SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law Thursday that will make it illegal to declaw a cat in California, a practice that lawmakers and animal advocates argued is outdated and inhumane.
Assembly Bill 867 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San José) bars veterinarians from performing the procedure, which involves amputating the first bone in each of a cat’s toes or severing its tendons so that it can’t extend its claws. California law previously required the procedure to be performed by veterinarians, but will now limit it to cases of medical necessity.
“Many countries have already outlawed this inhumane practice,” said Lee, who called declawing a “barbaric” mutilation to make life more convenient for pet owners.
While most owners do not declaw their cats, the practice has been used by some to prevent the animal from scratching people, furniture or other pets. Various polling has found that roughly a quarter of cats are declawed, but it has fallen out of favor among veterinarians and pet owners in recent years. The nation’s largest veterinary provider, Mars Veterinary Health, said it does not support elective declawing.
“Feline scratching and nail sharpening are normal behaviors and the removal of nails has been shown to lead to chronic pain and, in some cases, to cause long-term behavioral issues,” the company said in a statement on its website.
The California Veterinary Medical Assn., which represents veterinarians, opposed the bill, saying it sets a dangerous precedent to limit the scope of one profession.
“When our veterinarians are telling us that they’re performing the procedure, it’s usually because the elderly patient is usually on chemotherapy, on a blood thinner … and they can’t risk being scratched,” Grant Miller, director of regulatory affairs at CVMA, said during a legislative hearing.
Miller said surveys of their members found 80% of veterinarians no longer declaw cats, evidence he argued shows they’ve adequately policed themselves. He said AB 867 limits instances that should be considered legitimate reasons for declawing.
“If the owner is coming in and saying we can’t keep our cat because it keeps scratching us, can you do something, we believe that that’s qualification to consider the procedure, but only after all other alternatives have been exhausted,” he added.
The bill includes an exemption for cats that need the procedure out of medical necessity, including to address a recurring infection or a condition that jeopardizes the animal’s health. But, it does not include procedures to make a cat easier to handle, to avoid scratching people or furniture or for any other cosmetic reason.
West Hollywood became the first jurisdiction in the country in 2003 to pass a ban on declawing cats. Other cities have since passed similar restrictions, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, Burbank, Culver City, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, according to an analysis of the bill.
New York was the first state to ban declawing in 2019, while dozens of other countries have made the practice illegal.
Lee, the bill’s author, said his hope is that the number of cats declawed in California will shrink to zero.
“You can trim the nails just like our nails,” he said. “You can do many different things.”
The US president pledged a 100 percent tariff for films made outside the country.
Published On 29 Sep 202529 Sep 2025
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United States President Donald Trump has said he wants to levy a 100 percent import tax on movies made outside the country, saying the movie business “has been stolen” from Hollywood and the US.
Posting on his Truth Social platform on Monday, the US president said the tariff was intended to “solve this long time, never ending problem.”
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“Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby,’” he wrote.
“California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit!”, he added, in reference to California governor Gavin Newsom, who is a common foil of Trump’s.
It was unclear how these tariffs would operate, since movies and TV shows can be transmitted digitally without going through ports.
Nor was it clear what this would mean for US films that depend on foreign locations as part of the story, such as the James Bond franchise.
Analysts note that many films are international co-productions. They are also not goods that are imported in a conventional way, meaning the government would have to determine how to value them and when they even qualify as imports.
Trump made a similar threat in May, directing the Department of Commerce to immediately begin imposing a 100 percent tariff on films “produced in Foreign Lands”.
At the time, he complained the US film industry was “DYING a very fast death” due to other countries luring filmmakers and studios away with generous incentives, describing it as a national security threat.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Reuters news agency on how the tariffs would be implemented.
“There is too much uncertainty, and this latest move raises more questions than answers,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore.
“For now, as things stand, costs are likely to increase, and this will inevitably be passed on to consumers,” he said.
The president on Monday, on his same social media platform, also promised “substantial” tariffs on any country that makes its furniture outside the US.
He said he was doing so to make the state of North Carolina “GREAT again”, saying it had “completely lost its furniture business to China, and other Countries”.
The announced 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals, 25% on trucks, and 30% on furniture, due to come into effect on October 1, reopen the US president’s trade war.
Published On 26 Sep 202526 Sep 2025
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United States President Donald Trump has announced steep new tariffs on pharmaceutical products, big-rig trucks, and home renovation fixtures and furniture.
The announcement late on Thursday signalled the harshest trade plans from Trump since last April’s shock unveiling of reciprocal tariffs on virtually every US trading partner across the globe, marking a revival of the Republican president’s trade war.
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Starting on October 1, “we will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Shares of pharmaceutical companies across Asia with big exposure to the US market fell on Friday, including South Korea’s Samsung Biologics.
Trump’s move was criticised by Australia, which exported pharmaceutical products worth an estimated $1.3bn to the US in 2024, according to the United Nations Comtrade Database.
In a separate post, Trump wrote of a 25 percent tariff on “all ‘Heavy (Big) Trucks’ made in other parts of the world” to support US manufacturers such as “Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks and others”.
Foreign companies that compete with these manufacturers in the US market include Sweden’s Volvo and Germany’s Daimler. Shares in both companies were sharply lower in after-hours trading in Europe.
Trump said the truck tariffs were “for many reasons, but above all else, for National Security purposes!”
Earlier this year, the Trump administration launched a so-called Section 232 probe into imports of trucks to “determine the effects of national security”, setting the stage for Thursday’s announcement.
Section 232 is a trade law provision that gives the president broad authority to impose tariffs or other restrictions on imports when they are deemed a threat to national security.
Trump also said a 50 percent tariff on home renovation materials and a 30 percent tariff on upholstered furniture would be imposed, as he claimed that such products were swamping the US market from abroad.
According to the US International Trade Commission, in 2022, imports, mainly from Asia, represented 60 percent of all furniture sold, including 86 percent of all wood furniture and 42 percent of all upholstered furniture.
Shares in home furniture retailers Wayfair and Williams Sonoma, which depend on these imported goods, tumbled in after-hours trading.
Trump’s administration has already imposed a baseline 10 percent tariff on all countries, with higher individualised rates on nations where exports to the US far exceed imports.
Trump has also used emergency powers to impose extra tariffs on trade deal partners Canada and Mexico, as well as on China, citing concerns over fentanyl trafficking and undocumented migration.
It was not yet clear how these new tariffs would factor into the existing measures.
Aug. 23 (UPI) — The Trump administration is undertaking a 50-day investigation into the furniture market, with pending tariffs likely to revive the nation’s industry.
President Donald Trump announced the investigation in a Truth Social post on Friday and said he will impose undetermined tariffs afterward.
“This will bring the furniture business back to NorthCarolina, South Carolina, Michigan and states across the Union,” Trump said.
North Carolina ia known as the Furniture Capital of the World, which developed from access to hardwood in Appalachian forests. U.S. companies include Ashley Furniture, Century, Vanguard and Lexington Home Brands.
The pending tariffs are in keeping with those the president has imposed on other industries with the aim of returning manufacturing to the United States and reducing reliance on foreign-made goods.
The investigation is directed at furniture from “other Countries” but primarily impacts key suppliers such as China and Vietnam, which together supply about 60% of U.S. furniture imports.
Most foreign goods are already subject to tariffs from trading partners, including a baseline 10%. In a deal with Vietnam, the rate is 20% with 40% on goods going through Vietnam from a third country. In China, the rate is 10% under a 90-day pause until November from 30% after a threatened peak of 125%.
Trump’s social media post prompted a drop in shares during after-hours trading for many of the nation’s leading furniture retailers, including Wayfair, Williams-Sonoma and RH, CNBC reported.
Wayfair shares ended after-hours trading at $74.03, which was down 3.81% from its closing price of $77.84 at the end of day trading on Friday.
Williams-Sonoma dropped $6.37 and 3.13% to $197.05 during after-hours trading, while RH fell $13.51 and 5.54% to $230.20.
U.S.-based La-Z Boy, though, saw its share price rise by 76 cents and 2.08% to $37.34 after closing at $36.58 at the close of day trading on Friday.
The furniture tariffs announcement comes as the nation’s furniture industry is experiencing difficulties.
Demand for new furniture and home goods has declined as home sales slowed over the past year.
Slower home sales lessen the demand for new furniture and furnishings, and years of relatively high inflation have made consumers wary of how they spend their money, according to CNBC.
MOST UK supermarkets have loyalty schemes so customers can build up points and save money while they shop.
Here we round up what saving programmes you’ll find at the big brands.
Iceland: Unlike other stores, you don’t collect points with the Iceland Bonus Card. Instead, you load it up with money and Iceland will give you £1 for every £20 you save.
Lidl Plus: Lidl customers don’t collect points when they shop, and are instead rewarded with personalised vouchers that gives them money off at the till.
Morrisons: The My Morrisons: Make Good Things Happen replaces the More Card and rewards customers with personalised money off vouchers via the app.
Sainsbury’s: While Sainsbury’s doesn’t have a personal scheme, it does own the Nectar card which can also be used in Argos, eBay and other shops. You need 200 Nectar points to save up £1 to spend on your card. You need to spend at least £1 to get one Nectar point.
Tesco: Tesco Clubcard has over 17million members in the UK alone. You use it each time you shop and build up points that can be turned into vouchers – 150 points gets you a £1.50 voucher. Here you need to spend £1 in Tesco to get one point.
Waitrose: myWaitrose also doesn’t allow you to collect points but instead you’ll get access to free hot drinks, and discounts off certain brands in store.
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One shopper was so ecstatic she posted a receipt of her purchase online to prove her savingsCredit: Facebook/@Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group
A British woman named decided to travel all the way to Foshan in China in order to buy all the furniture she’d need for her future home after hearing it was cheaper than the UK
11:05, 03 Jul 2025Updated 14:44, 03 Jul 2025
Woman Shopping for sofa(Image: (c) Juanmonino/Getty Images)
As the USA issued new trade tariffs on products from across the world at the start of 2025, with China being hit with a 20% tariff, which was an increase from the 10% tariff it had been before, Chinese wholesale sellers took to social media to urge people to shop with them directly.
While these tariffs didn’t directly affect the UK, it didn’t stop British social media users to see the videos that Chinese sellers were making about being able to by luxury products to a fraction of brands’ prices directly from the factories and wholesalers. This includes everything from designer clothes to furniture and home goods.
Doctor Shirley Bekker was one of many viewers who saw these videos on TikTok, and decided to book a spontaneous shopping trip to China in May 2025 in order to buy all the furniture she’d need for her future flat.
As she arrived in Foshan in China, a city known for its high manufacturing output to the world, having 30 towns specialised in particular industries, including furniture, machinery, and beverages, Shirley decided to document her shopping trip on TikTok to show people the big savings she was making.
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While Shirley herself hadn’t been convinced that travelling all the way to Foshan to buy furniture would be worth it, she quickly changed her mind when she found her ‘dream’ coffee table.
“It’s built on a solid wood platform, real glass on top, it’s really heavy, really durable, and just looks so luxe,” she said as she showed off the table, which also included wooded geometric details under the glass.
While it looked luxurious and expensive, she revealed that she’d only paid £150 for it, saying it cost her less than her HD frontal weave.
In her next video, she shared that she’d gotten a wooden dining table for £80, as well as customised chairs to go with it that matched the luxurious sofa she’d gotten for £340. She also made sure to get lamps and art to decorate her future how with as well.
While all of these sums do add up quickly, as she got home, Shirley decided to make a presentation to share how much money she’d saved after finding similar items sold in shops around the UK.
Starting off with the £80 wooden dining table she’d bought in China, she’d found an almost identical table being sold in B&Q for £349.99. While the import costs aren’t included in this comparison, Shirley saved £269.99 just from the table alone. Meanwhile, the two chairs she’d gotten for £65 each cost a whopping £990 each if she’d bought them in the UK.
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Shirley continued to go through the comparisons for all the different items she’d bought, only to come to the conclusion to how much she’d save.
“So in conclusion, you flew to all the way to China with nothing but a Monzo, Google Translate, and praised hands. You ran around for six days and bought enough stuff to furnish a bedroom, balcony, renovate a bathroom, and have enough dinnerware to host the royal family,” the voiceover said.
It continued: “Had you stayed in the UK and bought all the same things, this little venture would have cost you a grand total of £21,800. But all because you took the plunge and bought it all in China instead, you spent a grand total of £3,690.56.”
While these calculations did not include the shipping costs to get her furniture from China to the UK, Shirley still saved herself a whopping £18,109.04, which will most likely be more than enough to cover the shipping costs.
Over the past few years, the forecast has been cloudy when it comes to couches. Cumulus-like sofas have descended from the skies into living rooms across Los Angeles and the country at large.
To some, like Annie Elliott of Annie Elliott Design, sinuous sofas are often an unwelcome, alien presence. “I just don’t like them,” she says, describing many as “massive, space-age blobs” in white boucle that don’t fit most spaces. “I’m manifesting that they’ll be out of style in 15 minutes.”
“There’s always an opportunity for a curved sofa,” he says, “whether the setting is traditional or ultra-modern.” Circular and S-shaped couches might seem newfangled, but they’re classic, he adds.
Initially popular during the Art Deco era, this type of seating was back in fashion in the 1950s (when designer Vladimir Kagan introduced hisSerpentine Sofa). Now that Midcentury Modern is wildly popular again, it’s no wonder the curved couch has made a comeback. But if you’re still on the fence about getting one, consider these reasons and picks.
Where to place a curvy couch
Place a serpentine sofa in the middle of a room and you’ll instantly transform it from wan white box to theater-worthy. A curvy couch is outside of the box, literally, and can help achieve a more custom, interesting look, says Andrews.
One reason for these couches’ star power? Their curves contrast with the angularity of most spaces and depart from the conventional rectilinear profile of sofas. Curvy couches can soften all those 90-degree angles and add femininity, says Los Angeles-based Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs. She describes including them as akin to “bringing in some girly hips.”
A curvy couch adds interest to this room designed by Kim Gordon.
(Tyler Hogan )
But their benefits are more than aesthetic. Curvy couches can also be practical, especially in open-plan spaces. Large rooms can feel cold and cavernous. But a large-scale serpentine sofa in the center can break up a space, acting as both seating and separation. Including one or two of these couches is an alternative to creating two or three distinct seating areas with several pieces of furniture, says Gordon. Because of their curves, the couches create a space within a space, adds Atlanta-based Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis, who describes them as hug-like and enveloping. Even if you’re sitting at the opposite end from someone else, you can still have a conversation with them, she says.
While these sofas are often found in large spaces, they can work in small ones too. A single couch can take the place of a sectional or a sofa and a chair or two, Gordon says. In a cozy room, one curvy couch with a coffee table and side tables might be all the furniture you need.
Since they’re not rectangular, you can also be creative and play around with their positioning, adds Andrews. Unlike a traditional couch, a curvy couch doesn’t need to be pushed against a wall — in fact, it shouldn’t be. Tuck it into a corner or float it in the center of a room, he says. “You can angle it different ways for different feelings, depending on where you’re trying to center the attention.”
How to pick the right couch
Curvy couches are often deeper than their traditional counterparts, says Beth Diana Smith of Beth Diana Smith Interior Design. So before you fall for the wrong one, whip out the measuring tape. Measure each contender or confirm its specs with the manufacturer, suggests Davis. Pay attention to overall depth versus seat depth — different manufacturers can specify depth differently. Then use painter’s tape to outline the silhouette on your floor, ensuring the couch will fit.
Also consider how highly you value comfort. Some curvy couches, especially more sculptural models, might not be deep enough for you to curl up in, says Julia DeMarco of Kim Gordon Designs. Test each one and seek out down- or feather-filled cushions, which will “give” when you sit, DeMarco adds.
If you’re not a fan of the couch’s material (many come in “gray, icky” stock fabrics, says Gordon), you can always reupholster.
Finally, don’t pair your curved couch with similarly curvy tables and chairs, says Smith, since “too much of the same thing isn’t visually pleasing.” In fact, it can feel almost … square.
Curvy couches that inspire
Consider these couches across the price spectrum, some of which have changing prices due to sales.
Jacqueline 89.4-inch Upholstered Sofa ($1,399): This couch with a curved back and gold legs feels glam and feminine. In the Kelly Clarkson Collection available from Wayfair, it features a deep seat and comes in five fabrics (including light blue and pink).
Crate & Barrel Martina 94-inch Sofa ($2,159): Here’s a subtle take, featuring a kidney-shaped, 43-inch-deep bench seat and pillows with feather-down fill. The base is solid walnut, and the off-white upholstery is a linen blend.
Eternity Modern Savelle Modern Curved Sofa ($3,659-$5,779): Designed by Swedish architect Jonas Wagell, this couch comes in six boucle or sheepskin fabric choices, all in neutral hues. With a medium-firm, customizable cushion and a seat depth of 23 inches, it’s “comfy” and “our go-to,” says DeMarco.
Edra Standard Francesco Binfaré (price upon request): “If you want to go ‘bananas,’ this one is orgasmic,” Gordon says. “It’s just heaven.” The deep, customizable couch features backrests and armrests you can mold with just a touch of your hand. It’s sold at Spazio Edra Los Angeles by Diva Furniture in West Hollywood.
ARGOS has kicked off a massive summer sale, offering huge discounts across thousands of products as temperatures start to soar.
The retail giant’s summer deals feature savings of up to 50% – perfect timing for shoppers looking to spruce up their homes and gardens for the sunny season.
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Argos has reduced thousands of products in its Easter Big Red Event sale
Argos Easter Big Red Event sale: Up to 50% off
The Argos summer sale launched earlier this week, bringing welcome discounts during the peak barbecue and outdoor entertaining season.
This is the ideal moment for shoppers to refresh their outdoor spaces, with fantastic savings on garden furniture, BBQs, and seasonal must-haves.
It’s a prime time for home improvements, and savvy shoppers can snag big discounts on everything from patio sets to indoor furniture upgrades.
Homeware, garden essentials, outdoor cooking equipment, and tech: Argos has covered all bases with its June deals and discounts.
Just remember that popular items tend to sell out fast during Argos sales, so don’t delay if something catches your eye.
We’ve picked out our favourite Argos summer deals below.
Argos summer deals this June
Habitat Kids Rory Curved Single Metal Bed Frame
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Habitat Kids Rory Curved Single Metal Bed Frame £76 (was £115)
What’s the deal? Snap up this stylish kids’ bed frame with a fab £39 discount – that’s 34% off a statement piece that’ll transform any child’s bedroom this summer.
Why it’s a great buy: This gorgeous curved metal design brings a touch of cool to your little one’s space without breaking your budget.
Available in grey, it’s sturdy enough for everyday use, while its sleek lines add a modern touch that suits any age.
The metal slats provide great support for a comfy night’s sleep during hot summer months, and the simple assembly means you’ll have it up in no time – perfect for summer bedroom makeovers while the kids are playing outside.
More Argos furniture deals: beds, mattresses, wardrobes – shop here
GreenPan Geneva 28cm Non Stick Stainless Steel Wok
What’s the deal? Snap up this premium stainless steel wok with a tasty 25% discount – perfect for whipping up delicious summer stir-fries without spending hours scrubbing pans afterwards.
Why it’s a great buy: This gorgeous Geneva wok combines style with serious cooking power.
The diamond-enhanced non-stick coating allows you to use less oil for healthier summer meals, while the stainless steel construction distributes heat evenly for perfect results every time.
It’s induction-compatible too, making it ideal for any kitchen setup.
Whether you’re tossing together a quick weeknight dinner with garden veggies or impressing friends with a summer feast, this durable wok handles it all – and looks fab hanging in your kitchen when not in use.
More Argos cookware deals: pots, pans, kitchen gadgets – shop here
McGregor 25m Compact Hose Reel with Accessories
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McGregor 25m Compact Hose Reel with Accessories £33 (was £45)
What’s the deal? Snap up this essential garden gadget with a juicy £12 saving – perfect for keeping your garden blooming through the summer heatwave without breaking your budget.
Why it’s a great buy: This compact little hero is an absolute must-have for summer garden maintenance.
The 25m hose length is perfect for small to medium gardens, while the lightweight design makes it super easy to drag around your outdoor space.
It comes fully loaded with all the accessories you need to get watering straight away, and the clever reel system means no more tangled hose nightmares ruining your sunny afternoon.
The space-saving design won’t clutter up your shed or garage, but still packs enough power to keep your garden looking lush all summer long – even during hosepipe ban season.
More Argos garden deals: sprinklers, watering cans, garden tools – shop here
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: Charms Class Set
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LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: Charms Class Set £14 (was £18)
What’s the deal? Snatch up this magical LEGO set with £4 off – perfect timing for keeping little wizards entertained during the summer holidays without emptying your Gringotts vault.
Why it’s a great buy: This pocket-sized piece of Hogwarts magic lets kids recreate Professor Flitwick’s famous “Wingardium Leviosa” lesson, where everything went hilariously wrong.
The set cleverly opens up for easy play and comes packed with fun details like a tiny blackboard and potion ingredients.
It includes popular minifigures to act out all those iconic classroom scenes – ideal for Harry Potter fans who want to bring a bit of wizardry to rainy summer days.
At this price, it’s a spellbinding little treat that won’t have parents reaching for a time-turner to undo the purchase.
More Argos toy deals: LEGO, outdoor games, water toys – shop here
Shark Anti Hair Wrap & Flexology Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
What’s the deal? Bag this powerful Shark vacuum with a fantastic £75 discount, giving you a 30% saving on a top-rated cleaner that’ll make summer cleaning an absolute breeze.
Why it’s a great buy: This clever cordless wonder is a summer cleaning essential that makes tackling every corner of your home effortless.
The Anti-Hair Wrap technology prevents annoying tangles around the brush head (goodbye, scissors!), while the Flexology feature bends to reach under furniture, making it perfect for grabbing all that summer dust and pollen.
It effortlessly converts to a handheld for tackling stairs, sofas, and cars after those beach trips.
With its powerful suction that works brilliantly on both carpets and hard floors, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it, especially at this sizzling summer price.
More Argos vacuum deals: Dyson, Shark, Hoover, Henry – shop here
Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush
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Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush £45 (was £100)
What’s the deal? Snap up this premium electric toothbrush with a massive 55% discount – perfect timing to get your smile summer-ready while saving a whopping £55.
Why it’s a great buy: This clever little gadget combines gentle micro-vibrations with Oral-B’s dentist-inspired round brush head for a seriously deep clean that’s 100% more effective than manual brushing.
The smart pressure sensor glows red when you’re brushing too hard – brilliant for protecting sensitive summer gums.
With three brushing modes and a handy two-minute timer, it eliminates the guesswork of achieving a perfect smile for your summer selfies.
At less than half price, it’s the ideal time to upgrade your bathroom routine with some serious dental tech.
More Argos bathroom deals: electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, styling tools – shop here
What’s the deal? Snap up this gorgeous velvet accent chair with a whopping £57 off – that’s a stylish 33% discount on a statement piece that’ll instantly elevate any room this summer.
Why it’s a great buy: This luxurious little number is the perfect summer home upgrade that won’t break your budget.
The plush velvet upholstery feels truly premium, while the high-reclined back and deep-cushioned seat make it incredibly comfortable for those lazy summer evenings with a good book or a Netflix binge.
Available in several eye-catching colours, it’s the ideal size for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or home office corners.
The sleek, splayed metal legs add a modern touch that works with practically any decor style.
At this price, you might want to grab two for a perfectly coordinated look that’ll impress summer visitors.
More Argos furniture deals: sofas, chairs, tables – shop here
McGregor 34cm Electric Corded Rotary Lawnmower
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McGregor 34cm Electric Corded Rotary Lawnmower £67 (was £90)
What’s the deal? Snap up this summer lawn essential with a fantastic £23 off, giving you a neat 26% discount just in time for peak grass-growing season.
Why it’s a great buy: This nifty little mower makes light work of small to medium lawns without the faff of petrol or pricey batteries.
The powerful 1400W motor and sharp 34cm steel blade slice through even the most overgrown summer grass, while six height settings allow you to pick the perfect cut, ranging from 2-7cm.
The generous 35L grass box means less emptying and more mowing, and the whole thing is lightweight enough to push around without breaking a sweat in the summer heat.
At this price, it’s the perfect upgrade for anyone whose garden’s looking a bit wild after all this sunshine and rain.
More Argos garden deals: trimmers, mowers, garden power tools – shop here
What’s the deal? Snap up this stylish garden essential with a fab £25 discount – that’s 25% off the perfect shade solution just as the summer sun really starts to heat up.
Why it’s a great buy: This clever overhanging design gives you way more flexibility than standard parasols – position it exactly where you need that cooling shade without a chunky pole getting in the way of your garden lounging.
The generous 2.5m canopy provides ample coverage for garden furniture or paddling pools, while the adjustable tilt feature allows you to track the sun throughout the day.
The sleek Habitat design looks way more expensive than its price tag suggests – ideal for instantly upgrading your outdoor space for all those summer BBQs and garden gatherings.
More Argos garden deals: parasols, gazebos, outdoor furniture – shop here
KitchenAid 5K45SSBOB Classic Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid 5K45SSBOB Classic Stand Mixer £350 (was £499)
What’s the deal? This iconic kitchen status symbol is now available with a massive £149 discount, offering 30% off one of the most coveted kitchen appliances around, just in time for the summer baking season.
Why it’s a great buy: Let’s be honest, this mixer isn’t just about whipping up cakes – it’s kitchen eye candy that’ll have your mates green with envy.
The classic tilt-head design gives easy access to the bowl while the powerful motor makes light work of everything from bread dough to fluffy meringues.
With 10 speed settings and that signature planetary mixing action, you’ll get perfectly mixed results without the arm ache.
The included accessories tackle most kitchen tasks, but true baking enthusiasts can expand their collection with the vast range of available attachments.
Available in several gorgeous colours, it’s the summer kitchen upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
More Argos kitchen deals: mixers, food processors, blenders – shop here
Argos Summer Sale: Essentials under £20
It’s not all about pricy appliances and homeware in the Argos – you’ll find some great deals on cheaper items too.
Yankee Home Inspiration Large Jar Candle, £12.75 (was £17) – buy here
Argos stores across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will open on Good Friday (April 18), Easter Saturday (April 19) and Easter Monday (April 21) in 2025.
However, stores which do open their doors on these dates will likely follow a reduced hours policy common across the UK.
On Easter Sunday (April 20), the retailer will close all stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, marking the Christian holiday.
Scotland will be the outlier with most Argos locations closing for Easter Sunday but a select few staying open – so remember to check opening times before you travel to your local store.
Does Argos do January sales?
Yes, Argos does hold January sales and the retailer gives shoppers the entire month to snag any deals which catch their eyes.
That’s right, the retailer doesn’t bring their January clearance sales to a close until January 31 giving you as much time as possible to get your money’s worth.
With November fast-approaching, the high street store has some advice for potential customers:
Be prepared: The store’s website advises shoppers to prepare for a day of smooth shopping by researching the products you want and writing up a list of back-up options in case you are too late.
Create an Argos account: To purchase an online order on the day you will need an Argos account set up, so you can get ahead of the game and make sure to register before the rush!
Shopping online: Finally, Argos recommends shoppers complete their hauls from the comfort of their own home by starting early, prioritising their lists, sticking to their budgets and being patient.
On the big day, all orders bought online before 5pm will be delivered by 10pm on the same day for just £5.95, subject to availability.
Or, customers can choose to pick up from a Sainsbury’s Collection Point near you.
Head to The Sun’s shopping section for more of the latest discounts we’ve spotted.
An eerie video shared on social media shows the state of disrepair some of abandoned accommodation at a Center Parcs in the Netherlands with moss growing over furniture
Center Parcs lodges in the Netherlands have been abandoned
Eerie footage shows fully furnished Center Parcs lodges in the Netherlands have been abandoned and left to rot.
One TikTok user, VSnelson_author, shared footage of the accommodation at Center Parcs De Kempervennen, near the city of Eindhoven, revealing the state of disrepair.
The filthy lodges, which still have furniture inside them, appear to have moss and mould growing over the walls and windows.
Responding to a commenter who was curious of the location, the poster explained: “It’s a part of the park that’s not used. The houses aren’t even on the map.”
Social media users were left baffled by the footage, with one person writing: “Where’s this? Didn’t know there was a partially built centre parcs!”
Another person said: “Where on site was this was there a few months ago would love to take a look,” while a third penned: “Hope your lodge didn’t look like this.”
The holiday brand, which came to Britain back in 1987, submitted a formal planning application to open a huge resort near the tiny rural town of Hawick, Scotland.
Center Parcs has its heart set on building around 700 lodges and tourist facilities – such as its iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise, and Aqua Sana Spa – conveniently located just off the A7. This area, which is south of Selkirk, boasts diverse wildlife including ospreys, golden eagles, red squirrels, and deer – and is near a slew of historic houses, castles, and abbeys.
The mega project, predicted to cost between £350million and £400million, will create around 1,200 jobs and become the seventh UK Center Parcs location. This week, the travel giant held a two-day community consultation (from May 20-21) in Hawick to discuss details with locals.
According to the BBC, concern has been raised over the loss of usable farmland. Some residents are also worried tourists will visit the Center Parcs complex and then leave the area – which won’t support local businesses.
However, the company, which is accepting comments on the proposed site until Friday, June 6, says most of its guests who stay for the weekend end up ‘exploring’ the local area too. It also released a fly-through video and 3D model to show locals exactly what the holiday village would look like.
Scotland’s first Center Parcs is predicted to cost between £350 million and £400 million(Image: Center Parcs Scotland/ Float Digital)
The computer-generated images reveal the epic site will feature the classic Center Parcs central hub which homes its Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a huge lake where guests can hire boats, as well as restaurants and a spa – all set amongst lush woodlands. “The flythrough video and 3D model really help bring the plans to life and add to the real sense of anticipation that has been evident at recent consultation events,” the company’s chief executive, Colin McKinlay, said.
The Center Parcs boss added that the company is working hard to ensure its proposals reflect feedback it has received from the community. “It’s one thing to describe what we’re hoping to build, but seeing it laid out visually captures the ambition of what we’re planning,” he explained.
Scotland’s first-ever Center Parcs aims to open its doors by 2029.
Searching for patio furniture that is attractive, affordable and long-lasting is like seeking the holy grail: We want to believe it exists, but we’re not entirely sure.
“Outdoor furniture is tough,” said Tatiana Tensen, co-founder of the Eastside Staging Company that has been staging homes in L.A. for a decade. “While we look at the majority of our inventory as an asset, we understand that most patio furniture has a shelf-life of one, maybe two years. After that, most of it ends up being gifted to our local Buy Nothing group.”
Still, Tensen, who shops for furniture as part of her job, was able to offer a few tips on what to look for when investing in outdoor pieces.
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“Certain brands like Salterini, Brown Jordan and Eames made outdoor furniture that lasted decades,” she said. “Materials also matter in terms of longevity. Powder-coated metals and well-patina’d teak will stay fresh and current for years.” She added that investing in good outdoor fabrics is also key. “There is a reason why Sunbrella is so popular,” she said.
Many people purchase patio furniture online from chain stores like Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Ikea, Costco and Home Depot or online retailers like Article and Wayfair. Others have had luck with Facebook Marketplace, where they say getting a deal is like finding a needle in a haystack but can yield a huge payoff if you’re willing to put in the time and energy. The list below is for people like me who prefer to shop at brick-and-mortar stores, aren’t afraid of vintage items and like supporting local businesses.
With help from designers, prop stylists, set decorators and the always informative Atwater Village Mom’s Facebook Group, I’ve assembled this road map to help you find whatever the patio furniture holy grail means for you. Maybe it’s a gorgeous teak peace that’s pricey but will last forever, or a mosaic tile table made by hand. Perhaps you can tolerate a little rust on a midcentury piece if the price is right, or you’re willing to shell out for a perfectly revamped chaise with new powder coating and fresh vinyl straps in the color of your choice.
Whatever it is you hope to find, I’m wishing you best of luck on your quest — and plenty of outdoor lounging.
