After 20 years since its first online order in 2006, the homeware retail giant has launched a new app, and its arrival comes with a few perks too for those who wish to use it.

Available for iOS and Android phone models, the new app aims to “enhance” consumers’ shopping experiences.

Dunelm is offering incentives for downloading the app including free drinks in their in-store Pausa cafes, and 10% off a first app purchase.   

Dunelm launches new app as part of ‘exciting’ shake-up in how customers can shop

Shoppers can use the app to check-in for Click & Collect orders, check product availability at their local store and scan products for further information as they browse the latest cushions, candles, bedding and other home accessories.

App customers also have the ability to shop particular ranges and styles, depending on their preferences.

To support the ongoing development of this new channel, Dunelm has a roadmap of new features which will further enhance the shopping experience for customers, with increased levels of personalisation and inspiration.

The retailer has said the newly launched app acts as an “easy and convenient companion for all Dunelm shopping journeys, incorporating the AI-powered search, recommendations and browse functionality which has been driving a more personalised experience on the Dunelm website”.

UK High Street Shops That No Longer Exist

It comes as last year, Dunelm introduced a generative AI-driven product discovery solution on Dunelm.com, in partnership with Google Cloud. 

John Gahagan, chief technology & information officer at Dunelm, commented: “We’re really excited to have launched our new App.

“It’s just over 20 years since we delivered our very first online order and this is the next chapter in our digital journey.

“The App brings our customers new ways to interact with our products and services, wherever they are, ensuring an easy, convenient and inspirational shopping experience.  

“Our launch is just the beginning and we look forward to bringing a range of new, innovative features over the coming months, as we continue to help customers create homes they love.”

The Dunelm app is available to download now from the App Store and Google Play. 

Morrisons introduces ATM charges at select UK stores

Dunelm isn’t the only major UK shop that has announced a new change affecting shoppers this week.

Morrisons has also confirmed it will now be charging its customers who use ATMs at a handful of its Daily convenience stores, as part of a new pay-to-use trial.

Using ATMs at Morrisons Daily shops used to be free, but the use of cash machines has dropped significantly due to an increase in cashless payments.

As a result, Morrisons is looking for ways to keep an ATM service for consumers.

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Morrisons said the change will allow customers to continue withdrawing cash at their local Daily site rather than losing the ATM service entirely.

Pricing decisions for ATMs are not controlled by Morrisons as they are operated by external providers.

Have you already downloaded the new Dunelm app? Let us know what you think of it, in the comments below.

From April 6 2026, the price of making voluntary National Insurance contributions from overseas will soar — dramatically increasing the cost of securing a full UK State Pension.

And experts say many expats still don’t realise what’s coming.

What’s changing for Class 2 voluntary National Insurance contributions?

Until now, eligible expats could pay Class 2 voluntary National Insurance contributions at just £3.50 per week – around £182 per year.

From April, that option effectively disappears for many, leaving only Class 3 contributions at £17.75 per week – or £923 per year.

That’s a 407% increase.

At the same time, new rules introduce a 10-year minimum UK residence or contribution requirement, up from three years, potentially locking some expats out of eligibility altogether.

Voluntary contributions can significantly increase your entitlement under the UK State Pension system.

If you fall short of the required 35 qualifying years, topping up missing years can boost your weekly income for life — and protect access to annual increases under the Triple Lock.

Fail to act before 5 April, and the same top-ups could cost thousands more over time.

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You’ll need to provide your National Insurance number.

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Search data suggests growing anxiety:

UK searches for “Class 3 National Insurance contributions” have surged 200% in the past year

Searches related to pension top-ups are up 40% in the past month

Searches for the CF83 form have jumped 70% in the past week

Many expats appear unsure whether they qualify — or what steps they need to take before the deadline.

“Act urgently before April 5”

William Cooper, Marketing Director at health insurance specialists William Russell, warns: “Expats need to act urgently before April 5.

“Paying voluntary Class 2 contributions is far cheaper than the upcoming Class 3 rate, and many people don’t realise payments can be backdated, sometimes covering several missing years at the lower cost and significantly boosting future pension income.”

He adds: “Taking action now could save hundreds or even thousands of pounds and protect entitlement to future State Pension increases.

“After April, the same top-ups will cost significantly more, and some people may no longer be eligible at all.”

Recommended reading:

What expats should do now

• Check your National Insurance record and State Pension forecast
• Confirm whether you qualify for Class 2 contributions
• Consider submitting form CF83 to assess eligibility
• Act before 5 April 2026

You can contact the HM Revenue and Customs International Pension Centre for guidance.

Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke) is fast becoming Emmerdale’s number one ratbag and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) can no longer protect him.

He began to turn to the dark side when he stole Ray Walters’ (Joe Absolom) bag which transpired to contain drugs and money. Instead of giving it back, he kept it and while Laurel ditched the drugs on his behalf, Arthur kept the money and started imagining himself living the high-baller life.

He flashed his new cash, buying himself a new phone and showing it off to April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), which wasn’t the smartest move as she ended up tugging at his heartstrings over how poor Ray has left her family, making Arthur thinking perhaps he should hand over the cash.

But moral-less Arthur managed to stave off that thought and held on to the money with plans to nick off to Australia.

Laurel was horrified at how cold her son had become, they rowed, and she scratched him with the ring. This was the moment that cemented Arthur becoming the little devil he now is.

But there is worse to come. With another row between mother and son brewing, Arthur will rapidly lost his cool and do the unthinkable – push Laurel in a fit of rage and give her a head injury.

She is rushed to hospital with concussion with Arthur feeling somewhat sheepish. Initially, it appears she doesn’t know what had happened and Arthur feels guilty at the prospect of having damaged her memory.

But she’s hiding something.

When Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) questions her, Laurel sticks to her account that she blacked out and fell on the stairs, but Nicola is worried there is a medical explanation for her friend’s fall.

Arthur is sweating; no one yet knows he did this atrocious thing to his mum, but he knows it will come out soon.

After Laurel is treated, Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) is horrified to see Laurel experience a dizzy moment. It piques Arthur’s guilt as he starts to wonder if his actions have caused Laurel lasting damage.

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He need not have worried. Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) conducts a home visit and sends Gabby and Arthur away for a moment alone with her patient. Will Laurel tell her what really happened?

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