
AMC Theaters will show more ads before movies
This new agreement with National CineMedia aims to boost AMC's advertising revenue, following its weakest first-quarter earnings since 1996, excluding pandemic years.
AMC has reversed its 2019 stance against in-theater ads, now joining competitors Regal and Cinemark in a deal it previously rejected.
Despite closing 169 theaters since 2019 and a decline in 2024 ticket sales, AMC's CEO Adam Aron remains optimistic about a strong summer box office rebound.
The added ad revenue is intended to help AMC maintain steady ticket prices and ensure long-term stability, with AMC Stubs members also receiving a 50 percent discount on Wednesday tickets starting July 9.
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The Independent
23 minutes ago
- The Independent
When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? Plus best early deals
Amazon Prime Day is back next week from 8 to 11 July, bringing four days of offers on everything from mattresses and air fryers to electric toothbrushes, laptops and Apple tech. Exclusive to Amazon Prime subscribers, prices will be slashed across third-party brands like Shark, CeraVe, Elemis and Dyson. There will also be offers on Amazon's own devices – think Kindles, Echo Dot smart speakers and Fire tablets. In previous years, we've seen plenty of big-ticket products fall to their lowest-ever price, such as the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds, which were reduced to just £179 last year. While the sale hasn't kicked off yet, there are still countless deals at Amazon right now, and we're seeing more and more each day as we get closer to the sale. Keep scrolling for all the latest details on the next Prime Day sale and our team's selection of tried and tested products for the very best Amazon deals available today. When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? Amazon has confirmed that the next Prime Day sale will take place from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 July. This is the first time the sales event has run for four days, so you'll have even more time to shop the best deals. What is Amazon Prime Day? Amazon Prime Day is a four-day sale event for Prime members. It's usually held twice a year – once in the summer and again in October to kick-start Christmas shopping. The event features deals across top brands, from Apple to Dyson, as well as offers on its bestselling own tech, including Kindle and Echo dot smart speakers. Do you need to be a Prime member? If you want to take advantage of Prime Day discounts, you must be a Prime member. A Prime membership costs £8.99 a month, or £95 if you pay annually. If you're between 18 to 22-years-old, this is half the standard price, and you get a 6-month trial to see if it's for you. Perks include unlimited one-day delivery, access to Prime Video and the chance to shop Prime-exclusive deals. However, if you're unsure about adding another monthly cost to your bills, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial. This will give you full access to all the Prime member benefits, and you can cancel at any time during your trial to avoid being charged when it expires. Just bear in mind that this only works if you haven't signed for the free trial before. How to get the best deal on Amazon Prime Day Before you shop the Amazon Prime Day sale, make a wish list to avoid buying products that you don't need. Once the sale starts, use price history tools, such as CamelCamelCamel, to see if you're truly getting a good deal or if you should hold off buying until the price goes down even further. It's also worth doing a quick Google search to see if you can get a better price at other retailers. Competing retailers often reduce the prices of popular products to match, or even provide a better offer, than Amazon. They may also throw in a longer warranty or free delivery. Best early Amazon Prime Day deals in the UK: Shark's HydroGo portable fan combines the five fan speeds of the FlexBreeze, which we named our best cordless fan, with a fine mist, thanks to the addition of a 150ml water tank. Our reviewer found that the original FlexBreeze did a 'great job of cooling the air to each side of the unit as well as directly in front of it', so you can expect the same cooling power from this model. Right now, you can save 24 per cent on the portable fan at Amazon. The price fell at the end of June, so we'll let you know if there are further reductions when Prime Day starts next week. If you want to invest in an electric fan, this one from Duux, which is also one of our best electric fans, has an impressive 24 per cent off at the moment. The height is adjustable, so you can also use it as a desktop fan, making it all the more versatile. Our reviewer liked 'the natural breeze mode that simulated real wind,' as well as its free app, which allows you to control it from any room in the house. With 26 different speed settings, you can truly customise just how cool it gets, along with its direction. This will no doubt come in handy over the summer months. Turning your pillow to the cool side in this heatwave? You need these climate control pillows. Our favourite budget cooling pillows, our tester found that 'The pillow maintained a consistently comfortable temperature without that clammy feeling that often accompanies standard synthetic options.' If you're on a tighter budget, we found that 'these pillows offer remarkable value while delivering genuine cooling benefits that make a noticeable difference to your sleep'. This Garnier vitamin C SPF50 is one of our senior shopping writer's favourite budget SPF formulas. It's now almost half price on Amazon, arriving just in time to stock up for the summer months. She finds that it 'gives premium formulas a serious run for their money' and is 'easily blended with your fingers' thanks to its gel consistency. However, it's one of Amazon's lightning deals, so you'll need to be quick if you want to snap it up. We're expecting to see a range of discounts on Ninja's kitchen appliances and cookware when Prime Day lands. Right now, you can save almost 20 per cent on the brand's electric outdoor pizza oven, perfect for summer entertaining, and it's the cheapest we've ever seen it. We put Ninja's woodfire pizza oven to the test and found it gave us pizzas with a 'lovely charred taste and crispy crust'. This version doesn't come with the option to use wood pellets, but if you can do without that smoky taste, you'll save yourself around £50. Amazon slashed the price of this Tefal air fryer to £99.99 in October's Prime Day sale, and it's dropped back down to this price again. Our tester Katie reviewed the XXL model and found that her frozen chips and chicken shawarma cooked 'quickly and evenly'. She also liked its 'easy-to-use controls, the dishwasher-safe baskets and trays, and the family-sized proportions'. Shark is an Indybest favourite with its vacuum cleaners and hair tools often earning spots in our round-ups. Its anti-hair wrap cordless vacuum is now 36 per cent off at Amazon. It's a good choice, with pet, crevice and upholstery tools that are perfect for tackling messy carpets. We're expecting more discounts from Shark when Prime Day rolls around, so we'll update you on the best deals as soon as they arrive. If you're looking to upgrade your video doorbell, our best model for digital privacy has a huge 40 per cent off on Amazon. Our reviewer's favourite feature on the video doorbell was its night vision camera, which has 'probably the sharpest and brightest picture' that she's tried. This is the lowest the Eufy doorbell has ever dropped on Amazon. If it goes out of stock, you can also get it for the same price at Eufy when you use the discount code 'WS24E8222'. However, both are limited-time deals, so they won't be around for long. If you'd rather go hands-free with your vacuuming, Samsung's jet bot robot vacuum cleaner is at its lowest ever price on Amazon right now. Our reviewer found that it had 'the most powerful suction of any robot vacuum,' that they tried, plus they appreciated how it 'successfully avoided toys, piles of laundry and whatever else was left out on the floor'. So, if you're looking to invest in a robot vacuum, you'll need to be quick, as stock is limited. We'll make sure to update you if we spot any more bargains on robot vacuums. Here's a chance to save on Samsung's smartwatch, with a deal on the predecessor to the latest Galaxy watch 7. This version doesn't have as many AI or sleep tracking features, but our tech reviewer said even those familiar with the Galaxy range 'would struggle to tell the difference between them'. With a 38 per cent discount, we haven't seen the price of the smartwatch drop any lower on Amazon. If there are further reductions when Prime Day lands, we'll make sure to let you know. Amazon's 32in Fire TV plummeted to its lowest ever price in the last Prime Day sale. While the viewing experience may not be as needle-sharp as a pricier TV set, you can change programmes with just your voice, thanks to Alexa capabilities. There's built-in access to all the main streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video. Right now, you can pick up the set with a 28 per cent discount, so this inexpensive TV is now even cheaper. Amazon reduced the price of the latest Macbook Air last month, and now, with a further reduction, it's at one of its lowest prices ever at the online retailer. Our tech critic, David Phelan, praised the 'preposterously slim, sharply designed and appealingly light' laptop after putting it to the test. We've seen some fantastic Apple discounts during Prime Day in the past, so we'll make sure to update you as the best deals drop next month. Toothbrush deals aren't just limited to Prime Day, as we often spot them throughout the whole year. This electric model is our best budget pick and is currently half price. Tech critic Steve Hogarty said, 'It has everything you really need and none of the frills: it's compatible with the standard Oral-B brush heads, it has a timer with 30-second pacing buzzes, three modes, a pressure sensor and a two-week battery life.' It left him with that classic 'just been to the dentist' feeling. In his review, Steve explained that Suri's sustainable toothbrushes are designed to be 'more easily recycled or repaired'. Once your toothbrush has reached the end of its lifespan, you can send it back to the brand for free, and they will recycle it for you. While we can't test these sustainability claims, our reviewer, Steve, was impressed with how the Suri toothbrush performed and liked its 'sleek, slim, and compact' design. With this deal, the brush has a fairly decent discount of 20 per cent off, and we'll be keeping an eye out for more reductions on Prime Day. If you need a stain remover that lifts tough dirt, you can't go wrong with Vanish oxi action. We put its oxi action whitener to the test and found it 'effective on collar grime and food stains'. This version is better for dark and coloured clothing, as it doesn't include a whitener. However, with more than 50 per cent off, you won't be able to get this 1.4kg pack cheaper elsewhere, even on your weekly supermarket shop. The stain remover also comes under Amazon's ' You Buy. We Donate ' campaign. When you buy two selected everyday essentials, Amazon will donate a third item to the Multibank charity, who distribute hygiene and household essentials to families in need across the UK. A favourite among the IndyBest team, Elemis' award-winning cleansing balm has 25 per cent off right now, taking it to less than £37. Our tester noted how their 'skin felt smooth and was left with a velvety texture,' after using it to remove their makeup before bed. They added, 'the luxurious feel and effect of this cleanser make it a great choice for at-home pampering nights'. We'll certainly be stocking up at that price. This lightweight hair oil from Olaplex can be used as a pre-styling treatment, as it provides heat protection up to 230C. 'It doesn't leave my strands feeling heavy, weighed down,' said our tester. She also found that a little goes a long way and said, 'While the bottle looks decidedly small, from experience, it lasts a very long time'. You can save 20 per cent on the hair oil with this deal. We'll be on the lookout for price drops from the haircare brand as we approach Prime Day. When we compared the original hydrating cleanser (£10, to this cream-to-foam iteration, our expert reviewer, Louise, said she was "pleasantly surprised at how rich and creamy the lather felt on [her] skin.' She added: 'If you love the hydrating cleanser but want a bit more make-up removing power and hydration thanks to the amino acids, we'd suggest trying the new version' – especially with 20 per cent off.


The Independent
24 minutes ago
- The Independent
Edmunds: What you need to know about rising used car prices
If you're shopping for a used car this summer, you may have noticed something frustrating: Prices are climbing again. According to the latest Edmunds' Used Car Report, the average transaction price for a 3-year-old used vehicle has reached $30,522. That's up 2.3% from the same time last year and marks the first time since mid-2023 that this number has climbed back over the $30,000 mark. Many people expected used car prices to cool off as new vehicle production recovered post-pandemic. But as the latest data shows, that's not happening just yet — and shoppers should understand why. What's driving used car price increases? The root cause of today's high used car prices is limited supply. Edmunds found that the average age of trade-in vehicles was 7.6 years during the first quarter of 2025. That's the oldest average since 2019, meaning fewer 'near-new' vehicles — like lease returns or late-model trade-ins — are entering the used market. With fewer low-mileage recent-model-year vehicles available, shoppers compete for a smaller pool of in-demand inventory. That competition keeps prices high, particularly for popular models. Tariffs, too, can influence demand for used cars. True, used cars aren't directly subject to tariffs. But higher new-car pricing because of tariffs will undoubtedly force some additional people to consider buying a used car as a more affordable alternative. Slowing down in a tight market Another sign of the shifting market: The average used vehicle spent 38 days on a dealer's lot before being sold in the first three months of this year. That's the longest time Edmunds has recorded since early 2021. This slower pace suggests both buyers and sellers are approaching the market cautiously. Dealers may be holding firm on pricing, knowing supply is tight. At the same time, the reduced pace may also indicate that buyers are taking longer to find the right match in a smaller market. Should you buy now or wait? Deciding whether to buy now or hold off depends on your situation. If you need a vehicle immediately, it still makes sense to shop — but it's important to be realistic. Don't expect dramatic deals or fast-moving price cuts. Instead, look for well-maintained models with strong reliability records, and be open to adjusting your expectations regarding extras and options. There's a chance more inventory will reach the market later in 2025. Edmunds' data shows that dealers are still short on fresh trade-ins, but that could change as new vehicle production stabilizes and more consumers upgrade their cars. A modest increase in the used supply could help ease pricing pressure. Still, it's unlikely that prices will return to pre-2020 levels. The industry continues to feel the effects of pandemic-era production cuts, and even a return to more typical production levels won't immediately solve the current imbalance between supply and demand. What you can do to get the best deal Shoppers can take smart steps to get more value in today's market. For starters, flexibility is key. Expanding your search radius to neighboring regions can open up more options. Considering less popular trims, colors or brands can also help you find better pricing. Certified pre-owned vehicles may carry a slight premium, but they often include extended warranties and thorough inspections. That added security can be worth it — especially when prices are high and buyers are more concerned than ever about getting a good value. It also helps to be informed. Online tools and data can help you track average prices, check vehicle histories, and compare models across categories. Knowing what's typical for the car you want gives you a stronger position when it's time to negotiate. Edmunds says The used car market in 2025 is anything but predictable. Inventory is still recovering from pandemic-era disruptions, and both shoppers and dealers are tightening the purse strings. For buyers, that means patience, planning and flexibility are more important than ever. If you need to buy now, being open to alternatives to your ideal car may help uncover better value. And if you're able to wait, keeping a close eye on market conditions may give you an edge when inventory improves. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds.


The Independent
26 minutes ago
- The Independent
I try United Airlines' business class suite — here's what I love about it (and what I don't)
Nowhere on the planet is airline business-class competition hotter than between London and New York. This transatlantic highway in the sky generates over a billion dollars of revenue a year for carriers, with a huge portion of that coming from premium fares. So no airline can afford to rest on its lie-flat laurels. US behemoth United is clearly aware of this, having invested heavily in upgraded business-class seats that convert into double beds, launching later this year with the Dreamliner. But what are they an upgrade from? I found out, putting United's current Polaris business-class seat to the test on a flight from London Heathrow to Newark Liberty International Airport for New York. At up to $11,000 a seat there is plenty of bang for this huge pile of bucks, but also a few niggles to take note of. Checking in/security Terminal 2 is joyously tranquil when I arrive for my 9.30am departure, one of seven daily United Airlines services to Newark from Heathrow. There are so few people around, I half wonder if it's shut. I check in using a touch-screen terminal, which is a breeze. And there are cheery and helpful United staff members lingering to help with any hiccups. My Polaris business-class ticket allows me to use the fast-lane security – an almost pleasant experience, with a vanishingly small queue and friendly staff. United Club lounge The ease of the airport journey so far means I'm in a buoyant mood as I emerge into the cavernous and shiny Terminal 2 departures hall, which, like the check-in zone, is sparsely populated - artists'-impression crowd levels. I'd happily hang out here, but I'm keen to check out the United Club lounge, opposite gate 46, about a 10-minute walk from the security lane exit and opposite the gate my flight is leaving from. It's not the most exclusive club — you don't even need a business-class ticket to get in, access can be granted through credit-card perks — but for a mass-market offering, it's perfectly pleasant, with plentiful food and beverage options, a huge variety of seats, nice bathrooms, and more charging points than you can shake a USB cable at. The seat – in a cabin arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration The cabin looks quite handsome, with its silver and blue hues, and my pristine-looking window seat, 6L, is an inviting prospect. But an issue presents itself straight away — there is a mound of luxury bedding on the seat and it's a struggle to find anywhere to stow it. For a business-class seat, Polaris is lacking in square footage and I spend the first few minutes stuffing the Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow into the footwell. Then I become mildly flustered finding homes for my wallet, notebook and camera – storage is limited (though slightly more generous in the middle seats). There's a slim cubby hole beneath the TV screen, another tiny one to my left (big enough for a hamster and not much else) and a little cupboard with a vanity mirror and a bottle of water. After embarrassingly trying to pry open a shelf that's stuck down, mistaking it for a compartment lid, I turn my attention to the positives, which are numerous. Firstly, the seat itself is extremely comfortable and supportive, with no complaints in the size department. It's 20.6 inches in width (versus 18.5 inches for premium economy/economy) and in lie-flat mode measures a generous 6ft 4in. That means six inches of wiggle room for my 5ft 10in frame. The bedding is pleasantly plush. There's a cuddle-worthy pillow, a beautifully soft blanket and I quickly become a devotee of the bonus foam pillow that I place in the small of my back. I'm also an admirer of the ergonomics. My elbows happily rest on armrests to the left and right and the nifty jog wheel that maneuvers the seat can be operated without budging an inch and with a micro-movement of the thumb. Only a slight forward stretch is needed to reach the thoughtfully positioned USB port underneath the screen (there's also a plug socket by the cupboard behind me), and my phone and camera can be charged using this while resting in the adjacent slot, which has a tiny lip to stop them sliding out. In terms of room for manoeuvre, Polaris isn't one of the business-class stars – and there's no privacy door. But the walls of the suite curve around to create a cozy cocoon. Once we're cruising along, I slide out the tray table to examine the gray amenity kit, which is by wellness brand Therabody and has a heart-shaped case, though Therabody would tell you it's actually fashioned after their popular massage gun device. Anyway, the case is usefully reuseable — perhaps to transport travel plugs and cables — and is stuffed with lotions and potions. The inventory comprises eye serum, hydrating mist, hand cream and lip balm, plus a wipe, socks, an eye mask, ear plugs, a dental kit and a pen. The entertainment The touch-screen measures a perfectly fine 16 inches (versus 13 inches for premium economy) and is crisp, clear and responsive, with the complimentary, brandless over-ear headphones offering pretty good audio. The set-up is good enough for movie immersion, but is far from best-in-class. For example, American Airlines offers stunning Bang and Olufsen headphones for those at the pointy end. However, watch this space, because stunning upgrades in the entertainment department are on the way, with 19 and 27-inch 4K screens and Meridian headphones arriving with the upgraded seats. The food Nothing really stands out with the food, but nothing is a let-down, either. The dishes are tasty and comforting, but won't have seared themselves into my long-term memory banks. My buffalo mozzarella with pickled asparagus salad and roasted garlic vinaigrette is pleasing, the baby greens salad satisfying, and the pan-roasted salmon with couscous risotto, roasted broccolini and artichoke salsa feels eminently healthy. The ice-cream sundae with hot fudge for dessert is deliciously naughty. As it should be. The service The customer service is frustratingly inconsistent. Those on the left side have the extremely jovial flight attendant, while my zone is patroled by an indifferent one. Not rude, but someone who's just going through the motions and not making anyone feel particularly "business class". She's giving off distinct "get through the shift" vibes. On the return flight, by contrast, it's the royal treatment through every time zone. "Can I prevail upon you to focus momentarily on the appetizers, Mr Thornhill?" I'm asked at one point, without a trace of sarcasm. United should watch out, because that crew is likely to be snapped up by Buckingham Palace. Verdict Despite limited storage space, inconsistent service and no privacy door, I'd happily circle the globe in United's Polaris business-class seat. It's impressively comfortable, with the Saks Fifth Avenue bedding adding a lovely layer of luxury, the food is good and the entertainment system is solid. And with one-way Heathrow-Newark fares from around $1,700 and return fares from $4,686, Polaris is a tantalizing treat. Rating: 4/5.