shops

Long before the sun goes down, this downtown San Fernando wine bar-coffee shop — where the community is so tight-knit it’s hard to tell who’s an employee — is already putting on a show. Catch Bodevi Wine & Espresso Bar on one of its vinyl nights to find a DJ table with a rainbow-colored disco ball, where ’80s records blast from a speaker and customers dance in the middle of the room. Earlier in the day, however, you wouldn’t expect such a joyous transformation — laptops are usually out at tables and bar seating, next to cold brews, matcha lattes and maybe an avocado toast or burrata pistachio sandwich.

One of the best parts of Bodevi is the space itself, decorated with colorful wall decor, leather chairs and houseplants. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Joeleen and Miguel Medina, who also own Truman House Tavern next door, Bodevi has a boho-chic aesthetic that matches both its daytime coffee shop crowd and its eccentric evenings, when customers often drift to the back room for board games, beer and wine in hand.

Whether you go for a DJ set or a journaling session (check Instagram for upcoming events), accompany your evening with charcuterie. Bodevi offers two options: one charcuterie board and a smaller personal plate. It also has $18 wine flights — for the most variety, opt for the Studio 54, which comes with a light South African Champagne, a Portuguese white, a bright rosé and a 2021 Pinot Noir.

Trains from London are planned to stop in this beautiful seaside town in the north of England, marking the destination’s first and only direct rail connection to the capital

Plans are progressing to establish a new direct rail link from London to the stunning Durham coastline in northern England.

Starting December 2025, trains will begin calling at the town of Seaham in County Durham, renowned for its striking cliffs, sandy beaches, and fascinating maritime heritage. Visitors should arrive with an appetite too, as the town boasts no fewer than 10 fish and chip shops, according to Google Maps.

The railway service will be operated by the Open Access operator Grand Central, supported by transport firm Arriva. Operators such as Grand Central remain outside the Labour government’s nationalisation proposals, utilising their own finances, reports the Express. It comes after images show the cheapest seaside spot in England is full of abandoned £40k homes ‘nobody wants’.

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Grahame Morris, the MP for Easington said: “I’m delighted to share that the Office of Rail and Road has confirmed that Grand Central Trains will begin stopping at Seaham Station from December 2025 to December 2026. [There will be] four stopping services per day in each direction.”

Home to roughly 21,500 inhabitants, Seaham is a bustling harbour town along the Durham Coast, boasting award-winning hotels, an extensive array of cafés and breathtaking clifftop vistas.

Seaham Beach features a combination of rocky and sandy shoreline, extending roughly one mile along the town’s coast, from the harbour wall to the northern edge of the settlement. Seaham is famous for vibrant sea glass – manmade glass that was previously discarded at sea before being tumbled and shaped by the water over several years and eventually washing ashore.

A visitor said on Tripadvisor this past April: “Lovely beach with beautiful coloured pebbles and sea glass. There are car parks along the seafront – only cost £3 for the whole day. Town is within walkable distance and has a number of good fish and chips shop. Bell’s fish restaurant has plenty of seating inside when the weather’s cold. There’s also a market. Great for a relaxing day out.”

The news emerges as UK rail regulators approved extended track access rights for Grand Central’s current operations through to 2038. The trains will be manufactured at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe plant, the company’s British manufacturing hub.

Arriva officially submitted an application to the UK Office of Rail and Road, the appropriate authority, to broaden its Grand Central operations into Lincolnshire from 2026. The operator is also pursuing approval for plans involving two additional daily return journeys between Bradford and London, plus an early morning and late evening return from York to London, along with connections to Seaham, which would mark the town’s first and only direct link to London.

Morris added: “Although the approval is currently for a one-year period using 5-car trains, I’m confident that these services will be well-used by residents across our community.

“This means that our constituency will now have direct rail links to York and London, alongside increased capacity to local destinations such as Sunderland and Hartlepool.”

A MAJOR snack brand has launched its first new crisps in decades, with packets set to hit stores soon.

The launch comes in two fan-favourite flavours that will be available at a UK supermarkets.

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Nik Naks is shaking up the snack aisle with the introduction of its new shape of crisps that come as Twisters.

This whacky new shape is designed for people to enjoy maximum crunch, to become “the ultimate snack-time sidekick that’ll have you reaching for more”.

It is the first switch up for the iconic knobbly snack that has come for over 40 years.

The Nik Nak Twisters will be available in two fan-favourite flavours – Nice ‘n’ Spicy and Tangy ‘n’ Cheesy.

The snacks will exclusively be available from Sainsbury’s in Octobers.

Buying these new Nik Naks will cost £2.50 per pack for nine 130 gram packets.

John McDougall, Nik Naks and Heritage Portfolio Senior Brand Manager, says “The launch of Twisters marks a revolutionary moment for Nik Naks – our first-ever new shape!

“We’ve taken our iconic flavours and given them a playful new twist.

“We’re so excited for snack lovers across the UK to try them – give them a spin!”

Nik Naks have previously been seen to bring unusual flavours, but known for their knobbly appearance.

A few years ago, they brought back a divisive crisp flavour, which were first available in the 90s.

The Scampi ‘n’ Lemon flavour of Nik Naks were discontinued, in favour of Pickle ‘n’ Onion, in 2008, but made a return in 2022.

Other than the popular Nice ‘n’ Spicy that will soon come in a Twister form, their flavours have also included the Rib ‘n’ Saucy and Cream ‘n’ Cheesy.

Nik Nak’s update also comes just after iconic crisps brand Walkers also launched two new permanent flavours for fans.

This includes the roll out of the a new Sticky Teriyaki flavour, and a Masala Chicken.

In a remote-work funk? Still Zooming in your pajama pants? Is your sofa pillow your makeshift desk? A work-from-home lifestyle can feel isolating, boring or even uncomfortable at times, a sign that a change in routine is needed. Thankfully, across L.A.’s ever-expanding cafe scene, there are plenty of options to jolt you out of your rut.

And today’s coffee shops offer more than espresso and Wi-Fi — they’ve expanded into cream-top creations, layered matcha lattes and food programs worth seeking out on their own, alongside intentionally designed interiors with comfy furniture and ample outlets to keep devices charged for a long workday, inspiring ideas in a creative atmosphere.

With more amenities than ever, work-appropriate coffee shops have become essential third spaces where creativity and collaboration can flourish. From an Indonesian market and cafe in Miracle Mile to a comforting library cafe in Silver Lake, there are options to keep your remote work environment fresh. At the following 15 cafes, you’ll find plenty of seating, curated playlists, high-speed Wi-Fi and eclectic menus that might offer a Greek-inspired Freddo cappuccino or Japanese sandos.

A MAJOR high street retailer has launched a huge closing down sale ahead of the closing of six of its branches across the UK.

GAME – which operates around 240 stores across the UK – has slashed the prices of some of its products by up to 20 per cent across the closing outlets.

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The retailing giant announced the closure of six of its stores across the UK in August and September, including outlets in Eldon Square in Newcastle and at Galleries Shopping Centre in Bristol.

Fans of the gaming store spotted major discounts at their local outlets that are due to be shut.

GAME, which stocks video games, consoles, and even LEGO products, is owned by Frasers Group – the company behind brands Sports Direct and House of Fraser.

Closing down sale signs were seen outside the popular store in Eldon Square last month, reports ChronicleLive.

Even more have appeared since the first sighting, with discounts slapped on countless products in the store.

These savings could grow even larger as the store heads closer to its final day of trading.

It is not yet clear, however, whether this will be in August, September, or at a later date.

Other stores due for the chop include one outlet in the Metrocentre Shopping Centre in Gateshead as well as another in Southend, Essex.

This follows the closure of a number of other GAME stores in recent months, including shops in the Trafford Centre in Manchester in June and the outlet in the Victoria Centre in Nottingham in July.

GAME was acquired by the Frasers Group, owned by businessman Mike Ashley, in 2019, as part of a £52 million deal.

However, in January 2020 the retailer announced plans to close 40 of its more than 300 stores across the UK.

Today, there are roughly 240 Game stores operating across the UK.

HIGH STREET STRUGGLES

The high street has majorly struggled in recent years due to a combination of factors.

Shoppers are buying much more of their products online, while retailers have faced higher rental, wage and energy costs.

The Centre for Retail Research says the sector has been going through a “permacrisis” since the 2008 financial crash.

Figures from the Centre show 34 retail companies operating multiple stores stopped trading in 2024, leading to the closure of 7,537 shops.

Businesses have cautioned more closures are to be expected this year as well due to the hike to employer NICs and staff wages.

The rate of employer NICs was hiked from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent and the threshold at which they are paid lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 in April.

The national minimum wage was also increased by up to £12.21 a hour.

Some big names have already announced mass store closures in 2025, including Poundland, Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop.

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TV presenter Jay Blades has been charged with two counts of rape.

Mr Blades, best known for hosting BBC show The Repair Shop, will appear in court next Wednesday over the allegations, police said.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape.

“He is due to appear at Telford magistrates’ court on 13 August 2025.”

Separately, a pre-trial review is taking place for Mr Blades at Worcester Crown & County Court on Tuesday regarding a charge of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour against the presenter’s estranged wife Lisa Zbozen. Mr Blades pleaded not guilty to the charge at a plea hearing in October.

Mr Blades became one of the best-known faces on British TV after The Repair Shop launched in 2017, with members of the public bringing their treasured possessions and heirlooms to be fixed.

It began in a daytime slot and then moved to primetime after it became a hit.

The show won a National Television Award in 2023, and also won a Bafta the same year for its royal special, in which the future King took a clock and a vase to the workshop.

He has also hosted Money for Nothing, Jay Blades’ Home Fix and Jay and Dom’s Home Fix, and in 2022 he fronted a documentary about learning to read at the age of 51.

He was honoured with an MBE in 2021.

Mr Blades stepped back from presenting The Repair Shop last year.

Frome, in Somerset, has been named one of the best high streets in the UK, and is home to a wealth of independent shops – but some residents are not happy with the situation

Frome in Somerset is frequently celebrated as having one of Britain’s finest high streets, thriving whilst countless other locations struggle to survive. Yet even in this success story, empty shopfronts remain, including a former Shoe Zone where the faded lettering of its sign can still be spotted.

One local complained that residents must now venture elsewhere to purchase footwear. Another source of frustration centres on newcomers from the capital relocating to the area – dubbed FILTH (failed in London, try here) – who attempt to transform the town.

One shop owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained to the Express: “We like it as it is. When new people come in they want to change everything.”

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She revealed that these outsiders want to turn Frome into “cafe central” featuring outdoor dining and additional pedestrianised areas. A customer in the shop remarked: “We don’t want any more Londoners. We’ve fulfilled our quota, now we’re feeding them to the pigs. “People born here struggle to stay here,” explained Alice Cleaver, 29, manager of homewares shop The Shop Next Door.

“Rent is absolutely crazy.” Finding affordable accommodation took her two years through personal connections.

“If you try and go through estate agents, you’re f*****,” Ms Cleaver added. The average sold house price in Frome stands at £346,382, according to Zoopla, significantly above the UK average of £282,776.

During the first four months of 2024, 168 Frome properties entered the rental market, with the average monthly rent at £1,123, according to Rivendell Estates. This represented a marginal decline of 0.09%.

Currently, you can expect to pay between £800 and £900 monthly for what the businesswoman describes as “s***holes”. In 2023, Frome Town Council declared a housing crisis as rents spiralled beyond locals’ reach. However, the area’s prosperity benefits independent enterprises.

Ms Cleaver remarked: “There’s a lot of money here… business is going really well. “There are a lot of people moving here all the time from London,” she continued. “It’s totally understandable.”

The manager has numerous friends from London, and she views Frome through their perspective. “It’s a great town,” she explains. “A lovely place to live.”

Yet she noted: “It feels like we’re not the ones that are supposed to be living here. I’ve found somewhere affordable, but this is not the town for us. I don’t really make enough to afford to live here, you just have to find someone you know.”

Despite the town’s comparatively affluent residents, some shops are still finding conditions “tough”, and a monthly market, which draws 12,500 visitors, enhances businesses’ earnings. Garry Yoxall, 60, owner of the Pedestal Gallery and PostScript, a printing service, revealed that local shop owners maintain a Whatsapp group to share advice and alert each other about potential troublemakers.

“You know everyone in the town; there’s a network,” he said. He believes that money from Londoners relocating (DFL) has led to Frome’s evolution as it attracts people “looking to get away from the town”.

“You just have a look around the town. The geography, the architecture, the scenery. It’s just the right size, and not too disparate. Success breeds success,” said the former Shell employee, who is now a fully paid-up member of Greenpeace.

His gallery, which showcases contemporary paintings and sculptures, including works by Peter Hayes admired by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, hasn’t experienced a loss-making month since its opening last year.

Owning a gallery has always been his dream, and when the premises opposite his first business became available, Mr Yoxall seized the opportunity.

Before this, he felt the town “wasn’t ready” for such a venture. On market days, Mr Yoxall can earn up to £1,000. He noted that middle-ground purchases, typically made by younger people starting out, are “just not there anymore”.

However, high-end purchases persist, and he can still rely on low-end gifting. The businessman also benefits from low staff costs and “reasonable” rent. Truly Sopel, 46, who operates a dynamic underwear design house in Frome for the past 19 years, has seen the town evolve.

“Over time its sort of independent shops have actually attracted a lot of forward thinking creative individuals who are really passionate about what they do,” she said. “Retail sense, I think that’s what makes it work.”

The area has seen an influx of new residents, their friends and families, Ms Sopel added, with plenty of Airbnbs and good connections to London making it a “tourist attraction”. She said: “Certainly until 2016 or 2015 it was me selling stuff to local people.

“But everyone I’ve sold to today is a visitor. I nearly left six years ago. Thank God I didn’t.”

Andy Le Grange, 64, the owner of Just Ales 2 micropub, attributes the town’s success to its independent councillors, who aren’t tied to any political party. “If you don’t work for Frome, you won’t get elected,” he said.

“That makes a hell of a difference.”

Instead of top down, the town operates from the bottom up, the publican added. But Frome hasn’t always been like this, as John Szymanski, 40, a fashion designer and clothes maker hailed as one of the town’s greatest successes, pointed out.

“I’ve known Frome when it wasn’t like this at all – basically a s******e,” he said. The businessman added that those who rent out shops are reasonable. Mr Szymanski said: “Landlords understand it’s not easy having a small business; they just want to help.” During the pandemic, they adopted a “pay when you can” policy. “If you can’t, don’t worry,” they reassured. He also mentioned

an influx of Londoners. Mr Szymanski stated: “Normally they first come in [to his shop] when they’re looking for a house. “They say, ‘We’ve seen something we like’. I say, ‘Put an offer in. If you don’t, it’ll be gone within three days.”

He added: ” Celebrities live around here as well. That’s the draw.” Babington House – a Georgian manor in the heart of Somerset, complete with bedrooms, a spa and cinema for members, managed by Soho House – also attracts newcomers, the designer said.

He often observes people rushing for the train to London outside his shop window, where he still conducts most of his business, seemingly resisting the trend of online shopping that has affected other UK high streets.

However, he still enjoys success online, including selling his flower bag on TikTok. John said 23 have been dispatched worldwide, including to America, Japan, Hungary, Norway, Switzerland and South Africa.

PLANS for a giant new village next to a UK holiday hotspot with 1200 homes have now been unveiled.

The proposals to launch Canford Garden Village in Dorset will be essential in tackling the ever-pressing housing crisis in the UK.

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The Canford scheme aims to create a new community focusing on family housing and social infrastructure.

The site will be located near Wimborne in Dorset, and it is thought to be prime real estate, according to W.H. White.

W.H White are behind the plans which were submitted to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP).

The plans are to build 1200 new homes across the 230 hectares site, creating a characterful village which is architecturally striking which fits within the landscape.

In order to help ease the housing crisis currently taking hold of the UK, it has been reported that 40 per cent of the new buildings will be affordable homes.

What’s more, it will not be just a housing development, as the plans recognise the need for supporting infrastructure.

For example, there will be a community hub, flexible workspaces, community facilities, and a care home.

There will also be education and healthcare provision, as well as local infrastructure improvements to ease the pressure that would be placed on surrounding areas.

A total of 600 of the homes would be dedicated to first-time buyers, social rent and shared ownership schemes.

Scott Worsfold Associates were selected to create a complete design vision.

The plans for the site were was unanimously approved for a new sustainable community in March 2021 by the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

The land used to be a former quarry and golf course, and will now be made into a biodiverse community.

Current farmland is also earmarked to be turned into 90 hectares of publicly available green space with new habitats and allotments.

The proposal has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Dorset Chamber and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, who emphasise the economic benefits and job creation potential of the development.

However there has been some backlash to the proposals.

It was reported that there were critics to the plan due to concerns regarding the potential impact on existing infrastructure, traffic congestion, and highway safety, particularly concerning access to the site from Blandford Road.

Some were also concerned about the proximity to existing facilities like Lockyer’s Middle School, which could cause longterm disruption. 

Ward councillor for Bearwood and Merley, Richard Burton, said: “We’ve had a lot of development in Bearwood and therefore I know my residents will be very worried about this because of the impact it could have.” 

However, he said the scheme is in the very early stages and this scoping application does not mean the local authority is supporting it. 

“From a political point of view, I do totally understand that we need more affordable housing in BCP, but just choosing the easiest places to build, which is currently Green Belt, isn’t the way forward and it’s not sustainable,” said Cllr Burton. 

W.H. White said there would be a commitment to low carbon construction with solar energy, ground source heating and opportunities for localised renewable energy. 

A spokesperson for W.H. White said: “The current shortfall in housing supply, combined with well-documented viability challenges of delivering homes on urban land, has prompted renewed interest in strategic and deliverable opportunities such as at Canford Village.”

BCP Council previously said it would soon initiate a new call for potential development sites in the conurbation as part of ongoing efforts to deliver new homes.

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, previously said: “It is important that we balance our future development priorities whilst protecting the beautiful area that we live in and the precious natural environment we are so lucky to have.”

In the 1990s, chicken Caesar wraps dominated lunchtime menus. Aside from the comforting hit of nostalgia for a simpler time, I don’t remember them fondly. Often soggy, laden with too much dressing and scant, dry chicken, it was the kind of unfortunate premade meal you’d eat alone at an airport cafe.

So you can imagine my surprise to see the Y2K-era sandwich having a sudden renaissance at popular restaurants around Los Angeles. But this time, it’s back with some much-needed upgrades: Reputed L.A. chefs and sandwich shops are finally doing the dish justice by using high-quality ingredients and adding their own signature touches — from organic fried chicken to chunks of falafel instead of croutons.

While Angelenos’ love affair with the Caesar salad has been ongoing since Italian chef Caesar Cardini debuted it in Tijuana in the 1920s, the inventor of the chicken Caesar wrap is a bit more mysterious. California Chicken Cafe opened in 1991 on Melrose Avenue and added a chicken Caesar wrap to its menu soon after in 1993. In 1997, fast food chain Wendy’s added its take to the menu (they’ve since been discontinued), giving the wrap nationwide exposure.

At Ggiata, an East Coast-style deli with five locations across L.A., the chicken Caesar wrap is inspired by the ones that co-founders and childhood friends Noah Holton-Raphael, Max Bahramipour and Jack Biebel grew up eating in New Jersey sandwich shops.

“Every neighborhood sandwich shop had a Caesar wrap on the menu — and if they didn’t then, they definitely do now,” said Holton-Raphael.

Since Ggiata launched its viral version in March 2024, the trend has picked up serious steam, inspiring iconic restaurants like Mini Kabob and Casa Vega to add the wrap to their menus.

No longer an afterthought, L.A.’s chicken Caesar wraps are made to order with ingredients like herb-blackened chicken, grain-free tortillas and house-made dressing that borrows inspiration from the salad’s Mexican origins. Here are 12 excellent chicken Caesar wraps (including one made with a baguette) to try around L.A. right now.

Ask any vegan about the early days of plant-based ice cream, and they’ll shudder at the thought. Remember the chalky, grainy consistency? The barely-there sweetness? Before Los Angeles became a hub for vegan cuisine, sorbet was the best available option. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case — now, some of the best scoop shops in the city are dedicated to plant-based ice cream that delivers the same flavor and texture you’d expect from dairy versions.

Opened in 2010, KindKreme was L.A.’s first fully dairy-free ice cream chain, operating three locations before it closed, one at the former Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery in Echo Park. It remained one of the city’s only destinations for vegan ice cream until 2014, when Van Leeuween launched artisanal pint flavors.

The trend picked up in 2015 with the opening of Yoga-urt, a plant-based frozen yogurt chain that now has four locations. Around the same time, established creameries began introducing vegan options, and oat, cashew and macadamia milks started landing in stores, indicating a growing desire for dairy milk alternatives.

Magpies Softserve opened in Silver Lake the following year, with “flavors that reflect the city, like horchata, ube, Thai tea and black sesame,” said Warren Schwartz, who co-owns the chain with his wife Rose. The couple uses a coconut cream, oat milk and nut milk base for soft serve that also makes its way into pies. “We experimented with plant-based fats, emulsifiers and natural stabilizers to get that creamy, satisfying texture that people expect,” he added.

L.A. is now awash with vegan ice cream shops serving flavors inspired by childhood nostalgia, cultural heritage and our region’s abundant year-round produce. From raw-vegan ice cream made with young Thai coconut meat to dairy-free frozen yogurt infused with healthy probiotics, here are 10 vegan ice cream shops to help you cool down this summer.

Tensions boiled over this past Friday as throngs of mostly peaceful protesters, brandishing placards with messages like “Gringo: Stop stealing our home” and demanding immediate housing regulation, took to tourist hotspots throughout the city

A fierce backlash against gentrification and a surge in mass tourism has unfolded on the streets of Mexico City.

Tensions boiled over this past Friday as throngs of mostly peaceful protesters, brandishing placards with messages like “Gringo: Stop stealing our home” and demanding immediate housing regulation, took to tourist hotspots throughout the city.

The protest took a darker turn as the day went on, with a handful violently lashing out, shattering shop windows and plundering several establishments. At one point, one person was seen aggressively jabbing a butter knife at a restaurant window where punters were sheltering, while another emblazoned “kill a gringo” on a wall in the vicinity.

Years of mass tourism and skyrocketing rent prices have left residents of a bustling city frustrated. The tide of foreigners began to swell in 2020, as Americans sought refuge in Mexico City to work remotely, escape coronavirus restrictions, and enjoy lower living costs.

Have you been impacted by overtourism? Email [email protected]

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Desirable areas like Roma and Condesa, known for their lush central locales brimming with cafes and markets, have seen an uptick in foreign tourists and ‘digital nomads’ since then. The number of Airbnbs in the city has rocketed.

Residents are feeling the squeeze, claiming they’ve been ousted from their own communities. This sentiment is partly attributed to a controversial call made by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum back in 2022 when she signed a deal with Airbnb and UNESCO to promote tourism and court remote workers, fully aware of the potential repercussions on local housing.

“The xenophobic displays seen at that protest have to be condemned. No one should be able to say ‘any nationality get out of our country’ even over a legitimate problem like gentrification,” the President said following the protests.

The influx of holidaymakers has driven up rents and living costs, making English an increasingly heard language on the streets of these neighbourhoods. Some critics have labelled this trend as a form of “neo-colonialism.”

The Mexico City Anti-Gentrification Front, one of the groups organising protests, has said it is “completely against” any acts of physical violence and refuted claims that their protests are xenophobic. Instead, they argue that the demonstrations stem from the local government’s longstanding failure to tackle the underlying issues.

“Gentrification isn’t just foreigners’ fault, it’s the fault of the government and these companies that prioritize the money foreigners bring,” the group declared. They highlighted the struggle of “young people and the working class can’t afford to live here.”

The organisation has issued a list of demands, calling for increased rent controls, insisting that locals should have a say in larger development projects in their area, stricter laws making it more difficult for landlords to evict tenants and prioritising Mexican renters over foreigners.

Mexico’s protest follows a series of similar demonstrations across Europe against mass tourism.

At the moment over 26,000 properties in Mexico City are listed on Airbnb, as reported by Inside Airbnb, an advocacy group monitoring the company’s impact on residential communities through data. This compares to 36,000 properties in New York City and 19,000 in Barcelona, where protests have also erupted.

Airbnb claimed to have contributed over a billion dollars to Mexico City’s “economic impact” last year, supporting 46,000 jobs in the city. “What’s needed is regulation based not on prohibitions, but on respect for rights and transparency of obligations,” the company said in a statement.

Over 13,000 shops closed across the UK last year – including thousands of independents – but Stamford’s high street continues to flourish and there’s a reason why

High streets across the nation are facing closures, with many empty shopfronts, but one little town is thriving instead.

Stamford, a market town with a population of just over 20,000 in Lincolnshire, boasts the most listed buildings for a town of its size, with more than 600, and is home to around 170 independent shops. Whilst other retailers may be feeling the pinch, Stamford continues to buck the national trend, with businesses thriving thanks to a loyal community, a strong tourist pull and a close-knit network of traders supporting one another, the Express reports.

“The message is pretty clear – use us or lose us,” says Ben Stevenson, owner of jewellery shop Rubirox, which just marked its 15th birthday. “If you want us to stay here then you need to keep shopping in the town. And people do! It’s a great town to be based in.”

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Rubirox sits proudly on St Mary’s Street – crowned the UK’s best high street for independent shops last year. Ben credits the success to Stamford’s unique sense of community and said: “A lot of the locals want to support their businesses.”

Over 13,000 shops closed across the UK last year – including thousands of independents – but Stamford’s high street continues to flourish. Sarah Sewell, who runs Energy Clothing and is chair of Shop Stamford, started the initiative to promote the town’s shops eight years ago.

“We’ve got a good regular customer base from the local community,” she says. “That sense of trust we’ve built over time.”

Their annual Little Book of Stamford highlights shops, includes a town map, and is distributed around local hotels and campsites. Shop Stamford started on social media as a campaign to promote the town but now it’s in its fifth edition being published as a book as disturbed widely so when people arrive they can get their hands on it and know exactly what’s on offer.

Markets play a vital role in the town’s success, with over 70 stalls filling Broad Street and Ironmonger Street every Friday. From produce and flowers these markets along the farmers’ markets and weekend stalls in Red Lion Square regularly draw crowds to the town.

Stamford’s historical charm also keeps the visitors coming. Burghley House, a grand Elizabethan mansion just outside the town, was used as Windsor Castle in The Crown, while Pride and Prejudice fans might recognise scenes shot in the town centre.

For Molly Clegg, who runs Murano Silver, the town’s success lies in its community of shops, not competition. “You can have the best shop in the world but if you’re the only shop in the town, you’re trying to bring people in yourself,” she says.

“Because there’s lots of us, and we work well together as a community, it brings people to the town rather than to an individual place. I’m not the only jewellers’ in Stamford, there are other brilliant ones here. But we always refer each other to customers.”

Support from local landlords also plays a role. Nicholas Rudd-Jones, who helps produce the Little Book of Stamford, says: “You get relatively smaller scale landlords in Stamford who own 20 to 30 properties and favour the independent sector. This is quite important in helping the businesses.”

Stamford has also held onto its reputation as a top spot for a weekend break or relaxing day out. The Crown Hotel, a coaching inn dating back to the 1800s remains a staple.

“You can come here and have a coffee, have your brunch, have your lunch, do some shopping, you can have an hour wandering around looking at architecture, you can visit a church. We’ve got the whole experience here,” says its owner Michael Thurlby.

He says even in November, business is steady.

It seems that Stamford has found the perfect mix to keep thriving and to keep its community happy and it all comes down to community and neighbourly spirit, businesses working together to bring in crowds and promote one another and landlords being invested in businesses thriving.

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This “buzzy” town in northern Wales has been dubbed a tiny treasure for its impressive coastal views, historically significant castle and beloved community shops

One tiny seaside town has been newly minted as a hidden gem for its “winning combination” of scenic views and boutique shops. The town is situated in the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh): a small island that is a great setting to explore mainland Wales.

The travel company Breakfree Holidays has named Beaumaris in Anglesey one of the 10 best coastal towns in Northwest England and North Wales. According to Breakfree Holidays, the “buzzy” town stands out for boasting a “scenic location, a romantic castle and a burgeoning collection of enticing boutique shops, cafes and art galleries”.

The natural beauty of Beaumaris is evident in its name already – based on the Norman ‘beau marais’ which means ‘beautiful marsh’. The description was chosen by Edward I and the town’s architecture clearly outlines its medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian history.

READ MORE: Underrated UK seaside town is completely ‘overlooked’ but full of charm

The most noteworthy feature of the town – and of Anglesey altogether – is the Beaumaris Castle. Now a United Nations World Heritage Site, the castle was constructed between 1295 and 1330.

The impressive fortress has been called “the greatest castle never built” as one of the last royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales. It has four concentric rings of fortification making it of near-perfect symmetry, as well as a moat and its own dock.

Troubling times in Scotland meant the castle was never carried out to its exacting blueprint, but it is still considered an architectural feat of the region. The castle is open to visitors all summer long with entry prices starting at £10.50.

If you are planning a visit to the castle or Beaumaris is general, consider scheduling your trip around the Medieval Festival. In 2025, the festival will run from August 23 to August 25 and feature demonstrations and workshops about all-things medieval, including leather work, cooking and how to wear armour.

Once you’ve had your fill of medieval history, you can head to the fine sands of Beaumaris Beach to enjoy the coastal scenery of the town. Pastel-coloured houses line the shore and add a distinct charm to the serene setting.

Nearby are pubs and boutique shops to explore and the beach is also separated by the historic Beaumaris Pier. The pier is the port for boat trips to popular fishing patches and tours of the nearby Puffin Island.

Opened in 1846 and designed by Frederick Foster, the Beaumaris Pier was originally constructed of wooden piles and iron girders. It was rebuilt in 1872 after it was significantly damaged by a storm and further extended in 1895.

Travellers interested in diving deeper into the Welsh landscape can set out for the Welsh Coast Path that passes Beaumaris Beach. The Path offer exceptional views of mainland Wales and the Menai Strait, as well as the ancient monastic site of Penmon Priory.

A HOST of stores are shutting for good this weekend including a historic department store.

Retailers have struggled over recent years as shoppers’ wallets and purses take a hit from high inflation.

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An increase in employer National Insurance contributions and wage costs since April has added to the pressure.

Combined with soaring business rates, energy and rental costs, some retailers have been forced to hike prices and even shut stores.

It’s worth bearing in mind of course that retailers close shops for a host of reasons and not always because of a poor economic backdrop.

Sometimes chains will shut a poorly-performing branch in one area and open another further afield where they think they’ll see better footfall.

Plenty of retailers are moving away from high streets and towards out-of-town retail parks too.

In any case, five shops will shut this weekend including a more than 120-year-old department store.

Here is the full list of shops we know are closing down permanently.

Ginger

Norwich-based Ginger will pull down its shutters for the final time on Saturday.

The shop was founded by David and Rodger Kingsley in 1978 following the success of their sister company Jonathan Trumbull in 1971.

But current store manager Beckie Kingsley said the store will close due to the economic climate and aftermath of Covid-19.

She said: “It’s with truly heavy hearts that, after 46 unforgettable years, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close the doors at our beautiful, beloved and historic Timber Hill home.

“We’ve weathered many storms over the decades, but there’s been ongoing challenges of today’s financial climate – coupled with the lasting impact and huge shifts within the retail landscape since Covid.

“This led us to ask – does it still work for us? After deep reflection, the answer, sadly, is no.”

Daniel of Ealing

Historic department store Daniel of Ealing, in London, will shut for good on Sunday, after opening 124 years ago.

Prices have been slashed across homeware, fashion, toys, sportswear and shoes, with up to 50% off.

Shoppers finding out the iconic shop will close have shared their dismay online.

One posted saying: “Loved this shop and it’s top floor restaurant.”

While another added: “Ealing has lost its heart, soul and uniqueness!”

The Works

Stationer The Works is shutting its Margate store on Sunday, with shoppers’ next nearest branches in Westwood Cross Shopping Centre or Ramsgate Garden Centre.

A spokesperson for the chain said the decision to shut the branch had been made “as part of ongoing plans to optimise our store portfolio”.

The move has been met with sadness by shoppers, with one online stating: “No I love The Works.”

Another dejectedly added: “Be nothing left in the town soon.”

Emporium Worthing

Independent bar and shop Emporium Worthing is closing to the public on Sunday “with a heavy heart”.

The owners posted a lengthy statement on Facebook announcing the closure.

It said: “We share the challenging decision to close Emporium Worthing after five memorable years of serving you.

“This has been a tough choice for us, but after careful reflection, we believe it is the best path forward and the right choice for us at this time.”

A huge closing down sale has been launched to clear stock, even including fixtures and fittings from inside.

It’s not all bad news though as the Emporium will be moving online and selling hardwares.

New Look

New Look is closing its branch in the Northfield Shopping Centre, Birmingham, on June 8.

A picture recently posted on Facebook of the shop window advertised the closure and signposted customers to the retailer’s website.

Customers finding out about the closure have been left gutted.

One posted on Facebook: “Will soon be a ghost town, absolutely nothing left.”

Another commented: “Online (retail) is killing shops.”

A New Look spokesperson said: “We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years.

“We hope customers continue to shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found.”

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THE historic Appleby Horse Fair has left shops and roads closed as a second day of rowdy celebrations continues.

The Gypsy King, Tyson Fury, joined thousands of revellers yesterday for the first day of the fair.

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The celebrations have seen thousands of travellers descend on the town, riding horses through the small streets.

Cops have been spotted patrolling the streets and roads have been closed to traffic.

Pictures from yesterday’s celebrations show horses being ridden in the River Eden as part of a longstanding tradition.

Tens of thousands of travellers have arrived in the small town for the event, lining the roads nearby.

Campsites have been set up, quickly filling with hundreds of caravans.

The six day event features traditional music, dancing, horse riding, market stalls and horses for sale.

Carts and wagons have been pulled through the town by horse as the event continues to unfold.

Residents in nearby villages have complained of anti-social behaviour during the event.

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The roads of the small town and surrounding area have been lined with travellers arriving to join the festivities.

Today as the celebrations continued locals have shut their shops and roads are being patrolled by cops.

Signs have been left on doors up and down the busy high street reading “closed” with the town effectively shut down for the event.

A huge police presence is in the area for the second day in a row with officers on standby ahead of potential chaos and violence.

RSPCA officers and Blue Cross volunteers are also present, keeping an eye on the welfare of the horses being exercised, bought and sold.

During the 2021 event seven people were arrested.

Travellers and their families have been descending on the town for the fair for 340 years.

The event falls on the first weekend of June and is recognised as the largest of its kind in Europe.

Huge queues have formed along the busy country lanes and town life has ground to a standstill as the fair continues.

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Palestinian groups slam the raids targeting exchanges in several cities in a widespread operation in the territory.

Israeli forces have raided money exchanges across the occupied West Bank, using live fire and tear gas as they stormed the city of Nablus, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding more than 30.

Exchange shops in the cities of Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron Arrabeh, el-Bireh, Bethlehem, Jenin and Tubas were attacked on Tuesday, residents said.

In the northern city of Nablus, Israeli soldiers raided a foreign exchange belonging to the Al-Khaleej company and a gold store, according to local media reports. They also fired smoke bombs in the centre of Jenin, and streets were closed in Tubas and Bethlehem in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The Ramallah-based Ministry of Health said one man was killed and eight injured by live ammunition during a raid in Nablus.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said it treated 20 people for tear gas inhalation and three injured by rubber bullets.

The raids on foreign exchanges came as Israel continued its intensified military campaign in Gaza, killing more than 54,000 Palestinians since the war began on October 7, 2023, as tens of thousands of people starve in the besieged enclave.

Israeli Army Radio on Tuesday said Israel conducted the raids on foreign exchanges on suspicions that the shops supported “terrorism”. The radio station also said the operation resulted in the confiscation of large amounts of money designated for “terrorism infrastructure” in the West Bank.

“Israeli forces are taking action against Al-Khaleej Exchange Company due to its connections with terrorist organisations,” a leaflet left by Israeli forces at the company’s Ramallah location read.

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut said Israeli authorities have not released an official statement yet but an official talked to the Israeli media about the raids.

“This official said earlier that Israel ‘believes’ – not that it has any evidence or proof – but ‘believes’ that these cash exchange places are funnelling money to what they call terror organisations,” said Salhut, who was reporting from Amman, Jordan, because Israel has banned Al Jazeera from reporting from Israel and the West Bank.

“The people who own these shops say they were not given any sort of proof by the Israeli military,” she added.

Salhut said it was the fourth time such raids have taken place since the start of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

“The first time was in December of 2023 when five different cash exchange places were raided by the Israeli military and they seized nearly $3m,” she said. “It happened again in August 2024 and again in September of that same year.”

Hamas slams raids

Hamas denounced the Israeli raids, saying they “constitute a new chapter in the occupation’s open war against the Palestinian people, their lives, their economy, and all the foundations of their steadfastness and perseverance on their land”.

“These assaults on economic institutions, accompanied by the looting of large sums of money and the confiscation of property, are an extension of the piracy policies adopted by the [Israeli] occupation government,” the Palestinian group said in a statement, adding that the targeted companies were “operating within the law”.

Hamas urged the Palestinian Authority to take measures against the Israeli attacks.

Separately, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement said the raids are “part of the open war against our people, targeting their very existence and cause”. The group also urged the Palestinian Authority to “defend” Palestinians from such attacks and “halt its policy of security coordination” with Israel.