stores

ICONIC mustard company Colman’s have launched a mouthwatering new snack which are set to fly off store shelves.

Punters will be racing to their local store to nab the mustard manufacturer’s Honey Mustard Flavoured Peanuts and Cashews.

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“Crack into bold flavour, brand new Colman’s nuts,” the company wrote on its Instagram account.

“Roasted, seasoned and ready to shake up your snack game.

“Are you nuts enough?!”

A bag of the moreish treats will start at £3.

And snack lovers are clearly excited for the bags to drop.

“I need those,” one wrote.

A second weighed in: “These look so good!”

It comes after news that family favourite Turkey Twizzlers have been quietly axed — two decades after TV chef Jamie Oliver’s campaign saw them banned in school canteens.

The controversial snack disappeared from shop shelves without an official announcement from makers Bernard Matthews Foods.

Twizzlers launched in 1997, but got the chop in 2005 after Jamie’s healthy-eating “Feed Me Better” campaign for school meals.

He highlighted how they only contained 34 per cent meat, but lots of other additives.

An online petition for their return gained 28,000 signatures in 2018, before a healthier version was relaunched in 2020, containing 63 per cent turkey.

The relaunch saw a statue of a Twizzler erected outside Bernard Matthews Foods’ headquarters in Norfolk.

WALKERS DISAPPOINTMENT

And Walkers have discontinued a popular crisp flavour – leaving fans desperately searching the shelves for the discontinued product.

Max Texan BBQ was launched in partnership with Pizza Hut back in 2023 but it has now made way for the release of new crisp flavours.

One disappointed fan wrote on social media site X.com: “Why can’t I find Walkers Max Pizza Hut Texan BBQ Crisps in the supermarket?

“I usually buy a bag each time I shop as they are a favourite in my house. I haven’t seen them for at least 6 weeks.”

Walkers confirmed the flavour is no longer part of its offering.

But it isn’t all doom and gloom for crisps fans.

This week, Walkers dropped two brand new flavours which are out for a limited time.

The snack giant is shaking things up with two bold new additions hitting shelves across the UK.

A MAJOR supermarket chain is set to close one of its branches soon, with another 34 also on the way out.

The food store announced the “difficult decision” it has made to close the store next month.

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Co-op in Leicestershire’s Derby Road in Ashby-de-la-Zouch will permanently close its doors on Saturday, November 22.

A statement from a Co-op spokesperson read: ” ‘Our store in Ashby-de-la-Zouch will close next month.

“Our priority is to fully support colleagues, who have been informed.

“We would like to thank the community for its support of this store.”

The supermarket giant has come under some fire for some time now for having two of its stores in close proximity with the Ashby Town Centre.

This came after the Central Co-op moved from the top of Market Street to near the existing Co-op.

The spokesperson added: “We carry-out reviews of our existing store locations, and, sometimes, only after very careful consideration, we take the difficult decision to close a store.”

The Central Co-op will remain open, with the next nearest one approximately three miles away in Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

It comes as the supermarket could shutter another 34 of its stores due to financial struggles.

The Sun previously reported that stores in Braintree, Chelmsford, Basildon, Thurrock and Southend are among other locations that are at risk.

Chelmsford Star Co-op said it is “struggling financially” and needs to merge with the larger Central Co-op society.

Issues are also said to have been “exacerbated” by increases in National Insurance contributions and the living wage.

Late last year, Co-op announced plans for a “portfolio reshape” which included relocation of stores.

The Co-operative has over 7,000 registered branches owned by 17 million members, and is reported to contribute around £35 billion annually to the British economy.

Co-op as an organisation organisation has, like most companies, been hit by the cost of living.

In December last year it was announced 19 Co-operative stores would be shut down across the UK due to “financial sustainability issues”.

The locations, based in various areas around Central England, include Leicestershire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and the West Midlands.

B&M bought three of the 19 stores, while Samy Ltd, a convenience retailer, snapped up 16.

OTHER CO-OP NEWS

This comes as Co-op is rolling out a major change to stores across the country.

The supermarket giant is replacing paper product tags with electronic labels throughout its whole estate over the coming months.

The retailer has already made the change in 340 branches but will roll out the tags more widely.

The chain said 1,500 stores will have the labels by the end of the year and will be rolled out across all its nearly 2,400 by the end of 2026.

The electronic labels are designed and created by VusionGroup, which also works with Asda.

Steven Logue, Co-op’s head of operations, said: “With convenience at the heart of everything we do Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate.”

Co-op said the new electronic labels will show allergen and nutritional information and products’ country of origin, as well as deals and savings.

SHOPPERS are set for a major boost as a supermarket giant launches its first ever Express store in the UK.

It marks the start of a huge national rollout that’ll see up to 20 new stores open before the end of the year.

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The retail titan, Asda, has opened the doors to its brand-new Express in Castleford, West Yorkshire,

It’s the first time Asda has taken its famous yellow and green brand into the world of small-format convenience stores, as it looks to take on Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local head-on.

The new shop, built on the site of a former pub on Holywell Lane, has been completely transformed into a slick, modern mini-market packed with more than 3,000 products.

From meal deals and snacks to fresh fruit, booze and ready meals, locals can now grab all their essentials in one quick stop.

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It’s open every day from 6am to 11pm, making it perfect for early risers, night owls, and anyone in desperate need of milk after hours.

The store also comes kitted out with handy extras, including a Costa Coffee machine, ATM, and Amazon collection point, plus, you can get your shopping delivered via Uber Eats, Just Eat or Deliveroo.

Shopping bargains

Asda says the new Express format is designed to bring its trademark low prices and big-brand bargains to places where it’s not always had a strong presence.

New locations will pop up in busy city centres, transport hubs and even residential areas.

It’s all part of the supermarket’s mission to “bring unbeatable value to even more communities” across the UK, according to bosses.

Joseph Sutton, Asda’s Vice President for Express, Foodservice and Fuel, said:

“We’re delighted to have opened the doors today in Castleford, marking the start of our Express store rollout as we bring Asda’s unbeatable value to new communities across the UK.”

He added: “From top-up essentials to convenient food-on-the-go options, we’re excited to welcome new customers and offer outstanding value.”

Rapid growth

Asda first dipped its toe into the convenience market in 2022, and things have moved fast.

The supermarket now plans to have around 500 Express stores open by the end of the year, with even more coming in 2026.

Each store will also feature electronic shelf-edge labels (a fancy way of saying digital price tags), designed to make life easier for staff and keep prices crystal clear for shoppers.

So whether you’re nipping in for bread and milk or a cheeky lunchtime sandwich, chances are you’ll soon be doing it in an Asda Express near you.

More on Asda

It come’s after Asda announced its price reductions, cutting the cost of nearly 1,000 everyday products.

The reductions will be available both in-store and online and will include massive discounts on cupboard staples such as pasta, cooking sauces and tea and coffee.

Meanwhile, Asda is following three other major supermarkets in introducing a big change to aisles across 186 stores from October.

The supermarket chain has introduced dedicated menopause aisles as has online grocery store Ocado.

This roll-out hopes to “raise awareness and understanding of the menopause experience,” said Matt Pryde, Senior Buying Manager for Asda Toiletries.

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Oct. 5 (UPI) — After filing its second bankruptcy in May, the chain of Rite Aid drugstores have officially closed.

The store, which officially opened in 1962, began the large-scale shuttering of locations across the nation amid its first bankruptcy filing, in October 2023.

The company had some $4 billion in debt at that time amid lawsuits related to the company’s apparent handling of opioid medications.

In May, Matt Schroeder, Rite Aid’s CEO, said their financial woes were related to “the rapidly evolving retail and healthcare landscapes,” USA Today reports.

The store offloaded its prescription services to other pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger and Giant Eagle, and sold it’s ice cream brand to Hilrod Holdings, the outlet continued.

“All Rite Aid stores have now closed,” a statement on the company’s website now reads. “We thank our loyal customers for their many years of support.”

The chain had 89 active locations prior to the closing.

MORRISONS is to introduce a big change to its stores to make sure shelves are stocked faster by floor staff.

The supermarket giant is rolling out a tracking app for store managers so they can see how quickly staff are unloading food onto shelves.

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It said the new system, which was first reported by the Telegraph, would allow them to identify when employees may need additional training.

It comes as Morrisons tries to win back shoppers from rivals, as it is set to be overtaken by Lidl as Britain’s fifth biggest supermarket.

The latest data shows that the discount retailer makes up 8.3% of the grocery market share against Morrisons’ 8.4%, according to Worldpanel.

This is compared to Morrisons‘ 8.6% a year earlier, and 9.4% in 2022.

The supermarket said it had been tracking how quickly staff were working for some time now to make sure the right number of workers were on the shop floor.

But the new app will “help teams understand their own performance” and allow employees’ work to be monitored by store managers, rather than the company’s head office.

A Morrisons spokesperson said: “Along with a lot of our sector, we have used ‘time and motion’ data for some time now to help us allocate hours to a store and ensure we have fair, consistent and standardised ways of working.

“To support this, we have created an app to help teams understand their own performance.

“This will allow us to be fair and consistent in recognising colleagues, whilst also identifying opportunities to coach our colleagues and understand where additional support and training may be required.”

Earlier this year, in a move to improve customer service in stores, Morrisons changed its rules for staff so that only certain workers would be allowed to enter stockrooms.

The retailer said it wanted to ensure it had “the right colleagues in the right place to deliver the best service to customers at all times”.

What else is happening at Morrisons?

Last year, Morrisons slashed over 3,600 jobs and closed 17 stores as part of a major shake-up to its operations.

The supermarket’s workforce dropped from 104,819 to 101,144 in the year leading up to October 27, 2024.

Thousands of jobs were axed across Morrisons’ stores, head office, as well as its manufacturing and distribution operations.

The latest job losses come after the Morrisons shut 17 of its stores around the UK earlier this year, with the final store in Haxby, North Yorkshire, closing on May 14.

The 16 other stores were all axed in April.

As part of a cost-cutting overhaul, the grocer also shut more than 50 of its in-store cafés, 35 meat and fish counters, and 18 Market Kitchen food courts earlier this year.

It cited the need to cut costs amid rising financial pressure.

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MARKS & Spencer is making a major change to all of its stores this Christmas – with more staff set to work on Boxing Day for the first time in five years.

The retailer is ending its recent tradition of keeping most shops shut on the bank holiday as it gears up for one of the busiest trading periods of the year.

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The change will impact stores across the UK, as M&S looks to boost its post-Christmas operations and ensure shelves are fully restocked.

According to The Guardian, around a quarter of store employees will now be required to work on Boxing Day, while all staff must work at least one of December, 26, 27 or 28.

A document from Marks & Spencer seen by the publication revealed that last year, over 40 per cent of permanent staff and 30 per cent of seasonal workers did not work on one of those peak days.

The retailer said this caused knock-on issues with replenishing stock and maintaining store standards.

To avoid similar problems this year, it stated that “all colleagues must play their part to deliver a successful Christmas.”

Jayne Wall, operations director for Marks & Spencer, said: “Christmas at Marks and Spencer is very special and we are grateful to our hardworking colleagues who make our stores great places for our customers to shop.

“Like most retailers, we always have some colleagues in our stores and depots on Boxing Day to help reset.

However, this year we will have more colleagues working than previously so we are in great shape to welcome customers on 27 December.”

The change marks a significant shift for M&S, which decided to close most of its stores on Boxing Day in 2020 as a gesture of thanks after staff worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The retailer had continued the policy since then, saying it wanted to give employees a “much-deserved extended break with their family and loved ones.”

However, this year’s move comes after a turbulent few months for the business.

M&S was hit by a major cyber attack over Easter, which caused widespread disruption to its systems and operations.

The company has since faced staff shortages and logistical challenges, prompting the change in Christmas staffing.

Not all employees are happy about the decision.

Some have said they feel pressured into accepting additional hours during what is usually considered a family holiday.

One M&S worker said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for colleagues dealing with the cyber incident and the company has been reluctant to give extra hours to stores, so many stores are dealing with low colleague numbers.

“After such a hard time many colleagues feel this is an extra slap in the face.”

Another team member is reported to have written on the retailer’s internal messaging platform expressing disappointment at the move.

They said: “Over recent months it’s been recognised that colleagues have gone above and beyond, doing everything asked of them to keep standards high and deliver excellent service during very challenging times.

“That’s why it feels especially disheartening that Christmas – such a precious time for family – is being disrupted for so many of us.

“Instead of feeling rewarded for our commitment, it comes across more like a punishment.”

HISTORY OF M&S

M&S was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds.

The first official Marks and Spencer store opened in Manchester in 1901.

Throughout the 1920s, M&SA gre rapidly, opening more and more stores across the country.

The retailer made its reputation in the early 20th century by selling only British-made products.

It began textile sales in 1926 and started selling food from 1931.

The St Michael trademark was introduced in 1928 as a guarantee of quality and value.

This was initially used only for a small range of textiles but was extended over the years to cover all goods sold by M&S.

M&S introduced its first in-store cafe in 1935 in the Leeds store.

It provided cheap, hygienic, and nutritious mass catering.

By 1942, M&S opened 82 cafes across its estate.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, M&S had 234 stores.

By 1945, over 100 of these had been damaged by bombs, and 16 had been completely destroyed.

BY 1960, M&S pioneered in the sale of fresh poultry following the invention of the cold-chain process.

In the 1970s and 1980s, M&S pushed into international markets including the US, Canada and France. 

In 1979, M&S introduced the Chicken Kiev to its food halls across the UK.

In 1992, Percy Pigs were launched.

The Autograph range of clothing was introduced in 2000, and the St Michael brand was slowly phased out.

In 2019, the group announced 110 store closures as part of its plans, affecting several longstanding high-street shops.

In September 2020, M&S partnered with Ocado to allow for home delivery of the chain’s full food range.

M&S has recently announced new stores and is freshening up a swathe of others in a boost for shoppers.

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WASHINGTON  — The Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide if licensed guns owners have a right to carry their weapons at public places, including parks, beaches and stores.

At issue are laws in California, Hawaii and three other states that generally prohibit carrying guns on private or public property.

Three years ago, Supreme Court ruled that law-abiding gun owners had a 2nd Amendment right to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon when they leave home.

But the justices left open the question of whether states and cities could prohibit the carrying of guns in “sensitive locations,” and if so, where.

In response, California enacted a strict law that forbids gun owners from carrying their firearm in most public or private places that are open to the public unless the owner posted a sign permitting such weapons.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down that provision last year as going too far, but it upheld most of a Hawaii law that restricted the carrying of guns at public places and most private businesses that are open to the public.

Gun-rights advocates appealed to the Supreme Court and urged the justices to rule that such restrictions on carrying concealed weapons violate the 2nd Amendment.

The court agreed to hear the case early next year.

Trump administration lawyers urged the justices to strike down the Hawaii law.

It “functions as a near-complete ban on public carry. A person carrying a handgun for self-defense commits a crime by entering a mall, a gas station, a convenience store, a supermarket, a restaurant, a coffee shop, or even a parking lot,” said Solicitor General D. John Sauer.

Gun-control advocates said Hawaii had enacted a “common sense law that prohibits carrying firearms on others’ private property open to the public.”

“The 9th Circuit was absolutely right to say it’s constitutional to prohibit guns on private property unless the owner says they want guns there,” said Janet Carter, managing director of Second Amendment Litigation, at Everytown Law. “This law respects people’s right to be safe on their own property, and we urge the Supreme Court to uphold it.”

Starbucks says it will close underperforming stores across North America as CEO Brian Niccol pushes ahead on a company restructuring effort, which is expected to cost $1bn in a bid to revive the company’s flagging sales.

The coffee chain announced the decision on Thursday.

Overall, store count in the United States and Canada is expected to drop by 1 percent, or several hundred stores, by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, including its iconic Seattle roastery.

Niccol is trying to restore the chain’s “coffeehouse” feel to bring customers back to its outlets after six consecutive quarters of declining US sales.

The cuts are expected to affect 900 workers and follow 1,100 corporate cuts earlier this year. But the cuts are underscored by Niccol’s compensation package valued at $95.8m last year, 6,666 times more than the average barista. It is the largest CEO-to-worker pay gap of any company in the S&P 500, according to the Institute for Policy Studies’s 2025 executive excess report.

Unionised stores hit

Among the closed stores was Starbucks’s flagship unionised location in Seattle, a large cafe with an in-house roastery, the company confirmed.

Talks between Starbucks and the Workers United union, which represents more than 12,000 baristas, began last April, but have hit a wall since.

In December, some members of the union walked off their jobs in multiple US cities in a strike that spanned several days during the peak holiday season.

Workers at the Seattle store, which is located near its headquarters, voted to unionise in 2022, and the union picketed the store on Monday over contract negotiation disputes.

A unionised store in Chicago, on Ridge Avenue, was also closed, the union confirmed. Baristas at the store were picketing on Thursday morning, in a plan made before the store’s closure was known, the union said.

Baristas on the picket line came from stores across the Chicago area. “We’re here to remind the company that it’s the workers who actually bring the people into the stores,” said Diego Franco, who came from a store in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines.

A Starbucks spokesperson said the union status of stores was “not a factor in the decision-making process.”

In a statement, Starbucks Workers United criticised the closures. “It has never been more clear why baristas at Starbucks need the backing of a union,” the union said, adding that it planned to bargain for affected workers so they could be transferred to other stores.

Analysts at TD Cowen estimate that about 500 North American company-owned stores were affected by the restructuring.

A revamp attempt

In his first year on the job, Niccol has zeroed in on investing in Starbucks’s stores to reduce service times and restore a coffee-house environment, while also trimming management layers.

The company has posted a string of quarterly sales declines in the US as demand for its pricey lattes took a hit from consumers turning picky and competition ramping up.

“During the review, we identified coffeehouses where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance, and these locations will be closed,” Niccol said in a letter to employees.

The CEO said the company would end the fiscal year with nearly 18,300 total Starbucks locations – company-operated and licensed – across the US and Canada. This compares to the 18,734 locations disclosed in a July regulatory filing.

Niccol has enjoyed the confidence of investors since taking over after his leadership at Chipotle Mexican Grill, where he is credited with leading a turnaround at the burrito chain.

“Starbucks is taking more aggressive actions within turnaround efforts. The store closures are more than we anticipated, while we believe the layoffs fit within management’s previously announced zero-based budgeting framework,” TD Cowen analyst Andrew Charles said.

Starbucks said on Thursday the job cuts would be in its support teams and added the company would also close many open positions.

The company employed about 10,000 people in non-coffee-house roles in the US, as of September 29, 2024.

“This is a more significant action that we understand will impact partners and customers,” Niccol said.

At the same time, Starbucks is investing in improving staffing and incorporating technology to more efficiently sequence orders at its coffee shops and enhance customer experience.

The company said earlier this year it would eliminate 1,100 corporate roles. In August, it also announced a modest 2 percent hike to all salaried employees in North America this year.

Starbucks will cut about 900 of its US jobs and close its worst performing stores there, as well as close some stores in the UK as part of a cost-saving restructure, the coffee chain said.

Most of the stores earmarked for closure are in North America and its chief executive said the revamp would reduce wait times and help revive sales.

It comes after Starbucks announced in February that it was axing 1,100 jobs and simplifying its US menu to help flagging sales in its home market.

“This is a more significant action that we understand will impact partners and customers,” chief executive Brian Niccol said in a statement, though the firm said it is still “on track” to open 80 new stores in the UK.

“While the EMEA [Europe, Middle East and Africa] business is on track to meet its commitment to open 80 new stores in the UK and 150 across EMEA this financial year, some stores in the UK, Switzerland and Austria will close as a result of this portfolio review”, Starbucks added on Thursday.

Mr Niccol said in a letter to employees that the stores marked for closure were “unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance”.

Starbucks said the US jobs that are poised to be cut will be support staff roles.

In July, the coffee chain reported its sixth consecutive quarterly drop in sales at stores open at least a year in the US – its biggest and most important market. The company’s shares have fallen more than 8% so far this year.

Mr Niccol joined Starbucks as its chief executive last year, on the heels of a six-year stint at at the helm of Chipotle Mexican Grill. During his tenure there, the fast-casual burrito chain nearly doubled its sales.

The latest store closures and layoffs at Starbucks are part of Mr Niccol’s wide-ranging turnaround strategy in his first year at the company, as the chain tries to lure back dissatisfied customers.

The company is also facing a unionisation campaign among baristas its US stores.

Workers United – which is part of the Service Employees International Union and said it represents workers at more than 600 of Starbucks’ company-owned US stores – is fighting for a contract agreement with the company.

The union has voiced concerns about understaffing at stores and overwhelmed baristas, among other issues.

In response to the company’s restructuring announcement on Thursday, Workers United said it comes as a sign that “things are only going backwards at Starbucks under Brian Niccol’s leadership”.

“Yet again, we’re experiencing new policies and major decisions being made with zero barista input,” the union said in a statement, adding that it is sending a formal request for information to Starbucks about the planned closures.

TESCO has launched a range of “restaurant quality” ready-made meals across 160 of its stores around the country.

There are 12 different dishes included in the collection, for a different meal to be had each day of the week.

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The brand new Finest Chef’s Collection range has been designed by Tesco’s in-house chefs.

It includes slow-cooked meals ranging from Italian to Indian cuisine, as well as classic British flavours.

Prices range from £17.50 to £20 per dish.

Among the British-inspired dishes include a Blush Double Pork Chop a Tender Lamb Rump, Balsamic and Rosemary Lamb Shoulder, Succulent Pork Belly, and an Oak Smoked Chicken Crown.

Indian flavours in the collection include Tandoori Spiced Chicken Supremes, Masala Spcied Beef Cheeks, and Spice Lamb Shanks.

The chicken and beef have masala spice blends in the sauce, while the lamb shanks are served with green tikka sauce.

For the Italian inspired dishes, there is a Blush Shoulder of Pork, Stuffed Beef Featherblad with a Procini and Parmigiano Regiiano stuffing, Nduja Stuffed Porchetta, and Rosemary and Porcini Pork Shoulder.

Breige Donaghy, Director of Product Development and Innovation Tesco, said: “We know life’s busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on amazing food at home.

“That’s why our chefs have created the Chef’s Collection – a range of dishes inspired by restaurant menus and packed with clever techniques that make it super easy to cook something special.

“With top-quality ingredients, and most of the prep already done, these dishes make it easy to create special food moments and transform a meal at home into something truly memorable.”

It comes after research found almost 30 per cent of Brits, and around 60 per cent of adults, have tried to pass of supermarket-cooked meals as their own.

More people have also been found to be going out less to restaurants to eat compared to last year, often due to costs.

Executive Chief at Tesco, Jamie Robinson, added: “We’ve worked hard to bring authentic flavours from across the globe to customers’ kitchens without the stress of cooking from scratch.

“Most dishes have been gently slow cooked, and come with our top cooking, pairing and plating tips to help you deliver great results every time.”

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Each meal is designed as a main for two people, therefore costing £10 each.

The Finest Chef’s Collection range is launching at larger Tesco stores, and offers a 25 per cent discount of Clubcard customers until October 12.

Dishes come with step-by-step cooking instructions and a QR code that can be scanned to provide cooking, plating and pairing tips from Tesco chefs.

It comes after Tesco was mocked for launching a strange meal deal shoppers spotted in stores.

As a £9 Clubcard offer, Tesco launched a meal deal consisting of a 12-packl of Sol beers and a bag of five limes.

Many shoppers also threatened to boycott Tesco last month after it was seen increasing the price of its meal deal by 25p.

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ALDI has unveiled three new cake-inspired ice creams in a huge shakeup to its frozen aisle. 

The new desserts will be landing in just days and will retail for just £2.49.

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The three ice creams will be inspired by some of Britain’s favourite cakes, including a birthday cake flavour. 

Aldi has described the birthday cake ice cream as having a “party in every tub”.

Every sponge-flavoured treat is slathered in sweet marshmallow and raspberry sauces before being finished with rainbow sprinkles. 

The second new ice cream comes in a red velvet flavour, which has rich cocoa frosting and baked sponge pieces. 

Aldi’s final new flavour is the Cherry Bakewell ice cream, which is infused with sweet-almond and covered in pastry flavoured ice cream. 

All three ice cream flavours will hit the shelves on September 15th and, according to Aldi, they will sell for just £2.49.

The news comes after the brand confirmed its Christmas plans three months in advance. 

Like many other retailers, Aldi will be closing its doors for three days over the festive period to give its hardworking staff some time off. 

All 1000 of Aldi’s sites will close on Christmas Day before reopening on December 27. 

The shop will close again on New Year’s Day. 

Rebecca Heley, communications director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is a special time, and we want to ensure all of our colleagues have the opportunity to relax and enjoy it with their loved ones.

“That’s why all Aldi stores will be closed on Boxing Day this year.

“We know how hard colleagues work to deliver an amazing Christmas for our customers, and this is one small way of saying thank you.”

The supermarket chain has also announced that it is rolling out a huge change across all of its stores very soon.

Aldi will be stocking wines themed around autumn and winter from next week, after it was crowned Wine Supermarket of the Year at the People’s Choice Awards.

Sam Caporn, Aldi’s resident Master of Wine, said: “As summer fades, it’s time to uncork the flavours of autumn. Think medium-bodied reds for cosy evenings, or a tropical Stellenbosch Chardonnay alongside a Sunday roast.

“And here’s a secret – the Cigales Rosé isn’t just for summer. Its vibrant acidity makes it a surprisingly perfect partner for winter dishes too.”

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HIGH streets across the UK are facing more closures as major retailers shut their doors today. 

 Poundland, Game, and The Original Factory Shop are among the chains cutting back on stores, leaving shoppers with fewer options. 

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These closures are part of wider restructuring plans as businesses adapt to changing shopping habits and financial pressures.

Here are all the stores shutting on your local high street today.

Game

Game is closing its Metrocentre store in Gateshead today (September 7).

The closure is part of changes by its owner, Frasers Group.

The company is reducing the number of stores as more shopping moves online and into concessions.

The chain has around 240 stores across the UK. Another store in the Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol, will close on September 25.

However, a Game concession inside the Sports Direct store in the same shopping centre will stay open.

Both closing stores are holding big sales to clear stock.

Shoppers can get discounts of up to 20%.

Poundland

Poundland’s Pontypool store is set to close today (September 7), followed by the closure of its Irvine branch on 14th September.

Recently, discount chain avoided going into administration by getting creditors to agree to restructuring plans, which included closing stores and cutting jobs.

Poundland’s restructuring will see the chain close a total of 68 stores.

The restructure also includes rent cuts at up to 180 stores and the closure of its frozen food and online shopping.

Meanwhile, the Darton frozen food distribution centre will shut later this year.

This will mean online shopping and frozen food will no longer be offered by Poundland.

The Bilston national distribution centre is also set to close in early 2026.

Come September 16, shoppers will no longer be able to buy products online and its loyalty scheme, Poundland Perks, will be axed.

Customers who have signed up to the Poundland Perks app have until January 15, 2026, to use their reward vouchers.

But Poundland plans to expand its £1 product range and focus on womenswear and seasonal items if the restructure goes ahead.

Original Factory Shop

The Original Factory Shop has been closing stores across the UK as part of a major restructuring plan.

Branches in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Normanton, West Yorkshire, and Kirkham, Lancashire, are among those that have already shut their doors.

Next in line are the Chard store, which closed today (September 7) and the Market Drayton branch, set to shut on September 20.

The Original Factory Shop was bought by Modella Capital, a private equity firm, in February.

Modella is known for taking on struggling retailers and has also recently bought Hobbycraft and WHSmith’s high street shops.

The firm quickly launched a restructuring effort to renegotiate rents at 88 The Original Factory Shop stores.

At the end of April, Modella drew up plans to initiate a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for the retailer.

Companies often use CVAs to avoid insolvency, which could otherwise force stores to close or trigger the collapse of the entire business.

They allow firms to explore different options, such as negotiating reduced rents with landlords.

But The Original Factory Shop previously told The Press and Journal that a “number of loss-making stores would have to close” in the restructuring.

What else is happening on the high street?

Bodycare, which begun as a market stall in Lancashire back in the 1970s and has 147 UK stores, appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory on Friday.

Exactly 32 stores closed with immediate effect, with around 450 employees made redundant.

Currently, 115 stores remain open and are trading as usual while administrators explore options for the future of the business.

However, if a buyer cannot be found, further store closures may occur.

Like many of its peers, Bodycare has felt the burn of risings cost coupled with shoppers having less money to spend at the till.

Recently, River Island avoided going into administration by getting creditors to agree to restructuring plans, which included closing stores and cutting jobs.

River Island will close up to 33 stores in January to help write off the fashion brand’s debts.

Locations in major UK cities including Edinburgh, Leeds, Oxford, Brighton and Perth are all expected to close.

Meanwhile, fashion retailer New Look has closed a dozen sites in the UK this year and also exited Ireland.

Last month, Claire’s also collapsed into administration and stopped online orders for its customers.

Plus, H&M-owned fashion chain Monki closed the last of its high street stores in August.

Torrid Holdings(CURV 0.21%) reported second quarter 2025 results on Aug. 4, 2025, with net sales of $262.8 million and adjusted EBITDA of $21.5 million, in line with internal expectations but reflecting a 6.9% year-over-year comparable sales decline. Management highlighted a strategic pivot toward digital-led growth, accelerated store closures, increased marketing investment, and rapid expansion of higher-margin sub-brands, while navigating tariff headwinds and maintaining liquidity for capital returns. The following insights detail the most significant strategic and financial developments from the call.

Store closures accelerate Torrid Holdings’ digital transition

During the second quarter, the company closed 57 underperforming stores and remains on track to close approximately 180 locations in fiscal 2025, with digital sales now nearing 70% of total demand. This store rationalization is designed to concentrate resources on more profitable digital and omni-channel operations, while a revamped retention strategy aims to preserve customer relationships as the physical footprint shrinks.

“With digital sales approaching 70% of total demand, we are executing a comprehensive realignment that capitalizes on this fundamental shift while strengthening customer relationships across all touch points. To that end, we have been closely tracking customer retention throughout the course of our store closures, and the results remain in line with our objectives. Our target is to retain at least 60% of customers, consistent with historical performance following closures. Encouragingly, retention trends from the 2025 closures are outperforming fiscal 2024 with a greater share of customers migrating to our online platform.”
— Lisa Harper, Chief Executive Officer

This digital migration, coupled with stable customer retention, demonstrates the company’s ability to adapt its business model and maintain engagement despite a shrinking store base.

Sub-brands drive margin expansion and growth for Torrid Holdings

Sub-brand penetration is expected to double in the third quarter and reach 25%-30% of the assortment in fiscal 2026, already delivering “hundreds of basis points” higher product margins than legacy categories. Large-scale refixturing—135 stores year to date—has enabled expanded in-store sub-brand presence, and launches have shown positive halo effects on core denim and intimates.

“we’re still very happy with the margin profile that we’re seeing in sub-brands. And it’s delivering hundreds of basis points higher in product margins than the bulk of the business. And we’re seeing that consistently perform as we roll out more and more deliveries of these. I think there are a few ways that we contemplate expansion past 2026 in this business, whether there are — and we’ll test some of these ideas next year, whether there are stores that we convert to more of a focus on sub-brands.”
— Lisa Harper, Chief Executive Officer

The incremental margin from sub-brands enables reinvestment in scale initiatives and supports the company’s goal of 150-250 basis points of adjusted EBITDA margin expansion in fiscal 2026, even as marketing spend rises.

Capital allocation shifts prioritize shareholder returns and debt reduction

The company repurchased approximately 6 million shares at $3.50 per share using $20 million in cash as part of its $100 million buyback authorization, reducing the remaining authorization to approximately $45 million. Total liquidity, including available borrowing, stood at $111.7 million, and the company proactively extended its asset-based loan (ABL) maturity to 2030.

“We currently have an active $100 million authorization for share repurchase, of which we have approximately $45 million remaining. We also intend to deploy free cash flow to further reduce our debt, fortifying our balance sheet for long-term financial flexibility. At the same time, we remain committed to investing selectively in initiatives that drive profitable growth and improve customer retention, ensuring that our capital decisions not only provide immediate returns, but also strengthen the foundation for future growth.”
— Lisa Harper, Chief Executive Officer

Simultaneous share buybacks and debt reduction, even during a period of EBITDA and net income compression, signal management’s confidence in future cash generation and intrinsic equity value.

Looking Ahead

Management revised fiscal 2025 guidance to net sales of $1.015 billion to $1.030 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $80 million to $90 million, reflecting increased tariffs and a $5 million boost in digital marketing spend, now forecast at 6% of sales. The company is targeting 150-250 basis points of adjusted EBITDA margin expansion and substantial free cash flow uplift in fiscal 2026, driven primarily by store closures and sub-brand growth. Capital allocation priorities for 2026 are focused on further share repurchases and debt reduction, supported by ongoing inventory discipline, with year-end comparable inventories expected to decline by mid-to-high single digits year-over-year.

A SUPERMARKET giant has made a huge change to its shops, in a boost for customers who want to pay with cash.

Morrisons has introduced 40 cash machines into its supermarkets across the UK, making it the UK’s largest non-bank network.

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A further 13 ATMs are set to launch in the coming months to make it even easier for customers to access cash.

Shoppers can use the ATMs to withdraw and pay in money as part of their regular shop.

The ATMs are now available in the following Morrisons supermarkets:

• Acocks Green
• Speke
• Eccles
• Witham
• Aldershot
• Swadlincote
• Failsworth
• Blyth
• Bideford
• Swinnow Road
• Grays Buxton
• Bishop Auckland
• Wednesbury
• Hull (Holderness Road)
• Colwyn Bay
• Bromsgrove
• Kirkby
• Ilkeston
• Dover
• Cardonald
• Bellshill
• Leyland
• Letchworth
• Carmarthen
• Castle Bromwich
• Malton Nelson
• Chippenham
• Coalville
• Oswestry
• Redcar
• Crossmyloof
• Hyde
• Partick
• Oxted
• Ebbw Vale
• Sidcup
• Small Heath
• New Milton

So far, more than £1million a month has been paid into banks using these ATMs.

The machines are operated by NoteMachine and were delivered thanks to a partnership with Cash Access UK, a company funded by major high street banks to bring cash services to communities.

Ben Mildred, treasury manager at Morrisons, said: “We’re proud to be helping make banking more accessible by offering cash deposit services in our stores.

“Customers have told us they like the flexibility and convenience the cash deposit ATMs offer and so we are pleased to be rolling them out to more stores in the coming weeks.”

The news comes after UK banks closed more than a third of branches over the past five years, leaving customers without access to banking services.

Lloyds, Halifax, NatWest and Bank of Scotland are set to shut more than 100 bank branches by the end of the year.

Elsewhere, Santander is set to close 95 branches and reduce hours at another 50.

Other ways you can access cash

There are still several ways you can access basic banking services without having to travel to another town with a branch.

If all the banks in your town have closed then you may be able to get a banking hub.

Banks visit the hub on a rotating basis, and take it in turns to use the site on different days of the week.

You can use them to withdraw cash, pay in money, check your balance and pay bills.

Another option is to visit one of the Post Office’s 11,684 branches to do basic banking tasks such as paying in or withdrawing cash.

But you will still need to visit a branch to open a new bank account, take out a personal loan or mortgage.

You can find your nearest Post Office by visiting postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder.

Many banks also offer a mobile banking service, which is when they bring a bus to your area to provide services you can usually get at a physical branch.

Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.

You should check your bank’s website to see what mobile services are available and when they might next be in your area.

New super ATMs are being rolled out across the UK where branch closures have left residents unable to access essential banking services.

These ATMs will allow customers to withdraw funds, access their balance, change PIN numbers and deposit cash.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

PRIMARK is one of the UK’s leading high street retailers, famous for its cool clothing and budget-friendly prices.

Here’s everything you need to know about the fast fashion giant’s opening hours over the August Bank Holiday.

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Is Primark open during the August Bank Holiday?

Primark‘s business hours may be affected by the August Bank Holiday in 2025 — but fear not, most of you will still be able to get your shopping done.

On August 25, many Primark stores in England and Wales will be open between 8am and 8pm, while the majority of stores in Scotland will be open from 8am to 10pm.

Some locations in England, including Lakeside and OXford Street, will also open 8am to 10pm.

Other Primark stores are operating between 9am and 5pm, while others are open from 9am to 7pm, so it’s really worth checking beforehand.

There are no national opening times for Primark, so shoppers should find out their local store’s timetable, which can be done in store.

You can also check out Primark’s app and store locator tool — www.primark.com/en-gb/stores — for further information.

There are some great buys you don’t want to miss out on.

Fashion fans are sure to be racing to their nearest Primark for one of their latest offerings — a plain T-shirt that has the added function of cinching you in at the waist for only £8.

Primark has also jumped on the FARM Rio trend, which has been praised for its incredible prints and 3D sculpted clothing.

Not to mention, there’s an epic outdoor toy sale that will ensure your children will have hours of fun, without you needing to break the bank.

And some buys that have been slashed down to as little as just 50p.

To make things easier, the retailer’s click & collect service is also now available in all its stores across Great Britain.

Primark’s incredible journey

Primark first opened its doors in June 1969 under the name Penneys, before opening up stores across Ireland.

As the brand grew in size, the American chain JC Penney objected to the use of the Penneys name.

This forced the Irish brand to rename its England stores Primark.

The name was chosen because “prima” is Italian for “first” and the owner hoped that the brand would make a “mark”.

Primark has become one of the most popular shops on the high street and now has 192 stores in the UK, as of December 2024.

Which bank holidays are coming in 2025?

There are several bank holidays for everyone to look forward to in 2025.

England and Wales

• August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
• December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
• December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day

Scotland

• August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
• December 1, 2025 – St Andrew’s Day (substitute day)
• December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
• December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day

Northern Ireland

• August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
• December 1, 2025 – St Andrew’s Day (substitute day)
• December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
• December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day

Bank holiday opening times for your fave shops

Make sure you read this before heading out on a bank holiday.

Get all the other opening times and bank holiday news here.