DELIGHTED shoppers will see iconic brands return to the high street including 90s favourites Toys R Us, Topshop and Cath Kidston.

It’s been a tough few years for the high street with many brands shuttering sites or disappearing altogether.

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But, a number of big-name retailers have announced they will be returning to the high street, in a move that’s sure to delight shoppers.

Many of the brands including Toys R Us, Cath Kidston and M&Co are returning under new ownership having previously fallen into administration.

It has been a tough time for retailers since Covid and many have struggled.

The rising cost of living, expensive rents and lower footfall have all played a part in the demise of some of our much-loved high street names.

However, here is a full list of the much-loved brands making their return:

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Cath Kidston

Fashion and homeware chain Cath Kidston will open its first new store next month as it returns to UK high streets.

Renowned for its charming floral designs and quirky vintage-style homeware, Cath Kidston had been a beloved fixture on the British high street since 1993.

However, the retailer crashed into administration last year and the last of its bricks-and-mortar stores closed in June 2023.

Next acquired the Cath Kidston brand, meaning people could continue to buy online and at the retailer’s stores.

Now it is due to open a new store on October 18 at Westfield White City, London.

Cath Kidston has teased the return on Instagram with images of the hoardings branded with its familiar florals.

In the post, it said: “Why yes. Yes, you guessed right.”

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Topshop

Topshop could be making a dramatic comeback to the British high street in a welcome boost for fashion-lovers who mourned its loss.

Earlier this month ASOS announced plans to sell a 75% stake in the brand to Bestseller, a Danish retail group that owns Jack & Jones.

Bestseller, which is also ASOS’s largest investor, has around 2,800 retail stores in more than 30 countries.

Asos had bought Topshop out of administration for £265million in 2021.

As part of the £118million joint venture deal with Bestseller, ASOS will be relaunching Topshop.com as a standalone website.

However, in news that will thrill millennial shoppers, ASOS’s boss also suggested a return to bricks and mortar shops .

Ramos Calamonte said: “It is very early to say that there will be physical stores, but there is no question that they [Bestseller] have a big present presence on the high street.

“We think that they have a lot of potential.”

Industry rumours have suggested they have already started scoping out potential sites for Topshop’s revival, including London’s famous Carnaby Street.

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Toys R Us

Toys R Us’ return to the UK high street has been been warmly welcomed by delighted fans.

Following a rapid roll out of concessions in the last year the iconic 90s toys retailer has announced it will launch in 23 more shops before Christmas.

The new stores are not standalone sites, but are “shop-in-shops” located inside WHSmith stores across the country.

Toys R Us was founded in 1957 by American businessman Charles P Lazarus.

It grew to 100 stores across the UK, but collapsed in 2018 and closed all branches.

Plans for a relaunch were announced in in October 2021 and the first store to open in a WHSmith branch was in York (Monks Cross retail park) on June 10 last year.

Managing director of WHSmith High Street Sean Toal said: “Nearly 40 years ago, Toys R Us first came to the UK, and we take great pride in being the steward of this much-loved brand in the UK.

“We’ve had queues around the block for many openings in the last year which tells you just how much people are loving seeing Toys R Us back again.”

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M&Co

Fashion retailer M&Co closed all of its stores after collapsing into administration in 2022, but has now announced it will return to the high street.

The new store in Newton Mearns, Scotland, will be opening where a previous store was located before the brand fell into administration.

The store opening follows the troubled brand’s acquisition by AK Retail Holdings in May 2023.

The new store will be opening where a previous store was located before going into administration.

Sandra McPherson, head of retail for M&Co stores, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back our loyal customers in-store.

“This expansion symbolises our commitment to bringing stores back to the high street and connecting with customers.”

M&Co fell into administration in December 2022.

Fellow retailer Yours Clothing bought the M&Co brand and intellectual property the following year.

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Wilko

Wilko is back on the high street having closed 400 stores in 2023 after going into administration.

Brits were heartbroken when beloved Wilko announced it would be closing all of its shops back in October last year.

However, a glimmer of hope was given when the brand name was scooped up by The Range, in a £5million deal – meaning that the name would live on.

Customers were overjoyed after learning the store was being relaunched online, and even more so when in a surprising turn of events, physical branches started to open up again.

Locations have since popped up Plymouth, Exeter, Luton, St Albans and Rotherham and its roll out is spreading across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The stores offer customers all the essentials across home and garden, as well as the usual value Wilko own-brand products, alongside popular named brands.

Chris Dawson, owner of Wilko, is said to be targeting 300 stores over the next five years, and said that all the new shops so far are making a profit.

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Paperchase

In October 2023, Paperchase also made a return after closing all of its 134 shops and concessions earlier in the year.

Fans of the brand were devastated when the retailer disappeared from the high street in April 2023.

It had collapsed three months earlier and failed to find a buyer for the business.

Doors were shut on a total of 106 standalone shops, and 28 concessions within Next and Selfridges stores.

However, supermarket giant Tesco later stepped in and bought the rights to the brand and then went on to launch it in some of its stores.

A total of 261 Tesco stores now stock Paperchase products – see the full list here.

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Ted Baker

Ted Baker is to operate as an online shop following its collapse.

Ted Baker fell into administration in March when a deal collapsed between its American owners, Authentic Brands, and a Dutch operating partner which was meant to run the store operations.

Its final UK high street shops shut their doors in August and its original website stopped accepting orders.

But later that month US-based Authentic Brand Group, said it had secured a deal with a new business partner United Legwear & Apparel Co.

They will now run the brand’s online platform in the UK and Europe.

We wait to see if it will follow others in returning to the high street.

What is happening to the British high street?

The news comes amid a challenging time for the whole of the UK’s retail sector. 

High inflation coupled with a squeeze on consumers’ finances has meant people have less money to spend in the shops. 

Also the rising popularity in online shopping has meant people are favouring digital ordering over visiting a physical store. 

Unseasonably wet weather has also deterred shoppers from hitting the high street. 

This ongoing issue has seen brands such as Paperchase, and The Body Shop.

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Luxury real estate has an undeniable appeal, whether it is for the prestige, the lifestyle, or the investment potential. For example, real estate in Limassol offers stunning waterfront properties with breathtaking views and proximity to vibrant city life, making it an attractive option for those looking to combine luxury living with a solid investment.

But before you dive headfirst into this high-end market, there are some important factors to consider. Yes, luxury real estate can offer significant financial rewards, but it’s not without its challenges. Let’s break it down with a touch of practicality.

What Makes a Property “Luxury”?

Essentially, it refers to properties at the top end of the market in terms of price, features, and location. True luxury homes often include a prime location (think beachfront or city centre), top-quality finishes, and unique design elements.

The word “exclusive” is key—whether it’s a gated community, a secluded mansion, or a penthouse in a highly sought-after building, luxury real estate is meant to offer something rare and coveted.

The Financial Benefits of Investing in Luxury Real Estate

Capital Appreciation

Luxury properties often hold their value well—especially in prime locations with limited availability. Over time, these homes can appreciate significantly, making them an attractive long-term investment. This is particularly true in markets with high demand and little room for expansion.

Rental Income Potential

A major draw of luxury real estate is the potential for rental income. High-net-worth renters often seek premium properties for short or long-term stays—vacation homes, corporate rentals, or even long-term residences. For instance, if you own a villa in a vacation hotspot like Cyprus or Ibiza, you can charge top dollar for weekly rentals during peak season.

Tax Benefits

In some places, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and even certain maintenance costs. Additionally, if you rent out your property, you might qualify for further tax breaks related to rental expenses and depreciation.

Lifestyle Benefits of Owning Luxury Real Estate

Luxury real estate isn’t just about making smart financial decisions—there’s a lifestyle element to it, too. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into a certain way of living.

Prestige and Social Status

Owning a luxury property is often seen as a marker of success. It’s a status symbol that reflects personal achievement and financial stability. Beyond that, living in a high-end home in a prestigious neighbourhood often comes with certain social advantages, whether it’s networking opportunities, invitations to exclusive events, or simply the sense of pride that comes from knowing you’ve “made it.”

Top-Notch Amenities

Luxury properties are synonymous with luxury amenities. We’re talking infinity pools, private gyms, gourmet kitchens, smart home systems, movie theatres, and sometimes even wine cellars or indoor basketball courts. These homes are designed for people who appreciate the finer things in life and want access to every convenience without ever leaving the house.

Customization and Uniqueness

One of the most satisfying aspects of owning luxury real estate is the level of customization available. Many luxury properties are built or renovated to suit the owner’s specific tastes, meaning you get to live in a home that’s truly your own. Whether you want an outdoor kitchen for entertaining, a sprawling garden, or cutting-edge design, a luxury home allows you to create the perfect space tailored to your lifestyle.

Risks of Investing in Luxury Real Estate

Of course, no investment is without its risks, and luxury real estate is no exception. While the rewards can be substantial, it’s important to go into the process with your eyes wide open.

Market Volatility

Unlike the mid-tier market, which tends to move more gradually, high-end real estate can be significantly affected by economic shifts, political changes, and even global events. During a recession or housing market crash, luxury properties can take longer to sell, and buyers may have to accept lower-than-expected offers.

High Maintenance Costs

Large gardens, pools, and specialized systems like smart home technology or custom lighting require constant upkeep, and you’ll likely need to hire professionals to maintain everything. Also, insurance premiums on luxury homes are typically higher, especially if the home has unique or high-risk features (like waterfront access or a large collection of rare art).

Illiquidity

Luxury real estate isn’t the most liquid asset. It can take months, or even years, to sell a high-end property, especially in a slow market. This means that if you need to access your capital quickly, selling a property might not be the best option.

Credit: Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

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How to Approach Investing in Luxury Real Estate

If you’re seriously considering investing in high-end real estate, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision:

• Understand the market: Before making any investment, spend time learning about the specific market you’re interested in. Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? Are property values on the rise or in decline? You’ll want to have a clear picture of the current market trends.
• Location is everything: A high-end property in a desirable neighbourhood will always hold more value than a comparable property in a less popular area.
• Think long-term: Real estate is generally a long-term investment. Don’t expect to flip a property for quick cash unless you’re extremely lucky or have a keen understanding of market timing.

Wrapping It All Up

Investing in luxury real estate offers a blend of financial rewards and lifestyle benefits that can be highly attractive, but it’s important to weigh the risks carefully. The potential for capital appreciation and rental income is significant, but so are the maintenance costs and market volatility.

eToro has partnered with investment management firm ARK Invest to launch a new technology and innovation-focused portfolio, ARK-FutureFirst, on its platform.

The Smart Portfolio allows eToro users to invest in pioneering companies across sectors such as technology, healthcare and sustainability, aiming for high growth while tackling global challenges.

The ARK-FutureFirst portfolio is equally allocated across seven of ARK Invest’s UCITS exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which support companies with growth potential in three key areas.

These include: disruptive innovation, such as AI, robotics and blockchains; healthcare innovation, focusing on personalised medicine and gene editing; and sustainability innovation, which encompasses renewable energy, energy efficiency and the transition to a circular economy.

Cathie Wood, founder and CEO of Ark Invest, said: “We are thrilled to partner with eToro to launch a new model portfolio centered around three key areas that we believe are poised for transformative growth.

“As more investors around the world are gaining access to ETFs via the growth of digital platforms, we are excited that this partnership will enable us to introduce some of our best ideas and original strategies at ARK Invest Europe to eToro’s 38 million retail investors.”

James Thomas, head of European Sales at ARK Invest, added: “Over the last few months, we’ve been actively working with partners to develop a number of model portfolio solutions tailored to European investors and their desire for access to both innovation and sustainability/impact themes respectively, which reflect each of our two business pillars at ARK Invest Europe under the ‘ARK Invest’ and ‘Rize ETF’ branded sub-suites respectively.

“We look forward to developing further partnerships with industry leaders, like eToro, who are dedicated to bringing future-focused investment solutions to their customers.”

Gil Shapira, chief investment officer at eToro, said: “We’re excited to partner with ARK Invest to bring this new portfolio to retail investors around the world. The ARK team has built a prestigious reputation for its original research and portfolio management expertise.

“With the ARK-FutureFirst portfolio, eToro users can seek growth through truly long-term, cross-sector trends that are predicted to not just shift markets but the world for decades to come.”

A major retailer with 77 sites across the UK has plans to close 17 stores before the end of the year.

Dobbies Garden Centre wants to shut 11 larger sites and six Little Dobbies stores all of which are unprofitable.

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The retailer will also work with landlords to seek temporary rent reductions at a further nine sites.

It comes as part of a restructuring plan launched by the business to address “historically uneconomical rent costs”.

Dobbies began a financial overhaul of the business back in August, which it warned would lead to shop closures.

The full list of stores set to close are:

• Altrincham
• Antrim
• Gloucester
• Gosforth
• Harlestone Heath
• Huntingdon
• Inverness
• King’s Lynn
• Pennine
• Reading
• Stratford-upon-Avon

Little Dobbies

• Cheltenham
• Chiswick
• Clifton
• Richmond
• Stockbridge
• Westbourne Grove

If the restructuring plan is approved the 17 sites will close by the end of the year.

A spokesperson told The Sun: “Subject to the RP being successfully approved, we expect the affected sites to cease trading by the end of the year.

“Thereafter, Dobbies will operate 60 stores and continue to play a key role in the market, working constructively with stakeholders and suppliers, and having an active and committed role in the communities in which it’s based.”

Restructuring plans are often launched by businesses when they find themselves in financial difficulty to help shore up extra costs.

The process can sometimes lead to store closures or job losses.

Talk of the closures has already upset locals of its Belfast branch, in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Commenting on a social media post one customer said: “Go here often.. how very sad”.

While another said that they “could not believe it”.

It comes as many retailers are struggling to keep their heads above water.

High inflation coupled with a squeeze on consumers’ finances has meant people have less money to spend in the shops.

Garden centres and home improvement businesses also boomed during the pandemic when customers were stuck at home.

But customers have been forced to cut back on spending since.

Back in August, Homebase announced that 10 of its stores would close and be transformed into Sainsbury’s supermarkets.

Homebase’s owner, Hilco Capital, is preparing to sell the company.

The retailer has closed 106 stores since it was taken over by Hilco Capital in 2018.

Retailers closing stores in 2024

RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.

High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.

Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.

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Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.

We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:

• Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
• B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
• Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
• Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
• Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
• Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
• Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
• M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops.
• Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
• WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.

As a 26-year-old paraplanner and aspiring adviser, the financial services world can feel all encompassing.

But can we have our eyes on more than one prize?

This challenge is a daily reality for me, as I navigate my career at Progeny while balancing international competition in Irish Dance and working towards becoming a qualified personal trainer.

Balancing multiple responsibilities can often feel like spinning several plates at once – a relatable feeling for many, I’m sure.

While I’m at the early stages of my financial career, in the world of dance I fit within the ‘senior’ age category and am nearing retirement.

In reality, I feel I’ve only just reached peak athletic performance and it’s a sad realisation that – after 24 years – this door must soon close.

As a key role model in my life often reminds me, the mission is ‘to change the world, one world at a time’

Dancing might seem a world away from advice but both are actually about taking a long-term view and trusting the process.

We encourage clients not to get unsettled by short-term market movements but to look at the bigger picture. Similarly, when it comes to training for the World Championships, you can’t afford to get derailed by poor results at smaller competitions. You must focus on the long-term goal and have confidence in your approach.

Having recently achieved my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, I’ve learned that managing a diverse range of goals requires more than just ambition. It demands meticulous time management, a robust support system and an unwavering commitment to yourself.

If I could give one piece of advice to those striving to ‘achieve it all’, it would be to embrace flexibility.

It demands meticulous time management, a robust support system and an unwavering commitment to yourself

Life is unpredictable and adjustments to the schedule are sometimes necessary. That’s okay. Even if that adjustment is to spend the day with loved ones or to simply switch off. I’ve learnt to not stress over these minor changes but to focus on the bigger picture. This allows you to handle unexpected challenges without compromising your goals.

Cards on the table – it’s hard. Early mornings, late nights, weekends working. It’s tiring. Hell, it can even be lonely at times. There’s no doubt about that. But there’s power in being a lone wolf and will it be worth it? You bet!

I’m looking forward to the road ahead and to keeping you updated on my journey from paraplanner to chartered financial planner. More importantly, I’m excited to be working towards a position where I can make more of a difference and have a positive impact on people’s lives, particularly when it comes to helping them realise their financial and personal goals.

As a key role model in my life often reminds me, the mission is ‘to change the world, one world at a time’. I love the fact I have multiple strings to my bow and believe it will make me a more rounded adviser when the time comes.

Alannah Kinsella is a paraplanner at Progeny

IF your thermostat is in the wrong place you could end up paying hundreds of pounds more in energy bills.

As temperatures drop and you begin turning on the heating, it’s vital to ensure that your thermostat is not driving up your energy costs because it’s misjudging the temperature of your home.

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Thermostats are used to control how your heating and monitor when your home has reached your desired temperature.

But if the thermostat is placed in the wrong place, it could be reporting inaccurate temperatures for the rest of the house, meaning your heating is working harder than necessary.

Heating the home typically makes up half of a UK household’s energy costs in winter, so has a big impact on your bills.

Joanna Flowers, service and repair engineer at British Gas, explained: “When deciding where to place your thermostat, the main thing is to ensure you don’t place it somewhere colder or warmer than the centre of your home.

“If you place your thermostat in the heart of your home – we often suggest internal hallways or living rooms – it will make sure you get your desired temperature and save on bills by only using as much heating as you need.”

With energy costs remaining stubbornly high and the winter fuel payment having been axed for some pensioners, it’s particularly important to make sure your heating is being accurately controlled.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has advised fitting thermostatic radiator valves, as well as a programmer and a room thermostat, to help optimise your central heating system.

The organisation says together the controls could reduce your energy bills by £95 annually.

When it comes to your thermostat the EST stressed the importance of ensuring it is in the right spot and set to the lowest comfortable temperature to minimise costs.

A spokesperson said: “Room thermostats need a free flow of air to sense the temperature, so they should not be blocked by curtains or furniture, or placed near heat sources that could give them false readings. 

“If you’re feeling warm enough, lowering your thermostat from 22°C to 21°C can save you £80 annually. Reducing it further from 21°C to 18°C can save you £230 each year.

“The World Health Organisation states that the most comfortable temperature range for most people is between 18°C and 21°C.” 

Where should I place my thermostat?

Placing your thermostat in the right place will make sure your home is heated effectively.

British Gas’ Flowers advised: “We suggest an interior wall as external walls are often much cooler, so the thermostat will tell the boiler to warm the house up when it might not need to.

“It should be at medium height because heat rises and you should avoid it being too close to radiators, cookers, direct sunlight or near draughts.”

A checklist for where to install your thermostat includes an interior wall, in a frequently used room near the centre of your home at a height of about 5ft.

The heating experts at Bestheating.com advise avoiding the following areas to make sure accurate temperature readings:

• In direct sunlight
• In the kitchen
• Near windows or doors
• In the hallway
• Above air vents
• Above a radiator

Any area that experiences sudden changes in temperatures, such as kitchens, bathrooms or draughty spots, could lead to inaccurate readings.

Similarly, you should avoid the coldest or warmest rooms in your house.

What should I do if I can’t move my thermostat?

Check if your thermostat is wired into your wall, if not you should be able to unscrew it and move it easily.

If so, you may need to upgrade to a wireless thermostat that will give you much more control over your heating.

A new smart thermostat can cost between £120 to £220, according to Checkatrade.com.

But this doesn’t factor in the thermostat’s installation cost, which is usually around £30 to £80 depending on how long it takes.

How else can I cut my heating bills?

If you turn your boiler’s flow temperature down as well as any thermostatic radiator valves in some rooms – you could save around £180 annually on your energy bills.

A couple managed to cut £400 off their EDF Energy bill by turning off their immersion heater.

Topping up loft insulation and switching to a smart meter can also bring a household further savings.

Reducing draughts and heat loss will also help to cut your heating costs so grab some draught excluders and consider increasing your insulation.

It’s also important to consider which rooms in your home need heating.

You won’t be using each one 24/7 so make sure the heating is off in any rooms that aren’t occupied.

There is also a list of other common boiler problems we’ve rounded up that could be pumping up your bills.

A noisy boiler could also indicate that your water pressure is low or there’s a pump failure.

If you spot rust on your boiler then it could mean you’re paying more than you need to on using your appliance.

Although rust itself does not cause issues, it could be a sign that there is a leak – which indicates there is a problem with your boiler.

It can also upset the temperature balance in your boiler, making it run less efficiently and ramping up costs.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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