A massive fire has broken out at a bazaar in western Tehran, authorities say, sending thick plumes of black smoke over the Iranian capital.
The cause of the blaze on Tuesday morning was not immediately unclear.
The fire has “so far resulted in no injuries”, Tehran emergency services operations commander Mohammad Behnia said.
The blaze started at a market in the Jannat Abad neighbourhood in the west of the capital, an area packed with stalls and shops, state television quoted the city’s fire department as saying.
“The fire is extensive, to the extent that it is visible from various parts of Tehran,” Fire Department spokesman Jalal Maleki said.
Maleki later said the blaze had been “brought under control” and that “smoke removal and spot-check operations” were under way, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
State television said firefighters were dispatched to the site immediately to contain the blaze.
People crowd an indoor shopping mall in South Korea on 25 January 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
Feb. 2 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s online shopping market surpassed 270 trillion won (about $188 billion) in 2025, hitting a record high and underscoring a growing divide between fast-growing digital platforms and stagnant offline retailers.
According to the “December 2025 and Annual Online Shopping Trends” released Monday by the National Data Service, online shopping transactions reached 272.3 trillion won (about $188 billion), up 4.9% from a year earlier. Mobile shopping accounted for 211.1 trillion won (about $145 billion), a 6.5% increase. Both figures were the highest since data collection began.
Online shopping growth has been fueled by the rapid expansion of mobile consumption and logistics innovations such as early-morning and same-day delivery. Transaction volumes rose from 94.1 trillion won (about $64.9 billion) in 2017 to more than 100 trillion won (about $68.9 billion) the following year, exceeded 200 trillion won (about $137.7 billion) in 2022 and continued climbing steadily into the 270-trillion-won range (about $188 billion) last year.
The strongest growth came from automobiles and auto-related products, which posted annual transactions of 7.5 trillion won (about $5.22 billion), up 30.5% year-on-year. The increase was driven largely by online sales of electric vehicles, particularly from Tesla, which operates a direct online ordering system. Tesla’s domestic sales reached 59,916 units in 2025, more than double the previous year’s total.
Food-related categories also expanded sharply. Online food service transactions rose 12.2% to 41.4 trillion won (about $28.6 billion), while online food and beverage purchases increased 9.5% to 37.8 trillion won (about $26.0 billion), reflecting consumers’ growing reliance on delivery platforms.
By contrast, offline retail channels showed little momentum. Data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed that sales at 26 major retailers rose 6.8% in 2025, but growth was heavily skewed toward online platforms. Online retail sales jumped 11.8%, while offline sales edged up just 0.4%.
Large supermarkets saw sales fall 4.2% from a year earlier, while convenience store sales grew only 0.1%, effectively stagnating. These sectors, closely tied to everyday household consumption, were hit hardest as shoppers shifted spending online.
Industry analysts attribute the decline to the rapid spread of mobile shopping and fast delivery services, which have reduced foot traffic and average transaction values at brick-and-mortar stores. The traditional “one-stop shopping” advantage of large supermarkets has weakened, while convenience stores have lost their proximity edge to quick-commerce and delivery platforms.
Rising fixed costs, including rent, labor and electricity, combined with weaker consumer demand amid high interest rates and inflation, are further eroding profitability. As a result, the gap between online and offline retail is increasingly seen as a structural shift rather than a temporary trend.
FROM the Italian Grand Prix to Fashion Week, the city of Milan is popular with the rich and famous.
Yet it has a much more affordable side, such as three-night easyJet city break packages from £220pp.
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The Gothic masterpiece, Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s largest Catholic churchesCredit: Getty
Here’s how to easily spend a long weekend in the Italian hotspot . . .
WHY SHOULD I GO?
Milan is set to be even more popular in 2026 as it is co-hosting the Winter Olympics from February 6-22.
A new 16,000-seat multi-use arena has been built in the Santa Giulia district to host the ice hockey, and Mariah Carey will entertain at the opening ceremony in the San Siro Stadium, home of Inter Milan.
But whatever time of year, it is one of the most affordable destinations to jet to from the UK, with flights often found for less than £17.
Foodies can rejoice too — it’s hard to find somewhere bad to eat, especially with its famous dishes such as Milanese risotto and panettone.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
With its blend of Gothic architecture and modern, cosmopolitan design, the city is one of Europe’s most walkable and the streets are worth a relaxed stroll even with no aim in sight.
The cobblestone ones of the Brera neighbourhood are particularly charming.
Of course, if you want to get around there are trams as well as a vast metro system.
Skip the taxis as you can expect to pay high costs for short journeys.
Instead, hop on one of the many bikes and scooters you can rent, found on most corners — if you’re brave enough to join the road with Italian drivers.
Dating back to 1877, the stunning piece of history is now lined with designer stores and well worth walking through.
Milan’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping centresCredit: Getty
If you want some good luck, legend has it you should find the bull on the floor and spin around on it three times.
Just outside is the Gothic masterpiece, Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s largest Catholic churches.
Built of white-pink marble, it features 135 spires and more than 4,000 statues.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
Despite being the home of the Milanese saffron risotto, you can barely walk for pizza joints.
Head to Pizza AM for crazy artwork and massive spicy pizzas that come with a free prosecco.
Milan is foodie heaven with its aperitivoCredit: Getty
You’ll have to squeeze in as it’s loved by both families and groups of friends, but the bustle just makes it all that more of a vibe.
For something fun to go, try Ghe Sem Monti right by the main train station.
With a fusion of Asian dim sum and classic Italian flavours, I couldn’t pick my favourite from the cacio e pepe dumplings to the carbonara buns.
I FANCY A DRINK!
One of the best, local-loved bars is on a side street off the Navigli canal, a popular neighbourhood for dining.
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find mismatching pieces of artwork along with bottles of alcohol towering up the walls and a rude lucky cat.
One of the best, local-loved bars is on a side street off the Navigli canal, a popular neighbourhood for diningCredit: Getty
The staff are happy to help you choose a wine with tasters, from reds and whites to rosés and oranges from all across Spain.
Interior fans should try Bar Luce, designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson.
Grab a glass of Prosecco while taking in the pastel pink and blue interiors, before a game on one of the retro pinball machines.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
A short tram ride from the city centre, Hotel Nasco feels pure Italian: Faux marble bathrooms, tiny lifts to the top floor and complimentary Aperol in the room.
Its location in relation to both the attractions and the train station makes it a great base.
Breakfast, in the basement of the building, is a simple affair, but has all of the hot and cold classics, from pastries and fruit to a selection of English Breakfast options.
Just remember to bring ear plugs — like lots of Italian buildings, the walls are slightly thin.
Kara Godfrey with her friend in MilanCredit: supplied
GO: MILAN
GETTING THERE/STAYING THERE: Three nights’ B&B at Hotel Nasco is from £220pp including easyJet flights from Gatwick on March 17.
