Money saving

MILLIONS of us subscribe to Amazon Prime – but is it worth it?
We take a look at what you get and how many deliveries you need to justify the fee – and how to get a discount.

You can sign up to Amazon Prime for free for 30-days or an annual membership costs £95 a year or £8.99 a month.

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Its most famous perk is free and fast deliveries and access to Prime Video – but there are lots of extra such as discounts on cinema trips.

You can pay for Prime Video-only for £5.99 a month – but this doesn’t include any of the other extras. 

Exact amount of orders you need to make Prime worth it

To justify the £95 annual fee for Prime, you need to save at least that amount on delivery costs and other benefits.

How easy that will be depends on what services you use.

For instance, Prime Video only costs £71.88 a year, so you only need to save £23.12 in delivery fees all year, to make the upgrade to Prime worth it.

But if you’re just signing up for the free delivery, then it’s harder.

For non-members, Amazon charges different rates depending on your basket value and delivery speed. 

Here’s what it really costs without Prime, and how often you’d need to order to break even.

Standard Delivery (3–5 days):

• Free if you spend £35 or more (or £10+ on books). If you spend less, charges are £4.99 for most items, but just £3.99 for book-only orders under £10.

To break even:

• 19 smaller orders per year at £4.99
• 24 book-only orders at £3.99

One-Day or Premium Delivery

• Costs £4.99 per order for non-members

To break even: 

Same-Day or Overnight Delivery

• Costs £5.99 per order for non-members. Prime members get it free on orders over £20, or pay £1.99 for smaller baskets.

To break even:

• 16 orders per year at £5.99

Pickup Location (Locker or Amazon Hub)

• Costs £2.99 per order for non-members, but free for Prime members.

To break even:

• 32 pickup deliveries per year

How to get a discount

Almost anyone can start with a 30-day free trial, which gives access to every Prime benefit.

If your last trial was over a year ago, you can usually sign up again. 

To get the freebie, click “Try Prime” and follow the steps outlined. You’ll need to add a payment method, but you won’t be charged unless you stay on past the trial period.

Each adult in your household can do this separately, meaning couples can effectively get two months free between them as long as they use separate email accounts.

If you’re a student or aged 18 to 22, you can get a six-month free trial, followed by half-price Prime for up to four years or until you turn 23.

To claim, visit amazon.co.uk/joinstudent or amazon.co.uk/18-22 and upload proof of eligibility, such as a university email or government-issued ID.

However, students that cancel during the trial and come back later, don’t get another freebie, only the discounted rate.

What benefits are included on Prime?

Amazon Prime now includes over a dozen benefits. Here’s what you get, how to access each one, and what it’s worth.

1. Free one-day and same-day delivery

Prime gives unlimited One-Day Delivery on millions of items, and Same-Day or Overnight Delivery in eligible postcodes.

Orders under £20 for same-day cost £1.99, but are free if you meet the threshold.

To use it, just make sure you’re signed in as a Prime member when placing your order.

Qualifying items will be marked with the Prime logo.

• Value: around £4.99 to £5.99 per order saved, based on the equivalent delivery charges for non-members

2. Prime Video

Watch thousands of shows and films, including Amazon Originals like Clarkson’s Farm, The Boys, and new dramas like The Girlfriend.

Ads were introduced in 2024, so if you want to watch ad-free, you’ll need to pay an extra £2.99 per month. You can also get Prime Video alone for £5.99 a month.

3. Amazon Music

This allows you to access 100 million songs and top podcasts, but it’s worth noting that most albums only play on shuffle unless they’re part of Amazon’s All-Access Playlists.

For full on-demand access, upgrade to Music Unlimited for £10.99/month, or £9.99 if you’re a Prime member.

To use it, download the Amazon Music app and sign in.

• Value: If you got rid of a separate music service and replaced it with Amazon Prime, you could save hundreds each year.

4. Prime Reading

Download and borrow thousands of rotating e-books, comics and magazines.

You can read them on Kindle devices or on the free Kindle app for iOS and Android.

To access, go to amazon.co.uk/primereading and browse the titles.

• Value: up to £100/year saved based on two to four books or magazines per month at typical Kindle or newsstand prices

5. Amazon First Reads

Choose one free pre-release Kindle book each month from a selection of new titles. Go to amazon.co.uk/firstreads to claim.

• Value: £3–£5/month saved, based on average Kindle ebook pricing

6. Prime Gaming

Get a selection of free PC games each month, plus one free Twitch channel subscription (normally £4.99), but only if you link your Amazon and Twitch accounts.

To activate, go to gaming.amazon.com and click “Link Account”.

• Value: £60+ per year based on 12 months of free Twitch subscriptions or typical game costs

7. Deliveroo Plus Silver

Get a full year of Deliveroo Plus Silver, usually £3.49/month. It gives you free delivery on restaurant orders over £15 and groceries over £25.

To activate, visit amazon.co.uk/deliveroo and log in to both accounts.

• Value: £41.88/year saved if you would otherwise subscribe directly to Deliveroo Plus Silver

8. Odeon tickets for £10

Each month, get two cinema tickets for £10 Monday to Thursday (or £15 at Odeon Luxe). Go to amazon.co.uk/odeon to redeem.

• Value: up to £10/month saved compared with standard Odeon ticket prices of around £10 each

9. Amazon Photos

Store unlimited photos securely in the cloud, plus 5GB for videos and other files.

You can share albums with up to five family members via Family Vault, and display images on Echo devices or Fire TV.

To use, download the Amazon Photos app and sign in.

• Value: £7–£10/month saved compared with similar plans from other providers

10. Amazon Fresh and grocery delivery

Order groceries from Amazon Fresh, Morrisons, Iceland and Co-op. Same-day delivery is free over £60, £2 for £40–£59.99, and £4 for smaller baskets.

Availability depends on postcode. To shop, go to amazon.co.uk/fresh and enter your postcode.

11. Amazon Day Delivery

You can choose a weekly delivery day to group your orders into fewer packages, which is a great way to reduce packaging and plan ahead.

Enable at checkout by selecting “Amazon Day” or set it as your default under “Your Account > Amazon Day”.

12. Prime-exclusive deals and early access

Get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals, and exclusive savings during Prime Day, Black Friday and other events.

No setup needed, just make sure you’re signed in to your Prime account.

13. Amazon Family sharing

Share Prime with one other adult and up to four children. You’ll each have your own account, but share perks like Prime Video, Reading, and Photos.

To set it up, go to “Accounts & Lists > Your Amazon Family” and add adult or child members.

• Value: £95/year saved if splitting the cost of one full membership between two adults

14. Parental controls

Set up profiles for each child, limit screen time, and manage what they can access through the Amazon Kids Parent Dashboard. Works across Fire tablets and Kindle devices.

To access, go to parents.amazon.co.uk.

15. Buy Now with Prime

Use Prime benefits with the “Buy Now” button by setting your default delivery address, payment method, and delivery speed in your purchase preferences.

Useful for quick checkouts, though not available to PO Boxes or some business addresses.

A SECRET website crammed with discontinued snacks and unusual flavours from across the globe has been revealed.

From Lemon Pie Twix bars to Italian-inspired Nestle treats, the online store promises to spice up your kitchen cupboards.

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Discount Dragon is an online-only retailer that sells products that are no longer on shelves from well-known brands.

The online shop is currently selling 18 lemon-flavored Twix bars from Brazil for just £11.99.

The zingy chocolate bars were inspired by the beloved Brazilian lemon pie.

Each bar features a crisp biscuit base topped with a tangy lemon-flavoured creme and wrapped in smooth milk chocolate.

If citrus isn’t your bag, there are also strawberry pie-flavoured Twix bars.

Nestle’s Extrafino Maxibon Chocolate bar is also up for grabs for just £1.99.

With three indulgent layers of chocolate and a satisfying crunchy base – this Italian favourite comes in a 235g bar.

Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Limon flavour from America are also available on the site.

Packed with fiery chilli and a lime zing, the crunchy snacks are perfect straight from the bag or to be enjoyed with cheese for the ultimate nachos dish.

For more tasty deals, keep your eyes glued to Discount Dragon’s “Snacks & Treats” category.

They rotate mysterious stock regularly—from multipacks of limited-edition bars to exotic overseas flavours.

Discount Dragon also flogs brand-name grub for fractions of the usual cost.

Don’t worry, the website is perfectly legal and squeaky clean – it just snags surplus stock, clearance lines, or bulk buys at knock‑down prices, and simply passes the savings onto savvy punters.

With no minimum spend, you can bag yourself goodies anytime—though £40 or more gets you free tracked delivery.

Orders promptly dispatched—24 trackers in 1–2 working days, 48 in 2–3.

The website also offers 1p sales on snacks and household items from time to time.

Recently, the mad promotional sale included Nestlé Milkybar eggs, scented candles, flavoured honeys, and premium snacks.

These 1p wonders are snapped up in seconds by eagle-eyed bargain hunters with lightning-fast fingers.

This comes as B&M shoppers spotted a rare flavour of Snickers selling for just £1.

Customers were surprised to see coffee flavoured versions of the classic chocolate stocked on the shelves of the bargain store.

Posting on the Facebook group Food Finds UK Official, a user wrote: “Not sure if these are new, but in B&M and I’ve never seen this flavour!”

One user wrote: “I’ve been meaning to check out B&M for ages now and this might just be the push I need to go.”

Another added: “Imported from Australia, I had them over there and so so good I’ll need to head to B&M.”

“I will be trying these,” a third wrote.

How does Discount Dragon work?

Discount Dragon launched in 2022 and flogs products nearing their best before date or items with faulty packaging.

Because traditional retailers want to shift this produce, Discount Dragon can buy it for massively discounted prices then pass these discounts on to shoppers.

Bargain hunters will find a host of branded goods, from Cadbury and Fairy to Brewdog and Heinz, on the website on the cheap.

There’s even a dedicated page where you can browse products selling for £2 or less.

Shoppers can currently get Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddos for 25p, Heinz Broccoli and Stilton soup for 35p a tin and 2litre bottles of pineapple and grapefruit Lilt for 99p.

All-in-all, there are hundreds of products to choose from, with prices starting from just 1p.

Discount Dragon also comes with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on the Trustpilot review website, earning an “excellent” score.

Reviewers note the bargain prices and “fantastic” standard of customer service.

If Discount Dragon doesn’t take your fancy, Motatos is another online supermarket that sells surplus or short-dated stock on the cheap.

Shoppers can pick up branded products such as Walkers, Coca-Cola, Heinz and Kellogg’s.

Approved Food is another, offering consumers products nearing best before dates at discounted prices.

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HOLIDAY experts have revealed the exact time and date Brits should book their tickets ahead of the August bank holiday to save hundreds of pounds.

It’s not too late to book last-minute flight tickets for holiday trips over the August bank holiday weekend.

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Brits can still find ways to get out of the country that won’t blow the budget for the weekend of August 25.

This includes trips to classic European escapes and hotspots like Disneyland Paris.

Ticket experts have analysed pricing data and industry travel trends.

CEO of AttractionTickets, Oliver Brendon, explained: “It’s easy to assume the early bird always gets the deal.

“In reality, travel companies adjust fares repeatedly based on demand, and we see opportunities appear even in the final days before departure.

“There’s still time to save on last-minute August bank holiday travel if you know when to book.”

Brendon reveals the trick to finding value no matter how late the purchase is made.

Through review of historic pricing, as well as industry reports, Sundays have been found to regularly deliver the lowest average booking prices.

This is because airlines adjust seat availability and prices over the weekend.

Therefore, holidaymakers who plan to book on Sundays can more often find a better deal and pay significantly less than those who book on other days.

Furthermore, Fridays have been found to be time to avoid as it is the time when prices tend to spike due to increasing demand.

A clear morning advantage has also been found through analyses.

Around 6am is when the fresh fares tend to show up, so it is good to get in early before search traffic ramps up into the day.

So those looking to book a getaway from the bank holiday this month should set their alarms for Sunday morning.

Oliver adds 6am on Sunday, August 17 “both sit within the sweet spot before the long weekend and will give you a chance at potentially unlocking better pricing.”

This timing tip comes from expert insights and data-driven research from travel and ticketing platforms.

It also focused on last-minute booking trends by travellers in the UK.

The advise follows suggestions from CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, who said flights could also be booked cheaper in the first two months of the year.

Winter months are believed to be the best time of the year to find cheap air fares, as well as just before the peak of school holidays.

Another study looked in to the best time to book flights for certain destinations.

For Faro in Portugal, the cheapest flights for the summer holidays were found to be just five weeks before travelling.

And for long-haul flights like to New York, the best time was found to be June to book for an August vacation.

SHOPPERS are raving about this uni-friendly tech deal, and it’s well worth a look.

The top-rated Jumper S7 15.6-inch laptop is now just £230 on Amazon, down from the usual £450.

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Jumper S7 15.6-inch Laptop, £449.99 £229.99
(Includes 1-year Office-365 Subscription)

That’s a hefty 49% discount on a laptop that packs some serious everyday power.

Granted, Jumper might not be a household name, which explains the handful of reviews.

But, with a perfect 5-star rating, it’s clear it’s something of a hidden gem.

You get 4GB of high-speed RAM, 128GB storage and a 512GB TF card expansion.

That’s plenty of room to run multiple programmes without your laptop sounding like it’s about to take off.

For students, that means jumping between research tabs, lecture slides and last-minute essays without the dreaded lag.

Better still, it comes with a one-year pre-installed Office 365 subscription (worth £89.99).

That’s Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook all included, so you can get stuck into coursework from day one, with no faffing over extra downloads or hidden costs.

The 15.6-inch screen is a decent size at this price point; big enough for comfortable working and perfect for streaming your favourite shows after class.

One reviewer raves: “I was a bit sceptical about buying a laptop from a brand I wasn’t familiar with, but I’m so glad I took the chance

The same shopper continued, “This is a powerhouse for everyday use and an incredible value.”

Another parent wrote: “Gave it to my son for university activities. Speedy and reliable.”

At just 3.6 lbs, it’s light enough to slip into your tote or backpack without putting your back out.

And you won’t be tethered to a wall socket either. The 5,000mAh battery typically lasts six to eight hours, so you can work through lectures and still have juice left for Netflix.

One shopper summed it up perfectly: “It is light enough to carry around all day and the battery easily lasts for hours.”

It’s also kitted out with multi-functional ports, including Type-C, USB 3.0, Mini HDMI, and a headphone jack.

If you’re heading off to uni, pair it with one of the best extension leads I’ve tested to give your dorm a few extra ports.

You might also want to check out the best Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested for your next flat party.

And once you’re settled in, why not explore my pick of the top smart home devices to kit out your digs? You’ll find everything from smart lighting to robot vacs.

Jumper S7 15.6-inch Laptop, £449.99 £229.99
(Includes 1-year Office-365 Subscription)

ALDI is unveiling a window cleaning gadget that has been deemed “magic” along with a “game-changing” vacuum on its shelves in days.

The discount supermarket chain hopes to make revolutionise household cleaning with these products on sale for a good price.

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Aldi’s upcoming Easy Cleaning game changers are the Cyclonic Stick Vacuum and Electric Window Vacuum.

The two items will be landing in stores from Sunday, August 17.

The Cyclonic Stick Vacuum is a returning product that was popular from Aldi stores, going for £39.99.

It is designed with a powerful suction that operates on either an eco or maximum level to leave floors and carpets spotless.

This cyclonic vacuum comes with a 550ml dust container that is washable, as well as a crevice and brush attachments.

There is also a 180-degree swivel head on the end of the vacuum, that features easy attachment technology to make changing it easy.

A longer cylinder tube is included for cleaning areas that are harder to reach.

Additionally, Aldi is introducing the Electric Window Vacuum as a “game-changing buy” for speeding up household chores, priced at £19.99.

This window vacuum features a powerful 12w supply, with a 40-minute minimum run time.

The Electric Window Vacuum also includes a spray function, two cleaning pads, and an easily removable water tank.

It is therefore able to offer an effective and affordable option for homeowners to clean their windows with full coverage.

These two products are part of Aldi’s Specialbuys, which are likely to get sucked up fast.

So shoppers should get into stores quick, as once these gadgets are gone, they’re gone.

More Aldi middle aisle buys

IF it’s middle aisle buys that you’re looking here, some of the new items you won’t want to miss.

SMARTY’s latest offer hands you a massive data boost for no extra cash.

Right now, you can bag 24GB of data for only £7 a month, the same price you’d normally pay for just 8GB.

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Smarty SIM-only deal, 8GB 24GB data for £7/month

That’s triple the data without spending a penny extra.

It’s Smarty’s latest push to give shoppers more for their money, and frankly, it’s a pretty solid offer.

If you’re after enough data to stream Spotify, scroll socials, and cover your everyday browsing on the go, this plan has you well covered.

You’re on a low, flat monthly fee with no sneaky mid-contract price hikes lurking in the small print.

And because Smarty runs on rolling 1-month contracts, you can walk away whenever you like, no strings attached.

That kind of freedom is a big part of why Smarty has built such a loyal following among budget-conscious shoppers..

The service rides on Three’s network, which already offers solid coverage across most of the UK.

To be sure, you can double-check your signal with Smarty’s handy coverage checker before you sign up.

There are a few tempting offers on the table right now, but the standout is the 8GB SIM-only plan, currently boosted to a chunky 24GB for just £7 a month.

That’s not bad at all when you consider some providers will happily charge you twice as much for a fraction of the allowance.

Best SIM-only Smarty deals:

If 24GB isn’t enough, you’ll find other plans going up to unlimited data, still at budget rates.

Here are some of the best:

But for light-to-moderate users, the triple-data offer is hard to beat.

And with no contract tie-in, you can switch, upgrade, or leave whenever you fancy.

If you’re also hunting for other tech savings, there are a couple of standouts doing the rounds this week.

You can boost your online security and save 72% on NordVPN, and they’re throwing in a free Amazon gift card worth £50 just for signing up.

And for those who want a new handset without the big spend, there’s an ‘excellent condition’ refurbished iPhone 13 going for just £20 a month.

If these deals don’t quite fit the bill, have a look at our roundup of the best SIM-only deals from all the big networks.

Smarty SIM-only deal, 8GB 24GB data for £7/month

LIDL is selling a range of budget-friendly camping gadgets as Brits soak up the sunny weather.

The discount supermarket chain is stocking kids’ sleeping bags and chairs, cool boxes and even an air mattress.

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The new range will be perfect for camping during the end of summer and autumn and getting outdoors to make the last of the year’s light.

There are 30 items Crivit Camping range that range from air mattresses to cool boxes.

And some even have a discount attached to them.

For example, the camping cutlery set selling for £9.99 now has 20 per cent with Lidl Plus and is selling for £7.99.

The Crivit Aluminium Camping Table normally sells for £24.99, but with the Lidl Plus card is currently selling for £19.99.

The air mattress in a double size is selling for £14.99, while sleeping bags are selling for £12.99.

A range of four cool bags are selling for £3.99 while backpacks are selling for £14.99.

It comes after Crivit released a number of tents and festival gear for summer at Lidl several months ago.

The incredible Crivit camping range has everything festival-goers need to set themselves up in the Wilderness, including the 4-Person Blackout Tent – popping up in stores for just £99.00 with Lidl Plus.

Crivit was even selling stand up paddleboards at supermarkets.

The Crivit All-Round Inflatable SUP is priced at just £99.99, and was available at Lidl stores from Thursday May 29.

This bargain bed comes after Lidl have begun selling ice cool gel pillows that are easy to use and would be perfect for keeping cool on those hot car trips.

For just £7.99 on the Lidl plus app, shoppers can get their hands on the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad.

That’s more than £12 cheaper than a similar product on Argos, with the low price available until June 7.

Described as perfect for restless sleepers and over heaters, the pillow give you instant cooling comfort, so you don’t need to flip your pillow during the night.

At 60x40cm it covers your entire pillow and simply needs to be slid inside your pillowcase on top of your normal pillow.

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IF YOU fancy a National Trust day out but you’re not a member, there’s some easy-to-overlook sites that won’t cost you a penny to access. 

We all think about the historic houses and great estates that National Trust and English Heritage look after around the country.

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But it’s easy to forget that they both have lots of free locations too, giving access to our coastlines and countryside for the cost of car parking. 

I’m lucky to have two reservoir reserves right on my doorstep, both of which have lovely waterside walks, a playground for the kids and a cafe for those all-important refreshments.

Even better, National Trust members can park free, since the organisation took over looking after Staunton Harold Reservoir and nearby Foremark on the border of Leicestershire and Derbyshire a couple of years ago. 

In the school holidays, there’s often kids’ activities like circus skills or kite-making that anyone can turn up and have a go at. 

Calke Abbey, which is a location you have to pay to access, is in-between the two and has one of the National Trust’s biggest woodland play areas and a huge walled garden full of fun like hobby horses, den building, garden games and craft stations throughout the summer holidays.

There’s enough there for a full day out, but if you’re just after somewhere outdoors to while away a few hours, its free neighbours could be perfect.

To be honest, we very rarely visit the inside spaces when we go to National Trust places anyway as my boys prefer to be in the fresh air.

So it’s great that you have the option of playgrounds and woodland walks without having to pay.

It’s not just hidden countryside spots that are great to explore for free. 

There’s some incredible coastal sites that fall under National Trust and English Heritage ownership too.

If you’re heading to Norfolk for your holidays, there’s the remains of a big Roman fort tucked away behind Parkdean’s Breydon Water caravan site.

Burgh Castle, looked after by English Heritage, is a short stroll away from the caravans if you’re staying there or there’s a small car park for visitors just up the road. 

It’s amazing how much of the fort walls have survived and you can get a sense of how the Romans built their empire.

We’ve been there many times over the years and there’s only ever a handful of visitors about, even in the height of summer.

Just up the Norfolk Coast is the National Trust’s Blakeney Point, home to a colony of seals.

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We stayed nearby for our first wedding anniversary and it really is a very special place.

Just remember to give the wildlife plenty of space if you want to visit it in its natural environment.

When we headed up north last year, we went to several English Heritage sites along Hadrian’s Wall, including Housesteads Fort.

But it’s easy to forget that most of the 73 miles of wall are free to access and looked after by various organisations like National Trust and English Heritage.

My top tip if you’re heading to one of these free sites and aren’t a member is to try to support the location by buying something from the cafe or giving a small donation if you can.

Always follow the countryside code to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories so that these wonderful wildlife havens remain unspoilt for future generations.

With 620,000 acres of land and 780 miles of coast belonging to the National Trust, you’re bound to find somewhere to visit not far from your doorstep – and you might not even need to pay a penny to enjoy your local location.

The National Trust has also revealed their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to ‘city oasis’ parks.

Plus, these are the National Trust’s top family-friendly attractions with fairytale castles and ‘book jungles’.

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THE countdown to Black Friday 2024 is officially on, and if last year is anything to go by, fans of Lululemon are in for a treat. 

From leggings to sports bras, Lululemon’s Black Friday deals have traditionally been worth waiting for, making it the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe or invest in some premium gear at discounted prices.

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Sign up to the Lululemon newsletter to receive updates about its Black Friday sale

Known for its high-performance activewear and loungewear, Lululemon is a go-to brand for fitness enthusiasts and comfort seekers alike. 

With Black Friday around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what deals might be on offer this year.

Here’s what to expect from Lululemon’s Black Friday sale in 2024, when the sale kicks off and how to prepare for the best discounts. 

So whether you’re after a new pair of the brand’s iconic Align leggings or you’ve been eyeing their latest athleisure pieces, here’s everything you need to know to shop smarter this November.

When is Black Friday 2024?

Mark your calendars: Black Friday 2024 falls on Friday, 29 November. While the main event takes place on this day, many brands, including Lululemon, often begin rolling out deals in the week leading up to Black Friday itself. 

If previous years are any indication, you can expect early access offers and sneak peeks in the days prior, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on Lululemon’s website and sign up for any email alerts to stay ahead of the game.

Black Friday has grown to be one of the most significant shopping events of the year, and it’s not just confined to the Friday after Thanksgiving anymore. 

It’s now common for sales to extend throughout the weekend and into Cyber Monday, giving you plenty of time to shop and score great deals.

Ever wondered why Black Friday is called Black Friday? Find out here.

Is Lululemon taking part in Black Friday this year?

Yes, Lululemon is expected to participate in Black Friday 2024, just as it has in previous years. 

Whilst the brand is pretty selective with its discounts throughout the year, Black Friday is one of the rare occasions where you can expect to find significant price cuts across a variety of items. 

Last year, Lululemon offered up to 50% off on selected items, and this year is expected to be no different.

Although Lululemon doesn’t typically promote drastic storewide markdowns, it does provide substantial savings on select items. 

The Black Friday sale usually includes popular favourites like the Lululemon Align leggings, Define jackets and a range of accessories, making it a great time to stock up on essentials.

What to expect from Lululemon’s Black Friday sale 2024

While the official details for Lululemon’s Black Friday 2024 sale have yet to be released, we can make some educated guesses based on last year’s deals.

Expect markdowns on some of Lululemon’s best-selling items, including their famed yoga leggings, workout tops and accessories such as gym bags and water bottles. 

Based on previous years, discounts typically range from 20% to 50%, depending on the item.

Lululemon often includes a selection of seasonal and limited-edition styles in their Black Friday sale, so keep an eye out for exclusive pieces. 

Stock tends to move fast, so it’s best to be ready to shop as soon as the sale goes live to secure your must-have items.

What was in Lululemon’s Black Friday sale last year?

In 2023, Lululemon’s Black Friday deals included a variety of savings across their activewear and loungewear collections. 

Shoppers were treated to discounts on best-sellers such as the Align leggings, which were reduced by £14, while the Define jackets also saw significant markdowns. 

Accessories, including the popular Everywhere Belt Bag and water bottles, were also part of the sale.

Many of these items sold out quickly, so if you’re eyeing a particular piece, it’s worth making a list in advance and acting fast when the sale starts. 

Lululemon’s sales can be highly competitive, and sizes tend to sell out quickly, especially on staple items.

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When is Cyber Monday 2024 and is Lululemon taking part?

Cyber Monday falls on Monday, 2 December 2024, and Lululemon typically extends its Black Friday discounts through to Cyber Monday. 

If you miss out on a deal during the Black Friday weekend, Cyber Monday offers another chance to snag some bargains. 

While the best deals often go live on Black Friday itself, Cyber Monday can feature additional markdowns or further reductions on remaining stock.

How much does Lululemon’s shipping cost?

Lululemon offers free standard shipping on all online orders, which is a great perk for Black Friday shoppers who prefer to avoid the crowds. 

During busy shopping periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Lululemon may offer expedited shipping at a reduced rate or for free on higher-value orders, so keep an eye on their shipping policies as the event approaches.

Does Lululemon offer any other discounts?

In addition to Black Friday sales, Lululemon has a few year-round discounts worth noting. 

The brand offers a ‘We Made Too Much’ section on their website, where shoppers can find discounted items throughout the year. 

Additionally, if you sign up to the Lululemon newsletter you can receive 10% off your first purchase.

While these discounts may not be combinable with Black Friday deals, they’re worth exploring if you qualify.

By keeping an eye on Lululemon’s website and being prepared ahead of time, you’ll be in the best position to score some great deals this Black Friday. 

A BIG high street banking chain is axing a lifeline service for all customers within weeks.

M&S Bank is stopping customers from paying off their credit card bills in-store, by cheque, or using bank giro credit – a move campaigners say will make life harder for older and vulnerable people.

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The bank, run as a joint venture between HSBC and M&S since 2004, had already paused in-store credit card payments back in April.

Now, the decision has been made permanent, according to This is Money.

To make matters worse, a letter sent to customers confirmed that from October, payments by cheque or giro credit will no longer be accepted at banks, building societies, or post offices.

The decision has caused a stir, with critics claiming it’s yet another blow to older people who are being left behind in an increasingly digital world.

Baroness Ros Altmann, a pensions expert, said: “You’re pushing away your most loyal, older customers who’ve probably shopped with you for decades.

“It might only be a minority who use these methods, but with M&S Bank’s huge customer base, it’s still a lot of people.

“These changes tend to hit older folks hardest.

“Many don’t have access to online banking or smartphones, and some prefer cash to help them budget better.”

M&S Bank currently offers credit cards, personal loans, travel insurance, store payment cards and a buy now pay later credit to over three million UK customers.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s charity director, also raised concerns.

She highlighted research showing that 27% of people still manage their accounts through branches, while 31% feel uneasy about banking online.

“Reducing payment options will limit some older people, especially those who aren’t online or who prefer cash,” she said.

M&S Bank has defended the decision, saying only “1%” of customers use these older payment methods.

A spokesperson said: “Most customers are choosing to use digital channels for their banking needs.

“We’ve introduced a pay-by-bank option via the M&S Bank app, alongside direct debit and bank payments, to make things easier for them.”

They added that the axed options were “legacy payment methods” and pointed out that customers can still pay at a bank, but giro forms will no longer be printed with statements.

M&S Bank used to offer current accounts prior to 2021.

However, the bank closed this product offering on August 31, 2021, in a shock move that also resulted in the closure of all 29 in-store bank branches on July 2 of the same year. 

Since the shake-up, the bank has completely shifted its focus to credit cards, insurance and reward offerings.

What other banking changes are coming?

NatWest is making changes to its business current accounts by increasing fees for cash payments, cheque transactions, and certain online transfers.

From August 30, cash payments into and out of business accounts will see their fees surge from 70p per £100 to 95p per £100. 

Cheque payments, whether processed by hand or via mobile, will also jump from 70p to 75p per cheque.

The bank is also increasing some charges related to its BACS payment system.

The BACS system is a UK payment network used by businesses to make electronic bank-to-bank transfers, such as Direct Debits and Direct Credits.

The fee for processing each individual payment or instruction, will soon rise from 18p to 21p.

The cost to process a file containing multiple payments or instructions will also increase slightly from £5.25 to £5.35.

Meanwhile, Santander is closing its 123 Lite current account, which offers up to 3% cashback on household bills for a £2 monthly fee, on August 21.

Customers affected by the closure will be automatically switched to Santander’s Everyday Current Account.

This account has no monthly fee but does not include cashback benefits.

Plus, new customers applying for the bank’s Edge Credit Card will now face a monthly fee of £4, an increase from the previous £3.

Plus, customers of Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland will soon lose the ability to deposit their cheques at any of the 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide.

From December 31 this year, Lloyds Banking Group will withdraw this service for all customers.

SMART doorbells are everywhere, but Eufy’s latest model is one of the best out there.

In this Eufy E340 video doorbell review, I’ve put it to the test so you get the real insight into what it’s like to live with.

Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon

I’ve tested plenty of smart home devices, and video doorbells have become some of the most popular.

But too many lock you into pricey subscriptions or offer poor video quality that feels like a glorified buzzer.

Thankfully, the Eufy E340 is one of the best video doorbells I’ve tried, packed with features that work, and no monthly fees for the pleasure.

Eufy launched back in 2016 as part of Chinese tech giant Anker, and has quickly built a solid reputation in home security.

The E340 arrived in 2024, adding to Eufy’s already impressive lineup of smart doorbells.

It features dual cameras, colour night vision, smart motion detection, and built-in local storage; genuinely smart tech that delivers on its promises.

While it’s not the first doorbell I’ve tested with these features — the Ezviz EP3x Pro I reviewed comes close and even adds solar power —the E340 still manages to stand out.

Read on for my full thoughts on how the E340 performs in real life.

How I tested

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Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon

I’ve tested my fair share of smart doorbells, from Ring and Tapo to budget buys, so I’ve got a pretty good feel for what’s worth your money.

For the past couple of months, the Eufy E340 has been stationed on my front porch, which sees a steady stream of parcels and visitors.

It’s had to brave typical UK weather, deal with delivery drivers, and keep up with the comings and goings of a busy family home.

I tried it in all sorts of conditions, day and night, rain and shine, using the Eufy app for alerts to see how well it performs.

After having it watch over my front door for a while, I have to say I’m impressed.

The Nitty-Gritty

First impressions

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Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon

I expected a solid smart doorbell, but the Eufy E340 felt more like a mini security system.

It’s bigger than most doorbells I’ve tried, thanks to having two cameras stacked vertically.

In the box, you get the E340 unit itself, a mounting kit, a charging cable, and some straightforward setup instructions.

The build feels premium and sturdy. It inspires confidence, unlike some others that just come off cheap and plasticky.

Setting it up was fairly easy. You start by mounting the bracket, then the doorbell just snaps right into place.

It comes with a small security key to remove the unit to charge, which is smart, but you’ll want to keep that key safe; it’s tiny and easy to lose.

Once I downloaded the Eufy app, the rest was a breeze. Just follow the on-screen steps, and you’re up and running in no time.

If you’re going fully wired, there’s a bit more faff involved, but with my battery-powered setup, things were a lot simpler.

Does it deliver?

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Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon

The Eufy E340 was smarter than I expected right out of the box, thanks to the 8GB of onboard storage built into the doorbell.

That’s enough to keep about a month’s worth of footage, depending on how busy your front door is.

You can add a HomeBase later if you want more storage, but I like that it’s an optional add-on, so there’s no extra gadgets to worry about right away.

That said, if you want the HomeBase, be ready to splash out another £159, though it’s really aimed at people who already have a wider ecosystem of Eufy gadgets.

If you just want the doorbell, it’s not a must-have, so you can skip it without missing out.

One feature I like having on hand is Delivery Guard. It doesn’t just notify you when a parcel arrives, it’ll also give you a heads-up if someone’s hanging around your doorstep so you can react.

Thankfully, I’ve not had to experience it in action, but it’s nice knowing it’s got your back.

Plus, with that second camera pointing down, I could always take a quick peek at the doorstep whenever I wanted.

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Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon

For night vision, you get two choices: a subtle but effective black-and-white IR mode, and a full-colour spotlight mode that lights up faces near your door.

The colour mode does lose a bit of clarity around the edges, but honestly, I’d much rather see who’s there in colour than grey shadows.

The Eufy app ties everything together nicely, and it’s simple to use, quick to pull up live views, and makes it easy to filter clips by date or device.

There wasn’t the two-way talk lag that I’ve experienced on other doorbells like this, so speaking through it felt a lot more natural.

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I also liked the quick-reply messages, perfect for those times when you’re busy and can’t have a proper chat but still want to get a message across.

Battery life is solid too, with its 6,500 mAh battery; Eufy says it can last up to six months.

I’ve been using mine for just under two, and I’m nowhere near needing to recharge yet, with about 70% still in the tank.

If you don’t want to worry about charging at all, you can wire it up and forget it. Sadly, I don’t have existing wiring, so that wasn’t an option for me.

It’s true, the E340 isn’t the smallest doorbell around, but it’s definitely one of the sleekest.

It packs a bunch of smart features and sharp video quality without slapping you with subscription fees, just be ready for the upfront cost.

If you want a doorbell that bolsters your home security without any sneaky costs, this one’s a strong contender.

How much is the Eufy E340?

The E340 usually costs £159.99, but right now it’s on sale for £109.99, which feels like a bargain for what you get.

You’re paying mid-to-high-end prices, but with 2K dual cameras, night vision, and local storage included, it’s great value.

Add the HomeBase S380 for another £160 if you want more storage, and the upfront cost does jump quite a bit.

That said, compared to Ring’s ongoing subscription fees for cloud storage, the Eufy starts to look like the smarter long-term deal.

Where to buy the Eufy E340

You can pick up the Eufy E340 as a standalone unit, and right now it’s on sale.

It’s available from most major UK retailers, including:

Eufy E340 alternatives

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If the Eufy E340 isn’t quite what you’re after, there are a few solid alternatives worth considering.

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers a sleeker design and sharp video, but just be ready for those subscription fees if you want full access to storage and extra features.

Then there’s the Ezviz EP3x Pro, which packs similar smart features and video quality, plus it throws in solar power for easy, hassle-free charging.

For those on a budget, the Tapo D235 is a decent option with good video and handy features, though it doesn’t have the same level of polish as the Eufy.

A MAJOR bank with millions of customers is make a huge change to dozens of bank accounts starting within days.

The Co-operative Bank is cutting interest rates on 36 savings accounts, delivering a fresh blow to savers.

It comes just days after the Bank of England lowered the base rate from 4.25% to 4%, marking the fifth interest rate cut since 2020.

The decision means lower mortgage payments for homeowners but often leads to smaller returns for savers.

That’s because the base rate impacts the interest rates banks offer on savings accounts and loans, including mortgages.

The Co-operative Bank has wasted no time, announcing that interest rates on dozens of accounts will be reduced starting on August 14 and October 22.

On August 14, the Base Rate Tracker accounts will see reductions, with interest rates dropping from 4% to 3.75% and from 3.75% to 3.5%.

For example, if you had £1,000 deposited for 12 months, the interest earned at 4% would have been £40.

After the rate drops to 3.75%, you would earn £37.50 – a difference of £2.50.

Similarly, with the rate falling from 3.75% to 3.5%, the interest earned would decrease from £37.50 to £35, meaning £2.50 less over the year.

From October 22, various other accounts will experience cuts, including the Future Fund, which will see its rate fall from 1.53% to 1.46%, and the Online Saver, dropping from 2.12% to 2.06%.

Other affected accounts include the Smart Saver, Select Access Saver 5, and Privilege Premier Savings, with reductions ranging from 4.15% to 3.9% and 3.53% to 3.4%. 

Cash ISA holders will also be impacted, with Cash ISA 2 rates falling from 3.25% to 3%.

Fortunately, several savings providers still offer returns of up to 5%.

With the average bank customer holding around £10,000 in savings, according to Raisin, switching could be a smart move.

To help you get the best returns, we’ve listed the top savings rates for each account type below.

What’s on offer?

If you’re looking for a savings account without withdrawal limitations, then you’ll want to opt for an easy-access saver.

These do what they say on the tin and usually allow for unlimited cash withdrawals.

The best easy access savings account available is from Cahoot, which pays 5% – and you only need to pay a minimum of £1 to set it up.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £50 a year in interest.

Meanwhile, West Brom Building Society’s easy access account offers customers 4.55% back on savings worth £1 or more.

If you’re okay with being less flexible about withdrawals, a top notice account could be a great option.

These accounts offer better rates than easy-access accounts but still let you access your money more flexibly than a a fixed-bond.

RCI Bank UK’s 95 day notice account offers savers 4.7% back with a minimum £1,000 deposit, for example.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £47 a year in interest.

Meanwhile, GB Bank’s 120-day notice account offers 4.58%, requiring a minimum deposit of £1,000.

If you want to lock your money away and keep the same savings rate for a set time, a fixed bond is a good choice.

The best fixed rate currently offered is Vanquis Bank’s one-year fixed bond, which pays 4.44%, requiring a minimum deposit of £1,000.

Meanwhile, Atom Bank’s one-year fixed bond offers 4.42% back on a deposit of £50 or more.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £44.20 a year in interest.

If you want to build a habit of saving a set amount of money each month, a regular savings account could pay you dividends.

Principality Building Society’s Six Month Regular Saver offers 7.5% interest on savings.

It allows customers to save between £1 and £200 a month.

Save in the maximum, and you’ll earn £25.81 in interest.

While regular savings accounts look attractive due to the high interest rates on offer, they are not right for all savers. 

You can’t use a regular savings account to earn interest on a lump sum.

The amount you can save into the account each month will be limited, typically to somewhere between £200 and £500.

Therefore, if you have more to save, it would be wise to consider one of the other accounts mentioned above.

KEEP your home pest free for less than £10 with B&Q’s powerful spider repellent spray.

As spider season approaches, B&Q has the perfect solution to keep your house creepy crawly free for just £7.99.

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Keep pests out the house with cheap solution

The Zero In Spider Repellent spray does exactly what it says on the tin with a powerful formula that keeps spiders out.

The water based formula comes in a 500ml bottle and a fresh peppermint scent.

Beyond getting rid of spiders, the spray also helps to prevent the build-up of cobwebs.

According to the product description, the repellent works to rid your home of the pests without the use of harmful chemicals.

It also emphasises that this safe to use spray does not cause any harm to spiders.

The description recommends you to use the product after cleaning.

Spider season soon to hit UK

Spider season occurs from August to October, with wetter conditions often enticing them into homes, the Royal Meteorological Society reports.

Among its spider prevention tips are keeping windows shut at night. clearing any clutter that they may like to hide in and vacuuming regularly.

The website also praised cats and dogs as great helpers in terminating the critters.

B&Q’s stain-free and non-toxic solution is set to keep the pests at bay.

Bargain hacks that help keep spiders at bay

You can also keep spiders out the house by using a simple kitchen staple.

Earlier this year, The Sun revealed that white vinegar can often do the job.

Pest control expert Doug O’Connor explained that “spiders hate vinegar.”

He added: “The smell is overwhelming to them, and it causes irritation on contact.

“It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to deter them.”

You can pick up a bottle for as little as 35p from Sainsbury’s, though there is a good chance you will already have some sitting in your cupboard.

Peppermint oil is also a great way to keep critters out.

Adeel Ul-Haq, a sleep expert from Divan Beds, explained: “Peppermint oil is a great way to keep spiders away for cheap, and not only does it leave your home smelling amazing, but spiders hate it.

“The strong smell overwhelms the spiders and encourages them to go elsewhere.”

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LYING in bed at night 68-year-old Melanie O’Reilly lay awake worrying about how she couldn’t afford to quit her £23,500 a year, 37.5-hour a week job working in a call centre. 

She was £13,000 in debt and knew she couldn’t afford to pay the £500 a month repayments to the bank – but she was desperately unhappy in her job.

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Her days were spent fielding angry calls from Hounslow residents complaining about council tax and housing benefit. 

She had moved from South Africa to England in September 2019 with no savings but found a job quickly due to her past career in office furniture sales. 

However, the pandemic hit and in October 2020 she was made redundant before struggling to find a job at a call centre in the local council in Hounslow, West London in February 2022. 

“I couldn’t stand it anymore. I was sitting there most days in full-blown migraine feeling like I had sandpaper in my eyes, until I couldn’t see the screen anymore,” Melanie, now 69, said.

“I had been very good at my job in South Africa, and I was excellent at sales.”

“Suddenly I was being micromanaged by a 26-year-old, who would count how many times I went to the toilet in a day, and tell me off if I took 31 seconds on a call instead of 30 seconds.

“The staff turnover was ridiculously high and it started to affect my physical and mental health.”

Melanie, who had previously worked as an insurance PA in London before the move to South Africa, was utterly fed up, and knew she had to retire – but had no idea how she could do so with her mounting debt.

She had lent her son and daughter-in-law, who had also moved to the UK, money for a deposit on a home in Colne, Lancashire – but then disaster struck. 

Suddenly her daughter-in-law was made redundant shortly after they had their first child, meaning they couldn’t pay Melanie back as quickly as they’d planned. 

Melanie was also dealing with the financial fall out of splitting from her partner and she took out a £15,000 personal loan and she had mounting credit card debt of £3,000. 

Worryingly one in three people approaching retirement now have debt, with the average over-65 borrower owing £17,000, according to Money Wellness. 

Financial anxiety among the 65 to 74 age group has more than doubled since 2021.

“I had the personal loan, but I was not behind in my payments and I just knew, ‘I’ve got to leave. I have to retire.

“If I don’t, I am going to have a breakdown’,” Melanie said. 

“I decided to retire and I did, in April 2024. I called up Lloyds Bank and I said, ‘I’ve got this personal loan with you and I know that a few months from now I’m going to end up not being able to pay you.’

“I knew I had to take preventative measures before I got behind in any of my payments.

“I was hugely concerned about how to get Lloyds Bank to agree to a reduced monthly payment. 

“I knew I couldn’t pay them back £500 a month, and I knew they wouldn’t negotiate a new loan with me because I was unemployed, as I was now retired with no real income.”

Lloyds put Melanie in touch with Money Wellness, one of the largest providers of debt advice and debt solutions in the UK.

Money Wellness provides free, confidential support to anyone struggling with money or debt, with support available online 24/7 or over the phone, so people can get help in the way that suits them best.

Melanie still owed £13,000 of the £15,000 personal loan. She called Money Wellness, and they asked her to draw up an income and expense statement.

Advisors went through her statement in detail, making allowances for everything from clothing to haircuts, and calculating how much she could afford to pay back each month to help Melanie put a debt management plan in place.

“They were so empathetic and professional,” Melanie explains.  

“We revised the budget down to a manageable figure that I could pay Lloyds Bank back and by the end of it, it felt like this was too good to be true.

“They took the burden of negotiations off my shoulders and it was all done seamlessly for me without me having to worry about anything.”

The adviser told Melanie that they would negotiate the figure she had to pay back directly with Lloyds Bank, to the extent of setting up a debit order.

“After the call, I sat back and wept,” Melanie remembers. 

“I was hugely concerned because when I was working at the council, I had people calling me up saying, ‘I’ve got the bailiffs at my door. They’re bashing my door down. What do I do?’

“I did not want to be in that position, and I knew that that is a reality that can and does happen.

“I did not want to go anywhere near being that person who’s got the bailiff bashing at your door. That is why I nipped it in the bud before it became a problem.”

From paying £500 a month back, Melanie now pays back £134 a month, with no added interest. 

She lives in a HMO in Burnley so she doesn’t pay utility bills or council tax and receives housing benefits and pension credit.  

Her repayments come from a small state pension, pension credit and housing benefits.

She receives £456.64 state pension, £451.56 pension credit and £368.20 housing benefit every four weeks.

She’d had to spend her small private pension on replacing her car after a car accident, and buying essentials like furniture. 

Money Wellness reviews her plan annually, adjusting the amount if her income changes.

Melanie feels positive about the future and says the debt advice she received from Money Wellness is “the best decision I ever took”.

“For so long, I’d sat with this worrisome burden, thinking ‘I need to retire but I’ve got this debt. What do I do?’ Then these angels from heaven stepped up and helped me,” she adds.

“I feel as though a mountain had been lifted off my shoulders.”

A SAVVY shopper has bagged stunning wedding guest dresses from Asda for less than a tenner.

TikToker Christina Mitsi, who’s 5ft 3 and a size 12/14, headed to George at Asda in search of the perfect big-day look and found a whole rail of gorgeous dresses from just £6.

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And while you might expect the cheapest frock to look like a bargain bin disaster, she reckons it’s one of the best of the lot.

Among her top picks was a beautiful navy satin-style number – simple, elegant and with a stretchy back that made it “so comfy” to wear.

The dress only set her back £6.

She laughed: “Can you imagine turning up in that and everyone saying, ‘Your dress is gorgeous, where’s it from?’ and you say Asda, six quid.”

She also fell in love with a flowy green dress for £15.

For something a little more versatile, she tried a multi-way bridesmaid-style gown for £32, which can be tied and styled in several different ways.

“So affordable if you need matching dresses for your bridesmaids, this is a fantastic option,” she said.

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Christina was seriously impressed with the quality, comfort and price of most of the range.

And with dresses starting at just £6, she says it’s the perfect excuse to splash out on a fancy handbag and heels instead.

“Why spend more when you can get a lovely dress for £15 or less?” she added.

Fans were just as impressed.

One user said: “Wow, you look stunning.”

Another added: “Love – makes me want to buy it in case I ever get invited to a wedding”.

While a third said: “They all look gorgeous on you x”.

It came just days after another savvy fashionista showed off her £3 event dress she bagged from Asda’s clearance rail.

The bargain-hunter, @finchofautismlife took to TikTok to show off the stunning satin dress from George at Asda.

And fans were totally obsessed.

“You look stunning,” one viewer gushed.

Another said: “Wow, I love it, that dress is gorgeous!”

Last week, shoppers were sent into a frenzy over a sweet broderie anglaise white mini dress, reduced from £22 to just £15, with rave reviews calling it “classy”, “lightweight” and the “perfect fit”.

Others have gone wild for a £20 floral dress hailed as “perfect in every way” , ideal for summer weddings or garden parties, while a £12 leopard print denim shirt dress became a best-seller thanks to its comfy oversized fit and transitional style.

But the £3 event dress might just take the crown for the best fashion bargain yet.

So if you’re in the market for an affordable outfit that’ll turn heads without emptying your wallet, it might be worth swinging by your local Asda and checking the rails.

The buzz comes after Asda launched its first-ever stand-alone George store in Leeds earlier this year, which could be rolled out nationwide if it proves a hit.

The new store, which opened on Saturday, May 10, in the old Asda Living unit at Crown Point Retail Park, is a dream come true for George fans.

It’s packed with affordable fashion, stylish homeware, must-have toys, and adorable baby gear, plus a brand new café to keep you fuelled mid-shop.

There are currently 30 Asda Living stores in the UK, but the supermarket giant is testing the waters with this new George-only concept.

Bosses are expected to make a decision later this year on whether more will launch across the country.

The George brand, first launched in 1989 by fashion guru George Davies, changed the game as the UK’s first supermarket clothing label.

By 2004, it had become the nation’s biggest clothing retailer, and today it’s still going strong, racking up 260 million visits a year to its site and stocking shelves in 560 stores.

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DUNELM has slashed to half price off an “absolutely brilliant” suitcase that is perfect for flights this summer.

It comes in a range of sized that can be put under the seat, in the overhead locker, or as checked-in luggage.

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The Elements Two-Tone Hard Shell Suitcase be bought for £17.50 to £25, depending on the size, which is down from £35 to £50 at Dunelm.

They come in two colourways, an Olive green, or Fuschia, making the suitcase easy to spot on the conveyor belt.

There are three size options, from the smallest “cabin” size, to medium and large.

The suitcase includes four spinner wheels, that can be used with a push button trolley system.

It comes in a strong hard shell, with sturdy handles and zip insert that has an elastic clip closure to hold your belongings in place.

The product dimensions are H 55cm x W 40cm x D 20cm, at 2.5kg for the cabin case.

This means it can be taken on as a free, small carry-on bag that fits under the seat on EasyJet and BA flights, or in the overhead locker on Ryanair and Jet2 flights.

The medium case measures H 67cm x W 44.5cm x D 25cm, at 3.1kg.

And the large case is H 76cm x W 50cm x D 28.5cm, weighing 3.8kg.

The dimensions are particularly important to note, after a leaked email showed staff across major airports in the UK would receive payments for every bag confiscated from easyJet passengers ahead of boarding.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has also considered bigger bonuses for staff who identify passengers with oversized bags.

The suitcase from Dunelm received an overall rating of 4.3 stars from customers.

One reviewer described it has an “absolutely brilliant case and so light to carry.

Another raved: “Loved my suitcase with the bright colours couldn’t miss it on the belt!

“It’s easy to push along and the inside is great too, I had a lot of looks and people saying what lovely colours.”

It comes as Dunelm also knocked 50 per cent off one of its fancy garden decor ornaments.

The Artificial Boxwood Ball Tree has now been slashed to £24.50 from its original price of £49.

The retailer has also been providing great bargains on furniture, scanning for up to 90 per cent off.

One bar stool was priced down to £10.32 from £103.20.

PLAYSTATION Plus fans who want to get their hands on a free Xbox game have only one day left to do so.

The gaming giant is offering three major Xbox games completely free to subscribers of its PS Plus service.

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PlayStation Plus members receive three to four new games each month as part of their subscription and the July offers will soon be expiring.

Gaming Giants

The games up for grabs were RPG Diablo 4, The King of Fighters 15 and Jusant, but will be unavailable from August 5.

PlayStation offered those three games to mark its 15th anniversary last month.

Action/climbing game Jusant depicts a journey to the top of a tall tower.

Players are able to uncover secrets of bygone community and hone their skills, at their own pace.

Also included was The King of Fighters XV, which, as the title suggests, is an instalment in a long-running series.

The game features 39 characters, as well as a new combat system and a variety of battle options.

Rounding out the trio is Diablo IV, an RPG game – where players can tackle a campaign either solo or with friends.

The narrative combines a gripping story with memorable characters for users to meet along the way.

The free games are available forever once claimed, so long as their PlayStation Plus subscription remains active.

More Freebies to Come

The good news for fans is that even more games will be up for grabs from August 5.

The games for PS4 are DayZ and My Hero One’s Justice 2, and Lies of P will be free for those who have a PS4 or PS5.

Lies of P is an action role-playing game, which reimagines The Adventures of Pinocchio – an 1883 children’s fantasy novel by Italian author Carlo Collodi.

The game follows the life of a puppet in a fictional city plagued by an epidemic and a puppet uprising.

My Hero One’s Justice 2 is a fast-paced 3D arena fighter based on the hit anime My Hero Academia, featuring intense battles where gamers control their heroes and villains with special moves.

DayZ is a survival game where up to 60 players fight to survive in a zombie-infested wasteland.

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A WARNING has been issued to savers missing out on hundreds of pounds ahead of a key Bank of England (BoE) decision this week.

People risk the cash blow because they’re leaving money in low-paying easy access accounts.

The latest data from Moneyfactscompare.co.uk reveals someone with £10,000 in savings could earn an extra £300 by switching to an account with a higher interest rate.

Adam French, from the comparison site, said savers were in danger of their hard-earned cash “languishing” by making the mistake.

“Simply switching a £10,000 savings pot away from a high street bank’s easy access account to a market-leading one-year fix can leave you £300 better off in 12 months’ time.

“Not a bad return for a few minutes’ work, if you aren’t going to need access to the money sooner.”

The warning comes ahead of the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Thursday (August 7) where it will decide what to do with the base rate.

The base rate is charged to high street banks and other lenders and usually reflected in savings and mortgage rates.

Any fall is good news for mortgage holders who tend to see rates plummet, but it spells bad news for those with savings accounts.

The bank is widely expected to cut the base rate, which currently sits at 4.25%.

The MPC, made up of nine members, last met in June when it decided to keep interest rates unchanged.

Six members voted to keep rates at the existing level while three members voted for a cut to 4%.

The BoE uses the base rate to control inflation, with a hike designed to discourage spending and keep prices in check.

The current Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation is 3.6%, over the BoE’s 2% target.

However, the MPC is under pressure to lower interest rates to get the stagnating economy growing.

How to make your savings work harder

You can’t do anything to control what the BoE does with the base rate, but you can make your savings work harder.

One way to do this is by locking your savings into a fixed-term account.

These accounts pay out an interest rate for a set period of time, from anywhere between six months and five years.

Fixed-rate savings accounts generally offer better interest rates in exchange for you not being to withdraw any cash.

Just bear in mind you may have to pay a charge for any early withdrawals.

Second, it’s worth making the most of ISAs which allow you to save money without having to pay tax on any interest earned.

You can spread a total of £20,000 across various ISA types including Cash ISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs.

And of course, shop around for the best deals so you’re not left with a low-paying savings account.

Comparison sites like moneyfactscompare.co.uk and moneysavingexpert.com can help you find the best account suited to you.

ALDI shoppers are racing to the Middle Aisle for a £2.99 car cleaning essential that leaves motors sparkling – with zero smears.

The bargain buy doesn’t just work wonders on windows and bodywork, it also smells amazing.

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This ready-to-use formula is a glovebox game-changer, helping you tackle dirt, bugs and road grime in seconds – with no smears in sight.

PRODUCT DETAILS

The Ride & Go Cherry Scented Screen Wash is just £2.99 for a massive 5L bottle, making it an absolute steal.

And the best bit?

It leaves behind a sweet cherry scent, so your windscreen’s not the only thing getting a freshen up.

Don’t get caught with a filthy screen – stock up while it’s still on shelves.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Shoppers say the streak-free finish rivals big-name brands – but for a fraction of the price.

The all-in-one liquid wash lifts dirt, dust and grime in seconds, leaving your car looking showroom-fresh without the elbow grease.

And with its fresh, clean scent, it’s not just your paintwork that gets a glow-up – your whole motor will smell lush too.

Whether you’re prepping for a road trip or just want to impress on the school run, this £2.99 wonder is a glovebox must-have.

And it’s one of the cheapest screen washes on the market – with some retailers charging up to a tenner for similar products.

Even Halfords and B&Q’s versions come in at £7.49, making Aldi’s deal an absolute bargain for drivers who want a clear view without the hefty price tag.

MORE SPECIALBUYS

Aldi shoppers can scoop cut-price household essentials, as well as beauty dupes for luxury brands, with the latest Specialbuys.

A dual-zone air fryer from Tefal is priced at around £99.99, while a Ninja version of the gadget is £129.99.

Aldi’s high-speed blender with accessories is well-priced at £14.99. A similar gadget from Ninja would set you back almost £50.

Elemis’ pro-collagen marine oil is currently on sale on its website for a whopping £72, while Aldi’s Lacura marine oil is just £3.99.

The luxury oil aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with marine ingredients.

And Aldi’s version aims to do the same by using algae extract and golden seaweed.

Aldi’s Lacura Illuminate Setting Spray aims to lock your makeup in place for a “long-lasting airbrushed finish”.

It’s an unmistakable take on Chatlotte Tilbury’s airbrush flawless setting spray which will set you back around £32 on beauty website Cult Beauty.

The supermarket has previously offered several Charlotte Tilbury dupes including eyeshadow palette, and flawless filter foundation and they are typically very popular.

Aldi launches fresh Specialbuys every Thursday and Sunday.

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AMAZON just slashed a lightweight power bank that won’t weigh you or your wallet down.

The fast-charging tech essential usually retails for £159.99, but right now, Prime members can grab it for just £12.99.

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Hosgubo Fast-Charging Power Bank, £159.99 £12.99
(Prime member exclusive)

That brings the Hosgubo Power Bank down by a massive 92%, so it’s no surprise it’s getting plenty of attention on Amazon right now.

You will need to be a Prime member to claim the deal, but with a 30-day free trial available, it’s an easy win.

Unlike bulkier battery packs, this one is designed with portability front and centre.

It weighs just 192g, so it’s lighter than most out there and easy to slip into a handbag, backpack, or carry-on. 

With a 10000mAh capacity, it’s got more than enough power to get you through a full day, and then some.

And because it’s well under the TSA’s 27,000mAh limit, you can safely pop it in your hand luggage for a mid-flight top-up.

It’s not just the size that makes it handy. It supports 3A fast charging, twice as fast as your average power bank, so you won’t be stuck waiting forever to recharge.

It also has smart safety tech built in to protect your devices from overheating or battery damage, which is always reassuring.

There’s a USB-C IN & OUT port, a USB-A port, and a built-in USB-C cable, so you can charge three devices at once. 

Whether it’s your phone, wireless earbuds, or even a mate’s device, this little power bank can handle it.

There’s also a clever little design touch: the micro cable doubles as a lanyard, so you can clip it to your bag and keep it handy while you’re out and about.

There’s no guessing games when it comes to battery life, the LED power display shows you exactly how much juice you’ve got left.

With a 4.6-star average and over 500 units sold last month, this compact power bank has impressed Amazon shoppers with its solid design, fast charging, and reliability.

“Compact, powerful, and perfect for on-the-go,” writes one shopper. “It’s honestly become a lifesaver for my on-the-go lifestyle.”

“A solid battery pack,” says another customer. “The in-built USB-C cable is extremely convenient, snug fitting in my phone and provides a nice, fast charge. “

Another buyer writes: “The wireless charging works flawlessly with my phone… The battery level indicator is a nice touch.

Amazon’s been rolling out a string of similar deals lately, with popular picks like the TRKOY and Matast Magsafe portable chargers flying off the shelves.

If you’re looking for more top-rated options, check out my tried and tested guide to the best power banks UK buyers love.

Hosgubo Fast-Charging Power Bank, £159.99 £12.99
(Prime member exclusive)