Latest news with #Bash
IOL News
9 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
TFG's robust earnings reflect strategic growth and online success
TFG's results for its 2025 financial year underscored a focus on market share growth, margin improvement and cost management, said its CEO, Anthony Thunström Image: Supplied JSE-listed international fashion, homeware and lifestyle retailer TFG's robust financial results for the year to end-March 2025 were fueled by a strong second half from TFG Africa, store expansion, and the acquisition of White Stuff in the UK. Headline earnings a share (HEPS) were up 4.6% to 1015.6 cents. The final dividend was raised by 15% to 230 cents a share. 'The result underscored a 'relentless' focus on market share growth, margin improvement, and cost management,' CEO Anthony Thunström said in a statement. The group has a portfolio of 39 leading retail brands, with over 4 900 outlets in 23 countries on five continents. 'We are targeting the opening of over 100 new stores in the coming year while optimising our existing footprint. With the Riverfields distribution centre now close to fully operational—alongside our other growth and efficiency strategies—we expect continued improvement in operating margins and capital returns in 2026 and beyond,' said Thunström. The Africa business led the charge in the past year with "exceptional" results in the second half. Online sales surged, driven by the success of the Bash platform, which had reached profitability two years ahead of schedule: 'a very likely unique achievement in the South African retail space,' said Thunström. Gross margins expanded by 150 basis points. These gains, along with disciplined cost management across divisions, translated into solid profit growth. Online sales maintained momentum and accounted for 12% of group sales, up from 9.9% the previous year. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading TFG Africa's sales were up 7% in the second half as the base normalised from the prior year's first half's clearance activity. All brands and categories showed improvement, generating full-year growth of 3.7%. Thunström said there was strong growth ahead of the market from womenswear, beauty, and jewellery, as well as recently acquired businesses, Jet and Tapestry, where the retail platform provided credit, online, and distribution capabilities. Online sales grew 43.5% and contributed 5.8% (2024: 4.2%) to total TFG Africa sales. TFG UK increased sales 16.4% in pounds following the acquisition of White Stuff from October 25, 2024. White Stuff saw 20.3% year-on-year growth for the five months post-acquisition. The addition of White Stuff to the portfolio saw store sales up 11.8% and online sales grow 22.5%. Online sales now contribute 44.8% (42.7%) of total TFG UK sales. TFG Australia faced difficult trading conditions, with sustained high inflation and interest rates impacting the consumer. Sales were 2.6% lower in Australian dollars, with a mixed performance throughout the second half in a 'highly promotional market,' Thunström said. Online sales grew by 7.3% and now contribute 8.1% (7.3%) to total TFG Australia sales.
Press and Journal
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
GALLERY: Aberdeen's Big Belmont Bash returns
Aberdeen's Belmont Street came alive on Saturday, May 31, as the Big Belmont Bash returned for a full day of free entertainment, music, and community spirit. Organised by The Collective on the Cobbles, the event transformed Belmont Street and the surrounding area into a lively celebration from 12pm to 8pm. Thousands attended the family-friendly event, enjoying live music from local bands and DJs curated by Fine Times and Drummonds. The street was filled with energy as visitors explored games, workshops, and food stalls that showcased the best of Aberdeen's independent businesses. Highlights included barista lessons at Books and Beans, a charity tombola supporting Citymoves Dance Agency. Free games and prize giveaways added to the fun, with many winning vouchers for local shops and eateries. The Bash aimed to strengthen community ties and support local traders, offering something for all ages in a welcoming and festive atmosphere. Organisers hailed the day a great success, with a strong turnout and positive feedback. With another Big Belmont Bash planned for 6th September, the event has quickly become a key date in Aberdeen's cultural calendar.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Scotsman
Andermatt Switzerland: An alpine haven which should be on all foodies bucket lists
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history and modern luxury. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Travelling to Switzerland has always been on my bucket list. However, I hadn't imagined that my first trip would be Andermatt, one of Europe's fastest-growing, most sustainable, and luxurious alpine villages. Situated in the centre of Europe's north-south axis makes it predestined to bring together different cultures, people and music. Landing in Zurich, I was a bit apprehensive about navigating the Swiss rail system. Especially coming from the chaotic UK trains. However, the SBB Mobile app made the process seamless. I was guided every step of the way, even down to small details like the route from one platform to another. The trains were punctual, clean and offered unbeatable panoramic views of the Swiss countryside. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The festival was definitely the highlight of my trip to Andermatt | NW Andermatt itself greeted me with a charming blend of classic architecture and modern developments. It's a uniquely modern Alpine resort with a refreshingly forward-thinking approach. Once a quiet, secluded military outpost, Andermatt has been reimagined as a world-class destination, thanks to significant investment by Egyptian developer Samih Sawiris. Uniquely cosmopolitan yet deeply rooted in heritage, it's where tradition and innovation come together. In the old town you can look out for traditional houses adorned with fish-scale like exteriors. I was surprised to find out that each scale is individually nailed into place! Andermatt offers premium curated experiences, ensuring all guests enjoy a memorable experience, filled with emotions and warm hospitality. The highlight of my trip was attending the inaugural High Peak Festival - a unique opportunity for hip-hop fans to convene at 1,444m altitude for the first time in Switzerland in a breathtaking location. The set up was intimate, with a single main tent. With an impressive line-up, featuring hip-hop legends like Eve, Timbaland, Busta Rhymes and Xzibit, it was amazing to get so close to the stage. The crowd were respectful yet enthusiastic, a refreshing change from the often rowdy UK festival scenes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Autumn brings another Andermatt festival with a twist. The Bash is an annual festival that blends classic music with contrasting genres. This year this will be a collaboration between Swiss hip-hop artist Bligg and the Swiss Orchestra, conducted by Dr Lena-Lisa Wüstendörfer, Director of Andermatt Music. The event will be hosted at the state-of-the-art 650-seater Andermatt Concert Hall - the only one of its kind in an Alpine resort. Known for its exceptional acoustics and modern design, it's an ideal location for such innovative performances as few venues allow the audience to get as close to the musicians. I had the pleasure of spending my stay at The Chedi Andermatt, a five-star hotel that seamlessly blends Asian-inspired design with Alpine charm. I was greeted at the front desk with a hot towel, tea and delightful ice-cream bite. Staying in a deluxe room I relished the spacious balcony and its stunning mountain views. With a state-of-the-art sound system, rainfall shower and room service breakfast all included, I looked forward to returning almost as much as I did heading to the festival. Everything at The Chedi is well thought out and of impeccable quality. From the many lounge areas to the stellar cocktails and ski butlers. It certainly had an air of quiet privacy. The hotel's award-winning mountain spa provided the perfect space to relax and unwind. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The beautiful pool area | NW The recent opening of IGNIV, Swiss chef Andreas Caminada's latest venture, adds to the destination's rapidly emerging culinary scene. Andermatt boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants: The Japanese (1*); Gütsch by Markus Neff (1*), which is located 2,344m above sea level; and The Japanese at The Chedi Hotel (2*), run by twin brothers, Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon. The place that captured my heart was Biselli. A cosy restaurant in the heart of the new town. The head chef, Mohammad from Senegal, brings a unique fusion of French and Caribbean influences to the menu. The beef tenderloin was succulent, paired with airy mashed potato and a harmonious blend of flavours. It's a real talent to create dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated. Beyond the festival and good food, Andermatt offers a plethora of activities. It offers a refreshingly cool climate in summer, making it a dream destination for outdoor activities. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks and eight alpine passes, it's a paradise for cyclists, with scenic routes throughout. Hikers can explore roughly 30 miles of well-maintained trails, each offering a new perspective of the stunning Ursern Valley. For golf enthusiasts, the Andermatt Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course set against the region's rugged beauty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The locals talked fondly of the recent investment in Andermatt and the endless activities available. They shared their favourite takes of hikes following local folklore, golfing and historical sites that offer insight into the region's past. It's worth a visit just to wander along the river Reuss that flows through the village.
Tom's Guide
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
How to watch 'Transplant' season 4 online from anywhere
The final season of the hit drama "Transplant" – set in the biggest Emergency Department of the best hospital in Toronto – continues to focus on the struggles of the charismatic lead character "Bash" but also the hectic domestic and professional lives of the other medical personnel. It's already available for free in New Zealand, ahead of the U.S. premiere on May 22. Here's how to watch "Transplant" season 4 from anywhere with a VPN. "Transplant" season 4 is already available for free in New Zealand. It premieres in the U.S. on May 22 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC with a two-hour event.• WATCH FREE — TVNZ+ (New Zealand) • U.S. — NBC (via Sling TV or Fubo), next day on Peacock • Canada —Crave (Canada)• Watch anywhere — Try NordVPN risk-free Bashir "Bash" Hamed (played by Hamza Haq) has almost completed re-qualifying as a doctor after arriving from war-torn Syria but, although he and his younger sister Amira (Sirena Gulamgaus) are now Canadian citizens, the future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the business of saving lives must go on at York Memorial... As team rivalries and issues flourish it must remain business as usual at York Memorial and people saved by the team include the victim of a road traffic accident, a pedestrian trapped in a sinkhole, a "superhero", a patient with a phobia and an old couple who have managed to glue themselves together. Read our guide below for how to watch "Transplant" season 4 online and from anywhere in the world. You can watch "Transplant" season 4 for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand. Simply sign up to the free streaming service with your email address. Of course, TVNZ+ is blocked outside of New Zealand. You'll need a VPN to unblock it when traveling outside of NZ. We recommend NordVPN as it works well with almost any streamer, including TVNZ+. Just because NBC and Peacock aren't available everywhere doesn't mean you have to miss out on "Transplant" season 4 altogether if you're away from home. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be pretty easy. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you go. We've evaluated many options, and the best VPN is NordVPN. It meets the VPN needs of the vast majority of users, offering outstanding compatibility with most devices and impressive connection speeds. There's a good reason you've heard of NordVPN. We specialize in testing and reviewing VPN services and NordVPN is the one we rate best. It's outstanding at unblocking streaming services, it's fast and it has top-level security features too. With over 7,000 servers, across 110+ countries, and at a great price too, it's easy to recommend. Get 70% off NordVPN with this deal Using a VPN is incredibly simple. 1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite. 2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.S.. and want to view your usual New Zealand service, you'd select NZ. 3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to TVNZ+ and stream "Transplant" season 4 online and for free, from wherever you happen to be. In the U.S., "Transplant" season 4 premieres on Thursday, May 22 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC with a thrilling two-hour event. NBC is a local broadcast network that can accessed with one of the best TV antennas or through a cable TV package. Cut the cord? You can stream "Transplant" on the best cable TV alternatives that carry NBC – like Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu With Live TV, and DirecTV Stream. "Transplant" season 4 will also be available to stream the next day on Peacock. Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV services on the market. The Sling Blue package includes more than 50 channels including NBC in select markets. Right now, new subscribers can get their first month half-price. Fubo has all of the major networks, including NBC. Who needs cable? Not Fubo subscribers. It's got a 7-day free trial so you don't need to pay up front. Peacock is the home of the vast NBCUniversal library, including every episode of The Office (here's our in-depth list of the best Peacock shows to watch). Subscribers can also watch live NFL and Premier League soccer, and episodes of current NBC series. "Transplant" season 4 is airing on CTV and streaming now on Crave. Plans cost from $11.99 per month. It looks like it might also be available on Canadian Netflix. Outside Canada at the moment? Signing up to NordVPN will help you access your usual streaming service from anywhere in the world. "Transplant" season 4 has no release date in the U.K. but previous seasons have appeared on Sky Witness. However, anybody currently abroad in the U.K. from the U.S. can use one of the best VPN services to access their usual streaming platform. We recommend NordVPN thanks to its speed, reliability and trusted security features. Unfortunately, "Transplant" season 4 hasn't been picked up for broadcast in Australia yet although it is available to buy or rent on Apple. Anybody currently Down Under from the U.S. or Canada can use one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN, to tap into their usual streaming service. Season 04 Episode 01: 'Crete' - Bash and Mags team up to save a John and Jane Doe found in the woods; a fully qualified surgeon now, June sees her old mentor in a new light; suspended from the hospital, Theo longs for the action while treating patients virtually. S04 E02: 'Sinkhole' – Bash jumps into a sinkhole to save a trapped pedestrian; Mags faces a difficult personal choice, while attempting to contain a potential outbreak in the Emergency Department. S04 E03: 'Home' - Bash and Mags have a friendly competition at work and a man with superhero ideation crash lands into the Emergency Department. S04 E04: 'Decisions' - Devi makes a decision between Mags and Bash; Bash aids a single father who has nowhere else to turn; June and Novak take different approaches when they deal with a resident; Theo treats a teen patient. S04 E05: 'Heart' - Mags shares personal news that affects Bash's work; Claire turns to Devi for help; June treats a patient with a phobia; Theo clashes with a family doctor when he helps a returning young patient. S04 E06: 'Fever Dream' – Mags undergoes transplant surgery and copes with the aftermath aided by her family and Bash; Bash balances personal and professional stress; June confronts Novak's self-sabotaging behaviour. S04 E07: 'Torn' - Bash passes on an opportunity, and works cases where things are not as they appear; Mags returns to York Memorial; June navigates loss professionally and personally; Theo goes out on a limb again for a patient; Claire is confronted by Devi. S04 E08: 'All I Have is How I Feel' - Bash and Mags support each other through new challenges while treating an older couple who show up at the hospital glued together; Theo is called out by Liz Bergeron about his repeated inability to follow hospital rules. S04 E09: 'Who is Mags?' - Bash treats a man injured in a car accident who was saved by the woman who hit him; Devi decides to fight to hold on to the department; in a moment where it is most needed, a former member of the York Memorial team returns. S04 E10: 'Never Too Late to Start Again' - June and Novak have it out; Theo risks his life for a patient and makes a big decision; Bash rises to the occasion during an emergency and sees how far he has come. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Author Tia Williams on "Audre & Bash Are Just Friends," her new book for young adults
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Please consider joining our Facebook group by CLICKING HERE. Find out more about the books below. Club Calvi is spotlighting a new young adult romantic comedy book by bestselling author Tia Williams. "Audre and Bash are Just Friends" is set in Williams' home borough of Brooklyn and features a character familiar to readers of her novel "Seven Days in June." In that book, Audre is the 12-year-old daughter of the female protagonist, Eva, and a student at an elite private school. "She's just a hilarious character," Williams said. "She's very wise and she has a side-hustle therapy business where she charges $25 to classmates to give them therapy sessions. She was just so funny and ended up being a fan-favorite. I got so many messages, 'Where is the rest of Audre's story? Where is she now? We want more.' I decided to follow her up four years later as a 16-year-old and give her a summer romance." Audre is still selling advice, but now finds she needs help. She seeks out Bash, the boy everyone is talking about. "He is the new guy in town," Williams said. "He's a bad boy and so handsome and so cool." Audre's issue is that she doesn't know how to have fun. She hires Bash to be her "funsultant," as Williams describes it. Audre is writing a self-help book titled "A Teen's Rules For Flourishing on This Dying Planet" with the hope it will help her get admitted to Stanford University. Mary asked Williams for some of her favorite "rules." "One of the sillier ones was: 'If you're wearing a light-colored dress and get caught in the rain make sure you are wearing nude panties or else your bright orange panties will show,' and she was speaking from experience," Williams said. "Also, 'If you run into a hot loner in the park and he drops a pearl of wisdom, don't write it off because he's good-looking and a player. He might be actually a sage.'" The book is not solely fun and games. Audre and Bash are also dealing with family issues. "They are both trying to navigate difficult relationships with parents, mental health issues, and the scary what-do-we-do-after-senior-year moment," Williams said. "It's a dance between the frothy, exciting, delirious feelings of new first love and some of the tougher aspects of being a teenager." You can read an excerpt and purchase the book below. The CBS New York Book Club focuses on books connected to the Tri-State Area in their plots and/or authors. The books may contain adult themes. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ "Audre & Bash Are Just Friends" by Tia Williams From the publisher: MEET AUDRE. Junior class president. Debate team captain. Unofficial student therapist. Desperately in need of a good time. MEET BASH. Mysterious new senior. Everybody's crush. Tall, floppy, great taste in jewelry. King of having a good time. It's the last day of school at Cheshire Prep, Brooklyn's elite academy-and Audre Mercy-Moore's life is a mess. Her dad cancelled her annual summer visit to his Malibu beach house. Now? She's stuck in a claustrophobic apartment with her mom, stepdad, and one-year-old sister (aka the Goblin Baby). Under these conditions, she'll never finish writing her self-help book-ie, the key to winning over Stanford's admissions board. Cut to Bash Henry! Audre hires him to be her "fun consultant." His job? To help her complete the Experience Challenge-her list of five wild dares designed to give her juicy book material. She'll get inspo; he'll get paid. Everybody wins. He isn't boyfriend material. And she's not looking for one. Can they stay professional despite their obvious connection? Tia Williams lives in Brooklyn. Little Brown "Audre & Bash Are Just Friends" by Tia Williams (ThriftBooks) $17 Excerpt: "Audre & Bash Are Just Friends" by Tia Williams Chapter 11 I am simply a girl asking a boy for help in reaching a goal, thought Audre as she strode toward Just Because. Nerves? None to see here. She told herself that Bash was just a guy she hired to perform a service. A means to an end. She was being proactive! Instead of sitting around, wallowing in self-pity because her life was in shambles, she was wrestling her personal drama to the ground! As she headed down the bustling sidewalk, she felt lifted by a powerful surge of confidence. But then, flashing across her brain, was a picture of his sculpted biceps flexing as he crossed his arms. And his sparklyeyed, megawatt smile. And she remembered that his (apparent) kindness felt weirdly at odds with his reputation. Hello, nerves. Something about him made her feel things— which was embarrassingly cliché. It's like he was AI designed to be crushworthy. When Sparrow said he looked at her and she felt a cosmic spark? For once, that girl wasn't being dramatic. Audre had felt the same thing. When his soulful gaze fell on her, she went all gooey. Clearly, he was cosmic with everyone. Maybe it was a trait he couldn't help, like freckles or a super-long second toe. He'd probably have sexual tension with a potted plant. No. Audre was too practical to let this meaningless attraction spiral into a Whole Thing. And, she reminded herself, he was almost certainly dating that Prospect Park girl. Besides, she suspected he only had two brain cells in his head. He could go from super engaged to checked out in seconds. Was he fried? Was she boring? Hard to say. But he could help with her book. Besides, feeling attraction wasn't the same as acting on it. And maybe it wasn't even attraction. Maybe it was just appreciation. Like admiring good art. Audre turned the corner on Degraw. And there was Bash. He was standing under the Just Because awning wearing striped swim trunks, a short- sleeve button- down (the buttons were pointless since the first three were undone), a rope necklace, and Nike slides. The top of his hair was tied into a knot. He looked like a person who lost their luggage on a tropical vacation. And yet he made Audre's stomach flip-flop. She swallowed hard and then tugged at her short smocked sundress. Was she too dressed up? Were the platform sandals too much? "Hey!" she called out. Bash looked up from his phone and saw her. His eyes widened and, from her vantage point, he seemed to freeze. Just for a moment, though. Then his face softened, and he flashed Audre a small, hesitant grin. It was a symphony of expressions. "Hey you," he said. "What's going on?" "Nothing much!" Her voice sounded strained. "That's wassup." They stood silent for a bit, fidgeting and looking at their feet. Finally, Bash spoke up. "Let's just start over. Like we're meeting for the first time." "Great idea!" "Are you a hugger? I'm a hugger." "Let's hug!" They embraced stiffly while managing to keep their actual bodies far from each other. She did note that the top of her head fit nicely under his chin. Bash pulled away, thrusting his hands in his pockets. "You look nice." "You too. Um . . . this isn't a date," she blurted out. Immediately, she wished for death. "Um . . . I know," he said, his eyes widening. "Damn. You're hella direct." "I don't know why I said that. I'm sorry. I just think boundaries are super important." "I'm aware it's not a date. I'm your fun consultant. Your funsultant." "You're funny." She lightly punched him on the shoulder and immediately felt like an idiot. "So. I'm excited to get started." "Me too, but I just wanna manage your expectations. I'm not as interesting as you think." Audre's face fell. "Please don't back out. You already agreed to help me. On this mortal plane, all we have is our word, Bash." "On this mortal plane." He tilted his head, mulling it over. "Bars." "Well, in third grade I won a citywide poetry contest," she offered awkwardly. He grinned. "Don't worry, Audre, I'm not backing out. I kinda feel like you're nervous. Excerpted from "Audre & Bash Are Just Friends" by Tia Williams. Copyright © 2025. Reprinted with permission of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved. Return to top of page
