Care labels on clothes are no longer enough for supporting consumers to enjoy their clothes for longer.

Clothing retailers will face growing pressure to think about the whole lifecycle of their products with the forthcoming European introduction of a policy called extended producer responsibility – this holds fashion brands and manufacturers responsible for managing post-consumer waste.

Despite this, many still prioritise to sell new garments and place responsibility on consumers through care labels and instructions to ensure extend use and minimise clothing waste. Our research shows that although some retailers offer care products and repair services, these options are often hidden and secondary in retail stores. This is a missed opportunity. We also found that consumers want practical support to maintain and repair clothing in ways that extend lifespans and reduce environmental consequences.

Clothing lifespans vary depending on design, quality, materials and how garments are used and cared for. Yet, in today’s fast fashion system, which supports a culture of disposable fashion, garments are used for a shorter period than what they have been technically designed for.

Extending lifespan is not only about buying secondhand or reselling; how clothes are washed, repaired, stored and worn also matters. This means that even without retail support, there are steps you can take today.

Here are five ways to extend the life of your clothes through everyday care:

1. Rethink your washing habits

While care labels contain information on what washing machine and tumble dryer programmes are suitable for garments, using these machines less often helps to preserve the textiles. Instead of machine laundry, try to air and re-wear items.

When it comes to denim or clothes from a charity shop, leaving them in the freezer for a couple of days can help to refresh the garment. For small stains, spot cleaning by hand is another option.

2. Know which materials you’re wearing

Garments and textiles are complex: fibres, structure, colour and design all change how clothes get used and looked after. Learning more about textiles can enable you to treat your garments better and make smarter purchases.

Products such as brushes, lint rollers and sweater combs can refresh your garments with minimal effort. However, results depend on the material. For instance, de-pilling is more successful on 100% wool garments than on synthetic blends.

Stain removal depends on what the textile can handle, what various cleaning products do, and the type of stain. You can find information online in many languages.

Gentle stain-removal products are also widely available. Waterproof clothing can be reproofed, but try to avoid products containing forever chemicals known as Pfas. Pfas are chemical compounds that are water and fat repellant, however they don’t easily break down in nature and can accumulate in the environment. They are harmful to human and animal health.

Wax and leather conditioning can also prolong the life and performance of certain garments.

3. Rummage in your wardrobe

Many people, especially women, in affluent societies feel ashamed of how much clothing they own. Many wardrobes contain numerous passive clothes that are stored away and not planned for future use.

As a result, downsizing and decluttering are popular. However, viewing your wardrobe less critically can help you rediscover forgotten favourites and unlock the potential of the garments you already own. Holding on to clothes not currently in use can be a smart choice. Future changes in fashion, your body or your taste can make you regret discarding old favourites. Assessing what you wear, what you never wear, and why can also help you avoid new purchases and make more successful ones.

Slow fashion content creators share tips on social media like “define your style in three adjectives” pinpointing the attributes you should look for in garments and outfits, or colour analysis that helps identify the tones and colours that suit you best. These methods can be useful to identify and recognise the clothes that bring real joy.

4. Learn to repair and upcycle

You might know how to close a hole or replace a button, but how about darning socks, repairing knitted sweaters or hemming trousers? In our research, we found that even if consumers care about their clothes and want to extend their life, lack of repair skills can be a hindrance. However, the growing popularity of public repair workshops provide an opportunity to exchange repair skills and connect with a like-minded local community. Look for repair cafes via your local library, for example.

5. Choose retailers that prioritise aftercare

Fashion brands need to normalise extended use, and present garments as repair and care-worthy.

A few retailers have started to recognise the need to help consumers enjoy their clothes for longer and offer genuine after care. Look for brands and retailers that offer repair services, accessible original parts, patches and even repurposing and tailoring. This could encourage brands to provide more than just environmental messages on care labels or low-quality repair kits for hard-to-repair products.

The goal is to normalise caring for old products and make aftercare a core part of the retail industry, not an optional extra.

Blue boardings have been installed around the future branch at Victoria Plaza on Oxford Street, telling customers the bank will soon be “bringing you an improved service to Bolton.”

The move will see Barclays relocate from its current branch on the corner of Hotel Street to the new town centre premises.

Planning documents show an illuminated sign projecting on the shopfront window has been approved, subject to conditions, by Bolton Council.

Planning permission was recently granted for a new shopfront at Unit two, Victoria Plaza, where the bank is preparing to open its new branch.

The approved scheme includes a modern frontage with a glazed entrance, full-width windows, and ceramic grey tiled finishes.

Planning officers said the redesigned frontage would improve the appearance of the unit while preserving the character of the Bolton Town Centre Conservation Area.

No objections were received during the consultation process and highways officers raised no concerns.

A separate application for illuminated signage at the premises remains under consideration by Bolton Council.

The latest progress on site suggests work is continuing ahead of the branch opening, although an opening date has not yet been announced.

Magnet described the stores as “underperforming” and said the closures were part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to help secure the group’s finances.

The CVA is designed to address “property costs that are no longer sustainable.”

Sophie Rose, chief executive of Magnet Group, said: “This is a difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly, particularly where colleagues may be impacted.

“But taking this action now is the right thing to do for the long-term health of Magnet Group.”

The Darlington-based firm sells the likes of kitchen cabinets, worktops, built-in and freestanding appliances, sinks, and taps

Which Magnet Kitchens stores will be closing?

Magnet will shut stores in the following locations:

• Andover, Hampshire
• Birmingham Minworth, West Midlands
• Blackburn, Lancashire
• Bridgwater, Somerset
• Brighton, East Sussex
• Colwyn Bay, Wales
• Dorking, Surrey
• Farnborough, Hampshire
• Ramsgate, Kent
• Romford Trade, Greater London
• Stirling, Scotland
• Stockton, County Durham
• Watford, Hertfordshire
• Weymouth, Dorset
• York Trade, North Yorkshire

The retailer has not shared details on when the above stores will close.

Magnet also did not confirm how many jobs could be affected, but said employees would be offered support and alternative roles where possible.

The company reassured customers that the majority of its 159 stores will continue to operate as normal.

Magnet also confirmed that any customer orders affected by the closures will be transferred to the closest alternative store.

The CVA plan will be overseen by Natasha Harbinson, Will Wright and Chris Pole from advisory firm Interpath, subject to creditor approval.

Ms Rose said: “It allows us to deal with property costs that are no longer sustainable and protect the stronger parts of our estate.”

UK retailers that have closed or entered administration in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several retailers entering administration and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street retailers LK Bennett and Claire’s both closed all their stores in April, having previously fallen into administration.

Quiz also revealed that it will be closing its 37 remaining stores by the end of June, after falling into administration in February (for the second time in 12 months).

Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

Iguanas Holdings Limited, which runs 47 Las Iguanas restaurants across the UK, and Poundstretcher are also in danger of collapsing into administration if restructuring plans aren’t agreed, having “fallen into financial difficulties”.

UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out over the coming months after being acquired by InPost.

Shoppers urged to check ham products from Tesco Finest and Lidl Deluxe ranges after the Food Safety Authority of Ireland issued a recall

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Leading supermarkets Tesco and Lidl have withdrawn products from sale due to potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes.

Both retailers have issued the recall affecting items from their premium own-label collections.

Ham products from Tesco Finest and Lidl’s Deluxe range have been pulled by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) because of the possible health threat.

Products manufactured under the Brady Family brand are also included in the alert.

All products covered by the recall:

• Brady Family Wood Smokes Real Irish Ham 6 Slices – pack size 80g – batch code 235417.
• Brady Family Hand Crumbed Real Irish Ham 6 Slices – pack size 80g – batch code 235880 and 235765.
• Lidl’s Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham 5 slices – pack size 130g – batch code 235461.
• Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham 5 Slices – pack size 130g – batch code 235473.
• Tesco Finest Crumbed Shaved Ham 16 slices – pack size 120g – batch code 235412.

All affected products carry a use-by date of 16 July.

Point-of-sale notices will be displayed in stores.

Shoppers have been urged not to consume the affected items and to throw them away.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause mild flu-like symptoms, or stomach-related issues including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Cold meats are especially vulnerable to contamination with listeria bacteria. Additional at-risk foods include smoked and cured fish, shellfish and mouldy cheeses such as camembert and brie.

According to the NHS website, the majority of those infected with the bacteria experience no symptoms whatsoever, or merely mild indicators including a high temperature, vomiting, aches and pains, chills or diarrhoea.

Those facing elevated risk include expectant mothers, newborns and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The likelihood of complications also rises with advancing age.

Parents are urged to dial 999 or attend A&E if youngsters display more serious symptoms including a severe headache and stiff neck, discomfort looking at bright lights, seizures, sudden confusion or sleepiness, and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.

Most infections from the bacteria can be treated at home through rest and adequate hydration.

Humphrey Smith, the notoriously strict brewery boss who banned mobile phones, music and bad language from his pubs, has died aged 81.

The former chairman of Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery was one of the most controversial figures in the British pub trade.

To admirers, he was a determined guardian of the traditional public house – protecting historic interiors and the lost art of conversation from the relentless march of smartphones and fruit machines.

To critics, he was an uncompromising and sometimes fearsome figure whose rigid rules left some landlords terrified.

Smith, who was born on December 17, 1944, headed the family brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which traces its history back to 1758 and claims to be Yorkshire’s oldest.

Under his leadership, Samuel Smith’s grew into one of Britain’s most distinctive pub companies, operating more than 200 establishments across the country.

Many occupy handsome historic buildings and retain traditional features including open fires, wooden panelling and Victorian fittings.

But it was the extraordinary list of things Smith refused to tolerate that made his pubs famous far beyond North Yorkshire.

Pictured is the Samuel Smith brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, where Mr Smith ran his 200-pub strong chain 

Mr Smith (pictured) who was born on December 17, 1944, headed the family brewery in Tadcaster which traces its history back to 1758 and claims to be Yorkshire’s oldest

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Smartphones were forbidden, as were laptops, televisions, music and fruit machines. Dogs, muddy boots and children were also unwelcome in many premises.

Swearing could lead to drinkers being thrown out – and landlords could reportedly find themselves out of a job if Smith believed they had failed to enforce his rules.

Smith was known for making unannounced visits to pubs across the country to ensure managers were maintaining his exacting standards.

One of the most notorious incidents came in 2019, when he reportedly overheard a customer tell a joke containing a swear word at the Fox and Goose in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire.

The pub’s landlords, Eric and Tracey Lowery, had been running the premises for just seven weeks when they found themselves without their jobs – or the flat above the pub.

At the Cow and Calf in Sheffield, manager Louise Brownhill and her husband Steve claimed they were dismissed after Smith discovered his preferred dessert was not in stock (a chocolate fondant).

Mrs Brownhill said the couple had been unable to stock the dessert because the brewery had not provided them with a freezer.

At an employment tribunal involving two former Edinburgh pub managers, Smith was characterised by a judge as ‘combative and argumentative’.

Employment judge Murdo Macleod said Smith appeared dismissive of the proceedings and gave the impression that they were either ‘a waste of his valuable time or beneath him’.

Yet the formidable reputation contrasted sharply with the unassuming figure regularly seen walking through Tadcaster in tweed and wellington boots, often carrying a worn towel as he made his way to the local swimming pool.

Despite presiding over a valuable brewing and property empire, Smith was not known for displays of personal extravagance.

Residents said he gave up driving not a Ferrari or Rolls-Royce, but a modest Austin Allegro.

Pictured: The Princess Louise pub on High Holborn in Central London – a Samuel Smith’s pub

Pictured: A coaster in one of the Sam Smith pub’s which encourages people to talk – and bans devices

In later life he was said to travel by public bus, sometimes appearing unexpectedly at distant pubs with a portfolio tucked under his arm.

His habitual lunchtime swim took him past many of the empty shops, boarded-up houses and closed pubs that made him such a divisive figure in his home town.

Smith was reported to control as much as 70 per cent of Tadcaster’s commercial property through the brewery and associated interests.

Locals variously described him as the town’s ‘laird’ and a ‘Dickensian figure’ who inspired fierce loyalty and equally fierce resentment.

Critics accused him of allowing properties to deteriorate while refusing to let large chains occupy his buildings.

They argued that his control over land and commercial premises had prevented new homes, restaurants and businesses from coming to the town.

Smith’s relationship with Tadcaster came under intense scrutiny after the historic bridge over the River Wharfe collapsed during devastating floods in 2015.

Residents were initially forced to make a lengthy diversion between the two halves of the town.

Smith reportedly refused to allow brewery-owned land to be used for a temporary footbridge unless he was given input into the permanent replacement.

A temporary crossing was eventually erected on council-owned land, while the road bridge was later rebuilt following intervention by then-prime minister David Cameron.

Cllr Richard Sweeting said Tadcaster was ‘in mourning’ over the death of Mr Smith, who had been unwell for some time.

Cllr Sweeting, the town mayor, said: ‘It’s the end of an era. Mr Smith has been part of Tadcaster for many years and has done a lot for this town.

‘But he wasn’t one for publicity. He would like to do things behind the scenes. We wouldn’t have a lot of the facilities in the town if it wasn’t for Mr Smith and the brewery.

‘I knew Mr Smith extremely well. There was one thing he did have. He did have the town at heart. He was a Tadcaster person.

‘I have known him all my life and his mother. He has done a lot for the church and the community. To me, he’s just Mr Smith. They do a lot of unseen things.

‘Talking to people in the town, Tadcaster is in mourning. It’s the end of an era. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.’

Tadcaster is known for its three breweries. John Smith’s was set up by members of the same Smith family in the 19th century, though it has long been separate from Sam Smith’s and now part of Heineken.

Molson Coors also has a plant in the town, where ‘Spanish’ beer Madri is brewed.

Companies House records show Smith resigned as a director of Samuel Smith Old Brewery on June 17, 2026.

News of his death was first reported by York Press, which said it had received a verbal confirmation of his passing over the phone from the notoriously media-averse brewery.

The British Pubs Facebook site posted: ‘An absolute titan of the British brewing world has passed away. Humphrey Smith, the famously traditionalist and eccentric owner of Yorkshire’s Samuel Smith’s Brewery, has died.’

The post continued: ‘Love him or hate him for his strict rules – banning smartphones, tablets, music, and even swearing – he ran his pubs entirely his own way to preserve the classic, tech-free British Pubs experience.’

“I was using it everyday walking 20k+ steps and it was so comfortable, my feet did not hurt at all.”

New Balance fans are flocking to grab a 40% discount on a £110 pair of trainers being hailed as ‘perfect for everyday’ wear. The 204L Shoes have dropped to £66 and boast a 4.3 out of 5 rating from customer feedback.

On the New Balance website, the complete product description states: “Enter the 204L : an unexpected interpretation of 2000s running-inspired style. This low-profile silhouette blends the slim structure of ’70s running shoes with tech-inspired texture of premium suede.

“Pulling design elements from past and present New Balance favorites, the 204L feels familiar, yet new. Its sleek proportions, accented with arced lines across the overlay, make the 204L both unique and easy to wear.”

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For those seeking a comparable style at a lower cost, Next offers these Neutral Forever Comfort Lace-Up Trainers at £35. Customers have praised the footwear as ‘great for summer’ owing to its versatile neutral look.

Alternatively, FitFlop fans can find these RTG Leather/Suede Trainers , reduced from £90 to £55. They come with ‘soft padding’ providing ‘extra breathability’, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Among the New Balance customer reviews, one buyer commented: “So cute I’m in love! Comfy and great for walking in!”

Another noted: “Cool effortless and comfy. They pretty much go with every look! “

A third customer remarked: “I got this for a recent trip to London knowing I would be walking around a lot. I was using it everyday walking 20k+ steps and it was so comfortable, my feet did not hurt at all. It had full support while the cushion was soft and went good with all my outfits!”

A fourth buyer commented: “Shoes are true to size, very comfortable and super cute!”

It’s worth noting that some customers described the shoes as ‘narrow’ so they may not be suitable for wider feet.

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Police are looking to speak with five men in connection with the attack

A man suffered serious injuries following an attack in Peterborough. The attack happened on Lower Bridge Street, near Aspire in Peterborough, at around 9pm on May 30.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the man is in hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. The force is looking to speak with five men in connection with the assault.

Police have asked anyone who recognises these five men, or has any information about the assault, to report it online. Call 101 if you do not have internet access, quoting 35/40236/26.

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By LAURA FOX, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR

Published: 07:48 BST, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 08:18 BST, 1 July 2026

Keeping Up Appearances star Anna Dawson has died at the age of 88.

The actress previously played the affluent Hyacinth Bouquet’s sister Violet in the beloved BBC sitcom before retiring from the industry in 1995.

Anna’s passing came just six months after her husband John Boulter, who was a soloist in the Black and White Minstrel Show.

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Her death was announced in a post on the Paihia Community Facebook page in New Zealand by the Christ Church Anglican at Kororāreka Russell.

It said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a much treasured member of our faith community, former actress Anna Boulter (nee Dawson). Anna died peacefully on Saturday 27 June in Kerikeri at 3pm.

‘Many from the Russell community will remember Anna and her late husband John Boulter who lived in Okiato and Tapeka. Funeral details to follow.’

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Keeping Up Appearances star Anna Dawson has died at the age of 88

Following the news, many fans began to pay tribute to Anna on X, including Only Fools And Horses star John Challis’ widow Carol.

She wrote: ‘Sad news. An old friend. God bless you, Anna.’

Others wrote: ‘Oh no, how sad. Goodness – Penelope Keith, Michael Byrne and now Anna Dawson;’

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‘I was sad to hear that the actress and singer Anna Dawson has died;’

‘Anna Dawson aka Violet from Keeping Up Appearances has died I do hope heaven has a Mercedes, sauna and a room for a pony. RIP queen.’

Born in Lancashire, Anna spent part of her childhood in the British colonial territory of Tanganyika in east Africa, which is now part of Tanzania.

After attending drama school, she started her career with roles in West End musicals, before starring in 23 episodes of the 60s police procedural Dixon of Dock Green.

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She then appeared opposite comedy icon Benny Hill in his famous sitcom, as well as The Kenny Everett Video Show in the 1980s. 

The actress previously played the affluent Hyacinth Bouquet’s sister Violet in the beloved BBC sitcom before retiring from the industry in 1995

Anna’s passing came just six months after the husband John Boulter, who was a soloist in the Black and White Minstrel Show (pictured in 1985)

Her death was announced in a post on the Paihia Community Facebook page in New Zealand by the Christ Church Anglican at Kororāreka Russell

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Anna then landed the role of Hyacinth’s sister Violet in Keeping Up Appearances, who was frequently referenced by the titular star as ‘the one with the Mercedes, sauna and room for a pony.’

While mentioned regularly on the show, Anna only appeared in four episodes as Violet during the show’s fifth series in 1995. 

In 1995, Anna retired from acting, and she and her husband John relocated to a retirement village in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Herald reported in December that John died ‘peacefully surrounded by family.’

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TOKYO (AP) — Business sentiment among major Japanese manufacturers has improved for a fifth straight quarter, the Bank of Japan said in its quarterly “tankan” survey released Wednesday.

The survey’s so-called diffusion index rose to 22 from 17 in the previous quarter, the BOJ said. The index for large non-manufacturers, such as services, edged up to 37 from the last tankan ‘s 36.

The survey is an indicator of companies foreseeing good conditions minus those feeling pessimistic.

Higher fuel prices due to the Iran war have added to inflationary pressures in Japan, though crude oil prices have fallen since the U.S. and Iran agreed on an interim deal to end the war.

Although a weak yen raises the value of exports’ earnings when converted into yen, a boon for Japan’s giant exporters, that positive is starting to be countered by the big negative of rising energy prices.

Japan imports nearly all of its oil and gas, and the yen’s recent decline to near a 40-year low has added to those concerns given recent high oil prices.

The U.S. dollar was trading at about 162 yen on Wednesday.

Last month the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to 1%, a three-decade high, citing challenges stemming from a weak Japanese yen and higher prices. The central bank has been trying to normalize monetary policy lately after decades of keeping interest rates near or below zero.

Analysts say Japan’s economic indicators, such as investments, remain relatively strong despite longer term problems such as a chronic labor shortage due to an aging and declining population.

“Sales remain firm, especially for large enterprises, but profits are expected to weaken,” said Amova Asset Management Chief Global Strategist and Chief Economist Naomi Fink said about the tankan.

“Fixed investment plans are strong for large and mid-size firms but less so for small firms.”

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Yuri Kageyama is on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yurikageyama

The force has been working throughout the night to locate the missing man

Police have been searching throughout the night to locate a “high-risk” missing man who was last seen in Newmarket. Martin Hardman was last seen on foot in Newmarket at around 3.30pm on Tuesday, June 30.

Suffolk Police do not believe he has access to a vehicle at this time. The force has described Martin as a 6ft white male with long grey hair, mid-70s.

He was wearing a black t-shirt worn backwards, dark jogging bottoms, and a cowboy hat. He is likely to be using a three-wheel walker to aid mobility.

Suffolk Constabulary are continuing searches for Martin. Officers are extremely concerned for Martin’s welfare and are urging anyone who has seen him or has any information about his whereabouts to contact Suffolk Police on 101 or report online.