered for almost everything you need for a fraction of high street store prices.

And that includes your festive-favourite chocolates, which are always popular with shoppers at this time of year.

To help save you money on your food bills, Discount Dragon are offering shoppers the chance to buy 300g bags of Celebrations on the cheap.

Two Celebrations Milk Chocolate bags are going for just 2p in the incredible offer, posted by hotukdeals.

However, there is a catch as the popular chocolates have a shelf life which will expire on New Year’s Eve this year.

And punters who may be thinking they should stock up on the sweet treat may be hit with a roadblock though.

Discount Dragon is only allowing a maximum of two items per order so everyone can get their fair share.

For reference, Sainsbury’s are selling a similar sized 325g bag for £4.50.

And Asda are touting the same size bag for £3.50 according to online prices.

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.

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.

In a whirlwind of allegations and revelations, Ryan Lizza, the former fiancé of journalist Olivia Nuzzi, has made startling claims about her purported year-long relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.The 31-year-old reporter for New York Magazine stands at the center of a storm involving accusations of blackmail, harassment, and intense emotional manipulation.

The Allegations

According to recent court documents obtained by major news outlets, including CNN, The Daily Beast, and the Wall Street Journal, Nuzzi accuses Lizza of leaking details about her alleged relationship with the 70-year-old former presidential candidate following an interview she conducted with him last November. Nuzzi further claims that Lizza attempted to blackmail her in a bid to reconcile, intensifying the already fraught dynamic between the two.

Lizza, currently the Chief Washington Correspondent for Politico, refuted these claims in his legal filing, stating that he discovered Nuzzi had been involved with a married man for nearly a year. Kennedy has been married to actress Cheryl Hines since 2014. Lizza’s court filing alleges that Nuzzi expressed fears regarding Kennedy’s desire to “control,” “possess,” and even “impregnate” her, painting a picture of a toxic and manipulative relationship.

A Toxic Dynamic

In his court documents, Lizza detailed Nuzzi’s own characterization of her relationship with Kennedy, which she described as “toxic,” “unhealthy,” “stupid,” “psychotic,” “crazy,” and “indefensible.” He noted that Nuzzi acknowledged the significant power imbalance between herself and Kennedy, which led to what Lizza described as “catastrophically reckless behavior” on her part. He suggested that Kennedy had manipulated her throughout their relationship, further complicating her emotional state.

Despite Lizza’s promises to help Nuzzi navigate her troubled situation, he expressed doubts about the possibility of a future together. “Ms. Nuzzi resisted any efforts to formally end our relationship and continually asked for more time to consider our future,” Lizza stated. “This was her position right up until our final conversation on September 15th.”

Denying Harassment and Blackmail Claims

Lizza vehemently denied Nuzzi’s accusations of harassment and blackmail, stating, “Everything I know about her affair comes directly from Ms. Nuzzi herself.” He also rejected claims that he hacked into her devices or threatened her with physical violence, labeling those allegations as “defamatory lies.” Instead, he claimed he merely encouraged her to repay an advance related to a book deal, stating this was “the second presidential cycle in a row where Ms. Nuzzi’s personal indiscretions have sabotaged our book project.”

A representative for Kennedy responded to Lizza’s allegations, asserting that Lizza’s portrayal of the relationship is “not true.” They previously denied any meaningful relationship between Kennedy and Nuzzi, emphasizing that “Mr. Kennedy only met Olivia Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which resulted in a hit piece.”

The Fallout

In his filing, Lizza also mentioned that he was not the source for the reporter who initially revealed Nuzzi’s alleged affair, referencing Oliver Darcy from New York Magazine. “Ms. Nuzzi is aware of this because the reporter informed her,” he stated. Furthermore, Lizza characterized Nuzzi’s claim that he attempted to blackmail her as “a shameful falsehood that contradicts the simplest facts.”

According to CNN, both Lizza and Nuzzi have been placed on leave from their respective positions as the drama unfolds. A court hearing involving the two is set for next month, with both individuals bracing for what promises to be a contentious legal battle. As the world watches, the intersection of personal relationships and professional lives remains under intense scrutiny.

TESCO shoppers on a savings scheme have just hours left to get a cash bonus in time for Christmas.

The deadline to add money to your Tesco Clubcard Christmas Saver account and get another payment on top is 11.59pm today.

1

Members will have to be quick if they want to top up their accounts and earn free money worth up to £12.

If you add £25 to your account, you will get a £1.50 bonus voucher while those adding £50 will get £3 back.

Anyone adding over £100 will get a £6 bonus voucher and to get the full £12 on top you have to add over £200 to your account.

Any vouchers built up throughout the year and bonus will be sent to you in November to spend ahead of Christmas.

Previously, you had to top up your Christmas Saver account in-store but you can’t do this anymore.

However, you can top up your account online via the Christmas Savers section on the Tesco website.

You can also top up your account on the Tesco app as long as you’re logged into your Clubcard account.

It comes after shoppers were left fearing Tesco had permanently axed the bonus payments on its Clubcard Christmas Saver scheme.

In April, the retailer stopped customers from being able to make any cash top ups.

Tesco said at the time the scheme wasn’t being stopped but that it had paused the feature temporarily.

Then in August, the retailer confirmed exclusively to The Sun that the top up bonus feature was back for good.

How does Tesco’s Christmas Savers scheme work?

Tesco looks after the vouchers you collect when shopping at the supermarket throughout the year and then sends them all in November.

In addition to collecting points, you can top up your Christmas Saver account with up to £360 in cash.

This is optional but can help you save even more and you’ll be rewarded with a bonus voucher worth up to £12.

The supermarket sends statements throughout the year to allow customers to keep track of their savings.

To sign up for the scheme, you need to create a Tesco account and access the Vouchers Scheme by visiting www.secure.tesco.com/clubcard/christmas-savers.

You’ll then need to scan your Clubcard at the checkout whenever you shop, and Tesco will hoard your vouchers until the yearly deadline.

In November, you will receive all your saved vouchers, including any bonus vouchers, in one go.

This lump sum can help cover the cost of Christmas shopping, making the holiday season more affordable.

However, it’s important to note that Clubcard and top-up vouchers are valid for two years, and bonus vouchers are valid for three months.

Other supermarket Christmas savings schemes

Asda customers can save money through the supermarket’s Christmas Savings Card.

You are rewarded with a cash bonus depending on your balance on the “Bonus Day” which is November 11 this year.

You have to top up your card by 5pm on November 10 and Asda will top it up the following day by 9am.

Shoppers get a bonus of £1 for saving between £30 and £79.99, £3 for £80-£129.99 and £6 for £130-£179.99.

Those who have stashed away £180 to £229.99 get £9, while you receive £12 for £230 to £279.99 and £15 for £280 or more.

Sainsbury’s has a Christmas Club Card that pays out a 5% cash bonus when you save throughout the year.

The minimum value you can load is £1 and the maximum £1,975.

However, to receive any bonus, you need to have a minimum of £50 in your account.

You can save from January to November 1 to get your bonus in time for Christmas.

The card can be used at Sainsbury’s and Argos, both in-store and online.

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

A group of around 24 relatives of the Menendez brothers is advocating for their freedom. After spending decades behind bars for the murder of their parents, is there a possibility they could actually be set free? The case of the brothers, who were convicted for the 1989 killings of their parents in their Beverly Hills home, has gained renewed attention due to a Netflix series that dramatizes their story. Lyle Menendez, now 56, and his 53-year-old brother Erik are both serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for the shotgun murders of their father, Jose, and mother, Kitty Menendez. Following the release of the Netflix series titled Monsters and a new documentary, their family has come forward to advocate for their release.

Arguments for the Menendez Brothers’ Freedom

What arguments are being made for the brothers’ freedom? Is there any new evidence that could lead to their release?

Family Perspectives
At the time of their parents’ deaths, the Menendez brothers were just 21 and 18 years old. They confessed to shooting their parents but were convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy in 1996. They argue that their actions were in self-defense, stemming from years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

On October 17, a gathering of extended family members held a press conference in Los Angeles. Anamaria Baralt, the niece of Jose Menendez, spoke on behalf of the family, expressing, “Both sides of the family are united, sharing a new bond of hope.” She emphasized that the brothers were victims of a “culture that was not ready to listen,” urging the district attorney’s office to consider the complete context of their situation.

Joan Andersen VanderMolen, Kitty Menendez’s sister, also shared her thoughts, stating, “I had no idea how severe the abuse they endured was at the hands of my brother-in-law. None of us were aware.” She acknowledged that “abuse can have long-lasting effects,” recognizing that those who experience trauma may react in ways that are hard to comprehend.

Family Division

However, the family is not completely united. Kitty Menendez’s brother, Milton Andersen, 90, has expressed that he believes the appropriate punishment for the Menendez brothers is life in prison without the possibility of parole. His attorney stated that he is convinced no molestation took place, arguing that the motive behind the murders was sheer greed, as the brothers had just discovered they were being removed from their parents’ will.

New Evidence and Evolving Perspectives

The Menendez brothers have consistently claimed that they were victims of abuse at the hands of their parents since their initial murder charges were filed. At that time, prosecutors argued there was no proof of any molestation, asserting that the brothers were primarily interested in their parents’ substantial estate.

During their first trial in 1993, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision, but in the second trial, they were found guilty, opting for life without parole instead of a death sentence. Their legal team contends that, given the evolving societal perspectives on sexual abuse, the brothers might not have faced first-degree murder charges and a life sentence if tried today. They argue that manslaughter charges should have been considered, but this option was not available to the jury in the second trial.

Additionally, the defense claims to have discovered a letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin, dated months before the murders, in which he described alleged abuse from his father and expressed fear of him. LA district attorney George Gascon briefly posted the letter on his Instagram before removing it. In the handwritten note, Erik mentioned, “I’ve been trying to avoid dad… every night, I stay up thinking he might come in.” He also expressed feelings of fear and the need to “put it out of my mind” and “stop thinking about it.”

Roy Rossello, a former member of the band Menudo, also came forward in the Peacock documentary series Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, claiming he was also a victim of rape by Jose Menendez.

Potential for Release

Is there a genuine possibility for the brothers to be released? Absolutely, as prosecutors in Los Angeles are currently reassessing the brothers’ convictions, with a court hearing set for November 26. The brothers’ legal team has requested that the court consider their rehabilitation based on their conduct while incarcerated. If the court finds in their favor regarding rehabilitation, the brothers might be released or have their sentences reduced.

Additionally, the lawyers have presented a letter Erik wrote to his cousin as new evidence, which was not available to the jury during the brothers’ sentencing in 1996 and could have impacted their verdict. Should the court rule in their favor on this matter but not on rehabilitation, it may result in a retrial.

During a press conference, Mr. Gascon emphasized that the review is not about determining the brothers’ guilt in their parents’ deaths, stating that it is “factual” and “well established” that they were responsible. He also mentioned that over 300 individuals have been resentenced during his tenure as district attorney, with only four reoffending.

Family’s Reaction

How have the brothers responded to the review? Tammi Menendez, Erik’s wife, shared her thoughts on social media, expressing gratitude for the support following the District Attorney’s announcement. She wrote on X: “We truly appreciate the encouragement we’ve received and remain hopeful that this November will bring the resolution we’ve all been longing for. Your continued prayers as we await their official response would mean a lot to us.” After the family’s press conference, she added, “Erik feels incredibly thankful and deeply moved by the immense love and support from his family today. Their faith in him, along with their encouragement, care, and understanding, means more to him than words can convey.”

Understanding Executive Clemency

Executive clemency refers to the authority held by a President in federal criminal matters and by a Governor in state cases to grant pardons to individuals convicted of crimes. This power allows them to forgive the offense, reduce a sentence (often to time already served), or change a death sentence to a lesser penalty.

There are various motivations for utilizing this authority, such as genuine doubts regarding the individual’s guilt, concerns about an excessively harsh sentence, humanitarian considerations like the health of an elderly inmate, the desire to acknowledge someone who has shown rehabilitation, or even personal connections with the Governor.

During his presidency from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, Donald Trump used his clemency authority to grant executive clemency to 237 people who were either charged with or convicted of federal crimes, as outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. Typically, requests for clemency related to federal offenses are submitted to the Office of the Pardon Attorney (OPA) within the U.S. Department of Justice for evaluation. However, Trump often chose to bypass the OPA, and many of his clemency decisions favored well-connected individuals.

High-Profile Clemency Decisions

Donald Trump attracted significant attention due to the high-profile nature of his clemency recipients. Here are five notable individuals to whom Trump granted clemency:

1. Roger Stone (July 2020) – A longtime political adviser and confidant of Trump, Stone was convicted of multiple charges, including witness tampering and lying to Congress during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump commuted his sentence just days before Stone was set to go to prison.
2. Paul Manafort (December 2020) – Trump’s former campaign chairman, Manafort was convicted on charges related to financial fraud stemming from special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference. Trump pardoned him in the final weeks of his presidency.
3. Michael Flynn (November 2020) – Trump’s first national security adviser, Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian ambassador. Trump pardoned Flynn after a prolonged legal battle.
4. Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.) (January 2021) – The rapper was facing a potential 10-year sentence after pleading guilty to a gun charge. Trump granted him a full pardon in the final hours of his presidency.
5. Kodak Black (Bill Kahan Kapri) (January 2021) – Another rapper, Kodak Black, was serving time for weapons charges. Trump commuted his sentence as part of a series of last-minute clemency decisions before leaving office.

The Future of the Menendez Brothers’ Case

There’s no clear indication that Donald Trump would grant clemency or a retrial for the Menendez brothers if re-elected. While there has been renewed interest in the Menendez case, especially with documentaries and advocacy for their release, there’s no known personal connection between Trump and the brothers, nor has he publicly commented on their case.

Trump has used clemency in a high-profile manner, but whether he would consider the Menendez brothers would likely depend on public pressure, media attention, or legal arguments presented during his term. However, as of now, there is no specific reason to believe that they would be on his clemency radar.

The case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, has sparked renewed interest and debate as advocates push for a retrial. Their case has been under scrutiny, with numerous arguments presented in favor of revisiting their convictions, particularly focusing on the allegations of abuse they endured. Here, we explore the key arguments supporting a retrial, alongside the challenges that may impede this legal pursuit.

Challenges to a Retrial

Key Arguments for a Retrial in the Menendez Brothers Case

The case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, has sparked renewed interest and debate as advocates push for a retrial. Their case has been under scrutiny, with numerous arguments presented in favor of revisiting their convictions, particularly focusing on the allegations of abuse they endured. Here, we explore the key arguments supporting a retrial, alongside the challenges that may impede this legal pursuit.

Allegations of Abuse

The Menendez brothers have consistently maintained that their decision to kill their parents stemmed from a long history of severe physical and sexual abuse inflicted by their father, combined with emotional abuse from their mother. They assert that these traumatic experiences shaped their actions, leading to a desperate need for self-preservation.

During their original trial in the 1990s, the defense team attempted to introduce evidence of the alleged abuse, but it was largely dismissed by the court. This has left many advocates questioning whether the jury was fully informed about the context of the brothers’ claims. The narrative presented during the trial painted the brothers as motivated by greed rather than as victims of a traumatic upbringing, ultimately leading to their life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Advocates for a retrial argue that the abuse claims were not adequately addressed during the original proceedings. They believe that had the jury been privy to the full extent of the brothers’ traumatic experiences, it might have influenced their understanding of the events that transpired on that fateful night in 1989.

Evolving Understanding of Abuse

Legal experts and advocates contend that societal perceptions of familial abuse have shifted dramatically since the 1990s. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding psychological trauma, particularly within the context of family dynamics. This evolving understanding has fueled the push for a retrial, as it may offer a more nuanced perspective on the brothers’ actions.

The legal landscape surrounding domestic abuse has also transformed, with an increased emphasis on the psychological implications of such trauma. Supporters argue that the courts must recognize the lasting impact of childhood abuse on adult behavior, and that a retrial could provide an opportunity to address these issues more comprehensively than was possible in the original trial.

New Evidence

In 2023, the NBC documentary Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed reignited discussions around the Menendez case by presenting new testimony from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the band Menudo. Rosselló claimed that he was sexually abused by José Menendez as a teenager. This shocking revelation has prompted calls for further investigation and has provided a new avenue for examining the brothers’ claims of abuse.

The testimony of Rosselló is seen by many advocates as potentially corroborative evidence that could support Lyle and Erik Menendez’s assertions of being victims themselves. If the allegations against José Menendez are substantiated, it may lend credence to the brothers’ narratives and strengthen the argument for a retrial, as it would underscore a pattern of abusive behavior that extended beyond the Menendez household.

Challenges to a Retrial

While the arguments for a retrial are compelling, significant legal barriers exist that make it difficult to achieve. U.S. law generally upholds the principle of finality in criminal convictions, meaning that it is exceedingly rare for a case to be reopened once all appeals have been exhausted. The Menendez brothers have pursued multiple appeals over the years, all of which have been denied, complicating their quest for justice.

The courts often prioritize the finality of verdicts, resisting the reopening of cases unless compelling new evidence emerges that directly impacts the fairness of the original trial. Although new testimony regarding José Menendez has come to light, it remains uncertain whether it meets the legal standard necessary to warrant a retrial.

In conclusion, while the case for a retrial of the Menendez brothers is bolstered by allegations of abuse, evolving societal understanding, and new evidence, the path forward is fraught with legal challenges. The principles of finality and the difficulty of introducing new evidence into a closed case present formidable obstacles. As discussions continue and new developments unfold, the future of the Menendez brothers’ quest for justice remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder if they will ever have the opportunity to present their case anew.

Revisiting the Menendez Brothers Case: A Quest for Justice and Understanding

The case of the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, has long captivated public attention and raised profound questions about justice, trauma, and the complexities of familial relationships. Convicted in 1996 for the shotgun murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, the brothers have spent decades behind bars. Recently, advocates have renewed calls for a retrial, emphasizing allegations of long-term abuse, evolving societal understandings of trauma, and newly surfaced evidence.

At the core of their argument is the assertion that the brothers killed their parents in response to years of severe physical and sexual abuse from their father and emotional abuse from their mother. Advocates argue that these claims were inadequately addressed during the original trial. Legal experts suggest that the societal context surrounding familial abuse has changed significantly since the 1990s, prompting a push for the judicial system to adapt to these evolving understandings.

New evidence further complicates the narrative. In 2023, NBC released a documentary featuring testimony from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the band Menudo, who claimed that José Menendez sexually abused him as a teenager. This development has intensified calls for a comprehensive investigation, with many believing it could bolster the brothers’ claims of being victims themselves.

However, the path to a retrial is fraught with significant legal barriers. U.S. law makes it extremely difficult to secure a retrial after a conviction, especially after multiple appeals have been denied. Courts often prioritize the finality of convictions unless there is compelling new evidence that directly impacts the fairness of the original trial. While emerging testimonies about José Menendez’s alleged abuses add weight to the argument for reconsideration, it remains uncertain if these developments will be sufficient to warrant a retrial.

As discussions surrounding the case gain momentum and public interest swells, the fate of Lyle and Erik Menendez hangs in the balance. Their quest for justice transcends personal vindication; it embodies a broader movement advocating for the recognition of abuse and its far-reaching effects on victims.

Whether they will ultimately receive a retrial remains uncertain. However, their story underscores the critical importance of listening to victims and reconsidering past judgments in light of new evidence and evolving understandings of trauma. As society continues to grapple with these issues, the Menendez brothers’ case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the pursuit of justice within the familial sphere.

Related: The Menendez Brothers’ Money

High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.

The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year, and more are coming.

The number of jobs lost in British retail dropped last year, but 120,000 people still lost their employment, figures have suggested.

Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 10,494 shops closed for the last time during 2023, and 119,405 jobs were lost in the sector.

It was fewer shops than had been lost for several years, and a reduction from 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.

The centre’s director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.

Although there were some big-name losses from the high street, including Wilko, many large companies had already gone bust before 2022, the centre said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.

“The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and increases in interest rates have led many consumers to tighten their belts, reducing retail spend,” Prof Bamfield said.

“Retailers themselves have suffered increasing energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and falling demand that have made rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”

Alongside Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it collapsed, 2023’s biggest failures included Paperchase, Cath Kidston, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.

The Centre for Retail Research said most stores were closed because companies were trying to reorganise and cut costs rather than the business failing.

However, experts have warned there will likely be more failures this year as consumers keep their belts tight and borrowing costs soar for businesses.

The Body Shop and Ted Baker are the biggest names to have already collapsed into administration this year.