A MAJOR high street retailer with 1,400 stores in the UK is to shut a “lovely” site after it launched a closing down sale.

The long-standing Basingstoke, Hampshire, branch of WH Smith’s has been earmarked for closure next year.

2

The store, situated in The Malls shopping centre, has been a fixture in the town for more than 56 years.

It is now due to close down for good on February 1, 2025.

WH Smith announced earlier this year it had plans to close a number of sites in the UK although the Basingstoke branch was not originally included.

While it will be closing a number of outlets, it has also been expanding its presence in airports and train stations and new branches are planned at key travel sites.

Signs have already gone up in the Basingstoke branch which are offering discounts on a wide range of items as it begins to wind down operations ahead of its closure.

It’s currently offering 30% off on books and stationery.

The decision to close the branch has been put down to WH Smith’s upcoming lease expiry and changing trading conditions.

A WH Smith spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Basingstoke will be closing on Saturday 1st February 2025.

“It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry.

“We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Basingstoke and we would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.

“We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”

As there has been a branch in Basingstoke for so long, locals are likely to miss the store, with one customer calling it “lovely”.

They said online: “Lovely shop to visit if you’re looking for an obscure magazine title, look here first as they have a very large range which is quite impressive.

“Also available, I  found was books, cards and stationary for yourself or the odd bits for kids for school.

“Very polite and friendly staff. Nice, busy at times store.”

Many other locals feared the impact of the closure could affect the town’s Post Office which moved into the WH Smith branch in 2019.

The Post Office has confirmed that they are in the process of finding a new operator to take over the branch.

One person said in a Facebook post: “Turning it into a proper Post Office would be an asset.”

Another wrote: “Hopefully the Post Office will decide to take the whole downstairs unit and open a larger service up again like Basingstoke used too at top of town.”

While a third added: “We need a decent sized Post Office like the top of town was .

“So handy for parking, everyone could access the Post Office.

“Real shame WH Smith is closing but hope the Post Office will take the whole unit.”

WHSmith is closing a number of branches across the UK as it looks to extend its arm into the travel sector.

The retail giant, which runs some 1,400 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, including in Manchester and Bicester, England.

Meanwhile, the stationer has waved goodbye to branches in Oban, Scotland, and Ramsgate, Kent.

But it also comes amid a time of expansion for the chain, which is opening 15 branches at airports and train stations in 2024 in a boost for shoppers.

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

2

Advertisement

THE boss of Primark blasted Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget yesterday — claiming it had added “tens of millions” to staffing costs.

George Weston, chief executive of its owner, Associated British Foods, told The Sun that it will be forced to respond by rolling out more self-checkouts.

2

He said: “It’s a tough Budget for the high street and those in the food service industry. We knew taxes were going up, but I think the burden and where they’ve fallen is disproportionate.”

His comments came after Reeves said she would raise £25.7billion from hiking employers’ National Insurance contributions, a move the budget watchdog says is likely to see firms shrink workforces, hike prices and lower future earnings for staff.

He said “We’ll redouble our efforts to keep costs down and protect profit margins and one way we can do that is using more self-checkouts.”

He said Primark’s aim would be to “hold prices” rather than cut them as fast as it had hoped.

He reasoned, however, that the budget fashion retailer could benefit from the minimum wage hike as low earners would have more to spend.

He said: “If money is transferred to less affluent shoppers, Primark tends to benefit disproportionately”. He branded “ill-judged” the Chancellor’s plans to increase business rates on those with the most expensive properties to afford reductions for smaller shops and pubs.

He said: “It’s a curious move to increase the tax burden on the anchors of the high street and shopping centres who drive footfall to towns.”

Despite the tough choices, Primark is one of retail’s strongest names.

Total sales lifted 6 per cent to £9.4billion in the year to September 14, while operating profits jumped 53 per cent to £1.1billion.

UK sales grew only 2 per cent due to the washout summer.

The results vindicated Primark’s resistance to joining the online bandwagon.

Instead, it is rolling out click and collect counters. It said digital orders had the benefit of driving more shoppers to its stores.

PAIN IN THE ASOS

LOSSES at Asos have widened by almost a third to £379.3million as the online retailer continues to grapple with the hangover from its lockdown binging.

Asos is writing off £100million-worth of unwanted clothing.

2

The company was left with a £1.1billion stock mountain after being over-optimistic that rapid growth would continue once Covid restrictions ended.

Its core base of young shoppers do not want last season’s fashion trends, meaning Asos has had to discount heavily to reduce the stockpile to £520million.

Boss Jose Antonio Ramos Calamonte said the troubled business was taking “the medicine needed to put Asos on the right path”.

Annual sales slumped by 16 per cent to £2.9billion.

Mr Calamonte also confirmed Asos is launching a Topshop website and considering opening standalone stores after selling a majority stake in the brand.

VODA AND THREE ‘TO BE ONE’

AN £18BILLION mobile merger between Vodafone and Three could finally go ahead if they agree to pegging prices for three years and rapidly rolling out more 5G networks.

The competition watchdog yesterday cleared the path for the deal, 17 months after the merger was first announced in June 2023. It comes after the Government said the competition regulator should be more mindful of how it impacts economic growth.

Kester Mann, telecoms analyst at CCS Insight, said: “Vodafone and Three can tentatively order in the champagne.” Stuart McIntosh, of the Competition and Markets Authority, said: “We believe this deal has the potential to be pro-competitive if our concerns are addressed.”

In September the CMA had warned it was worried consumers could be harmed by higher prices from the deal, which reduces the number of mobile players from four to three.

GREGGS has declared war on “zombie” customers who keep their headphones on while at the counter.

Staff at the bakery giant have threatened to not serve punters listening to calls or music when they are meant to be ordering.

2

A sign at one branch warns discourteous diners they could miss out on their favourite sausage roll or steak bake if they refuse to pay attention.

As well as using noise cancelling tech such as AirPods, punters glued to their phones are also in the firing line.

The notice at a Greggs in Croydon, South London, says: “When in queue, remove your headphone/AirPods and come off phones or we may have to refuse service.”

A staff member at the branch told The Sun: “We get more and more customers coming in who seem to be lost in another world.

“We try to be helpful and get everyone served quickly during busy times but it’s impossible if customers can’t hear a word you’re saying.

“The sign is pretty blunt but we have no option.”

Another worker went on a rant online about customers’ treatment of Greggs staff.

They wrote: “Can people please stop talking on the phone when placing an order! It’s rude to workers because we have to wait until you stop.

“I have got to the point where I will just ask what we are required to. I do not care if it interrupts your call, I am not going to wait for you to finish when there are people behind you. Stop doing it.”

Greggs did not comment but a source at the firm yesterday said the headphone crackdown is not company policy.

2

MILLIONS of savers are missing out on £636 of free cash because of one simple mistake.

Experts have warned that fixing it could be an easy way to make the most of your money.

1

Savers could earn hundreds of pounds by moving their nest egg out of an account which pays a high interest rate, according to credit company TotallyMoney.

It comes as the Bank of England looks set to cut interest rates this week, and this could cause banks to reduce the interest rate they offer to savers.

One in three people have not switched their savings account for five years, TotallyMoney found.

While more than a quarter of savers have never swapped their accounts, which could mean they are missing out on getting the best interest rate.

According to the team, the average saver has £17,365 squirrelled away, if this was paid into the top savings account, which has a rate of 4.86%, then they could earn £844 in interest each year.

But research shows that if they left it languishing in one of the 20 easy-access accounts with the lowest rates then they would get a return of just 1.2% on their nest egg.

After a year they would have earned just £208 in interest, which would leave them £636 worse off.

If the same saver had just £5,000 squirrelled away then they would still be £183 worse off by not switching their account.

Alastair Douglas, CEO of Totally Money, said: “If you are looking to make more of your money, shop around for the best offers and consider all your options.

“You might be better off putting part, or all of your money in an ISA, or an account which requires 90 days notice. Just make sure it’s right for you, and your needs.”

It’s important to choose an account which has a higher rate than inflation, which is currently at 1.7%.

This is because many savers might still be seeing their savings being eaten away by inflation.

The Bank of England also predicts that inflation will creep back up to 2.5% before the end of the year.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to shop around for the best rate and lock in now to avoid missing out on the top accounts.

Best and worst easy access accounts revealed

Totally Money has rounded up 20 of the poorest savings accounts for people who want to deposit and withdraw money without restrictions.

It’s also had a look at the accounts which will pay inflation-busting rates, meaning people can earn money from their savings while seeing it rise faster than inflation.

At the top of the best-buy ranking is Chetwood Bank Easy Access Savings, which currently pays 4.86%.

There is no minimum amount needed to open the account and you can make unlimited deposits.

All interest is calculated daily and is paid monthly.

Meanwhile, Tandem Bank’s Instant Access Saver pays 4.65% and Yorkshire Building Society Easy Access Saver Issue 2 pays 4.6%.

At the other end of the scale is TSB’s Save Well account, which has a return of just 0.5%.

Savings A/C from Punjab National Bank pays 0.75%, Barclays Reward Saver has a rate of 1% and Union Bank of India Savings A/C pays 1%.

How to find the best savings rates

You should check best buy savings tables every few months to make sure that you are getting the best rate on offer.

You can use a comparison website such as Moneyfactscompare.co.uk or Go Compare to do this.

These websites let you filter your search to an account type that suits you.

There are four types of savings accounts: fixed, easy access, regular saver and Individual Savings Account (Isa).

A fixed-rate savings account pays you a high interest rate if you lock your money away for an agreed period.

Some accounts will let you make a certain number of withdrawals during the term, while others will not let you withdraw your money.

Some banks will charge you a hefty fee to access your cash.

This means that even if interest rates increase you cannot withdraw your money and put it in a better account.

An easy-access account gives you immediate access to your cash and usually allows unlimited cash withdrawals.

These accounts often pay a lower rate than fixed-rate ones but they are a good option if you need to move your money, for example if your car breaks down or a pipe bursts.

With a regular saver account you put away a certain amount of money each month for a set period.

They usually pay a decent return but the amount you can save each month is often quite low.

Lastly, an Isa is a tax-free savings account in which you can save up to £20,000 each year.

There are four types of Isa: a cash Isa, stocks and shares Isa, innovative finance Isa and Lifetime Isa.

These accounts can be helpful for people who are at risk of needing to pay tax on any interest they earn from their savings.

If you are a basic-rate taxpayer then you can earn up to £1,000 in interest from your savings each year tax-free.

This falls to £500 if you are a higher-rate taxpayer and disappears entirely for additional-rate taxpayers.

How to swap savings account

Most banks will let you open a savings account online, in branch, by telephone or using its app.

Once your account is open simply withdraw your cash from your existing account and pay it into your new one.

Consider any penalties for taking out your cash before you transfer your money.

Never withdraw money from one Isa and pay it into another as you will not be able to reinvest that part of your tax-free allowance again.

Instead, contact the Isa provider you want to move to and fill out an Isa transfer form.

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

McDONALD’S is bringing back an iconic burger but customers will have to be quick if they want to give it a go.

The Double Big Mac is returning to restaurants after nearly two months.

1

It was last seen on menus back in September when it was brought back as a special item to celebrate Maccies’ 50th birthday in the UK.

The hefty burger features four beef patties, double the iconic sauce and lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun.

This is unlike the original Big Mac, which just features two patties, alongside the buns, sauce and dressings.

The limited edition menu item will be hitting restaurants from tomorrow, November 6.

The Double Big Mac will be available at all 1,400 McDonald’s. You can find your nearest site using the locator tool on the chain’s website.

If you’re keen to give one a go you need to act quickly as the burger will be vanishing on November 19.

That means customers have around two weeks to get their hands on one.

Prices start from £5.39 for a single item and if you want to add a drink and chips it will cost £7.19.

But it is worth bearing in mind that prices can vary from site to site.

Tomorrow also marks the launch of McDonald’s chilli double cheeseburger.

The never-before-seen snack will feature two 100% British and Irish beef patties, two slices of cheese, onions, jalapenos, pickles and spicy relish in a toasted bun.

Better yet, it will cost just £2.49 and sit on the fast food giant’s saver menu.

What else is new to McDonald’s?

Fans of the fast food joint have been treated to a number of new items in recent weeks.

This includes the McRib which landed in stores back in October after much speculation online.

Prior to this, the pork sandwich had not been in British stores in nearly a decade.

While customers were eager to get their hands on one, it has been met with mixed reviews.

Alongside this, McDonald’s has launched new mini hashbrowns to rival its original fried potato breakfast snack.

They are still available to buy in portions of five or 15 between 6am-11am.

The fast food giant regularly switches up its menu to make way for new menu items.

October also saw the launch of a new selection of cheese bites and a Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate and Latte.

Maccies also usually launches a new range of items for Christmas and the festive season.

How to save money at McDonald’s

Did you know that you can end up being charged more based just on the McDonald’s you choose to eat at? 

The Sun previously found that a Big Mac meal can be 30p cheaper at restaurants which are two miles away from each other. 

Another way to cut back spending at McDonald’s is by ordering from the Savers menu or by taking advantage of its ‘3 for £3’ deal when it lands in stores. 

It is also worth bearing in mind that McDonald’s offers a discount on your next order if you fill out a survey online after visiting its stores. 

These can be found on the back of any receipt you get at McDonald’s.

How do I find my nearest McDonald’s?

If you’re planning on taking a trip to McDonald’s, you’ll want to know where your nearest branch is.

The chain has a restaurant locator tool on its website you can use to find your nearest one – and check what time it opens.

Bear in mind that McDonald’s serves breakfast every day until 11am.

After that, the menu switches to the normal menu serving meals such as burgers, chicken nuggets and more.

All you need to know about McDonald’s

HERE’S all the crucial information about McDonald’s you’ve always wanted to know…

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

MARTIN Lewis has warned that a million people have been overpaying their student loans – and could be owed a refund.

In the last tax year, more than one million university leavers overpaid their student loans, according to figures released by the Student Loans Company (SLC).

6

6

Advertisement

Speaking on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, on ITV on Tuesday, the show host said graduates were able to claim money back if they had overpaid, which was “very easy to do”.

There were four main reasons you may have overpaid your student loan.

Martin said: “The first, and the biggest by a mile, over a million people overpaid this way, is you should only repay if you earn over the annual threshold.”

He added: “For Plan 2, which has the most number of people on it, 2012 to 2022 English starters, you’ve got to understand, if you earn less than that [£27,295] you shouldn’t repay the student loan but because it’s taken via the payroll your student loan is taken monthly.

“A twelfth of that is £2,274 per year, so if you earn more than that in a month, you’re gonna have student loan contributions taken from you.”

He explained that because repayments are taken from your payroll monthly, if your earnings vary through the year, you may be assumed to be over the yearly limit in one month of decent earnings.

This is despite you not earning above the total threshold for the year when earnings are taken as a whole – meaning the money is taken from you despite not being eligible.

A second reason was people were on the wrong student loan repayment plan – in which case you should talk to your employer and tell them what plan you’re on.

The third reason is that you started repaying too early.

If you started university from 1998 onwards and were a full-time student, you should not have begun paying your loan back until the April after finishing your course.

But the latest figures from SLC reveals that 59,251 students had loan repayments taken before they were due to start repayments in 2023/24, according to MoneySavingExpert.com.

The fourth reason is that the loan was wiped – which typically happens after 30 years – but a number were still left paying in error.

A number of case studies of those who overpaid were revealed in an article for Martin’s Money Saving Expert website, published on November 4.

Fiona wrote in during October 2023 saying: “I knew something wasn’t right when I lodged my tax returns and reading Martin’s article was the catalyst for a sustained attempt to work out what had happened. I received £3,773 back.”

6

6

Advertisement

Lyndsey said: “Thanks to watching Martin Lewis’s programme last night I contacted the SLC and have got a refund of £706 as I had started paying straightaway. Great just before Christmas.”

Melissa said: “Just wanted to say a massive thank you as I read your article on overpaying on student loan repayments and realised there was a chance I had overpaid.

“Turns out I had and I’ve since received a refund of £900! I’ve been doing house renovations this year so this money has been incredibly handy in going towards them.”

Lisa added: “I spent 15 minutes on the phone and got £555 back for overpayments on my student loan.

“Most was because of my maternity leave. Thanks so much, couldn’t have come at a better time.”

It comes after the Health Secretary defended the Government’s decision to increase university tuition fees, saying it is a “proportionate and reasonable thing” to do.

The Labour Party has faced criticism for raising fees to £9,535 in England next year after Sir Keir Starmer supported abolishing them during his leadership campaign in 2020.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced on Monday that undergraduate tuition fees – which have been frozen at £9,250 since 2017 – would rise in line with inflation from 2025/26.

She said maximum maintenance loans would also rise to help students with living costs.

6

Advertisement

How do tuition fees work?

Tuition fees are usually covered by a tuition fee loan from Student Finance.

This loan is paid directly to the university or college on your behalf.

Repayments start from the first April after you finish or leave your course, but only if your income exceeds a certain threshold.

You repay 9% of your income above the repayment threshold.

This means that the majority or basic-rate taxpayers lose 37p for every £1 they earn above the threshold – 20p as income tax, 8p as national insurance and 9p for a student loan.

Your repayment threshold will vary depending on when you studied at University.

Interest is charged on your loan from the day you receive the first payment until it is repaid in full.

However, it’s important to note that any remaining debt can be written off after a set number of years, even if you haven’t repaid the total amount.

6