Latest news with #ClickandCollect
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
IKEA announces sudden closure of UK store that opened just two years ago after customer backlash
One unhappy customer described the outlet as being 'pointless' PACKING UP IKEA announces sudden closure of UK store that opened just two years ago after customer backlash Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IKEA has announced it is closing down a UK store it opened just two years ago following a backlash from customers. The famous Swedish homewares retailer has confirmed the Plan and Order point at the Stockport Merseyway Shopping Centre will cease in just a fortnight's time on June 16. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 IKEA is closing its Plan and Order outlet in Stockport (file photo) Credit: Getty The store in Greater Manchester is a smaller outlet than its usual out-of-town locations and is focused on kitchen, bedroom and living room planning. The aim was to provide somewhere for customers to go to get advice and expertise on home furnishing and somewhere where they could design their ideal fittings and get individual 3D interior plans from the interior designers. According to IKEA, the decision to close the store permanently was made due to 'a result of valuable learnings' where the company recognised their customers wanted a different retail experience, more along the lines of Click and Collect and return services. While the Stockport branch will close for good, other Plan and Order points, such as the ones in Dundee, York and Hull, will be adapted to meet those new demands and also include a small range of home furnishing accessories to buy. The current Stockport customers are now being directed to the next nearest main IKEA store, the branch in Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside. Locals can also now pick up their IKEA purchases from Tesco Extra in Stockport and the Tesco Extra in Stretford as part of Click and Collect. Salma Azad, IKEA area manager said: 'After careful evaluation, we've made the difficult decision to close the IKEA Plan and Order Point at Merseyway Shopping Centre. 'In the two years since opening, we've taken valuable learnings, including how our customers prefer to meet IKEA, and we'll take these insights into future openings, to serve shoppers in a more impactful way. 'I want to sincerely thank all of the customers that have shopped with us in this time. IKEA Manchester, a store locals know and love, will continue to be the closest hub for home planning, meatballs and everything in between.' Bosses had hoped the Plan and Order in Stockport would 'become more accessible and sustainable for customers in the north west'. I did a haul of the new Oxford Street Ikea whilst on my lunch break & I managed to kit out with bargains under £3 However, it did come under criticism from some shoppers. In a Facebook post about the closure, one person wrote: 'I'm not surprised to be honest. It is very small.' While a second added: 'It wasn't the right shop for that place, they'd have been better off setting up an IKEA homeware and food shop there!' A third critic said: 'Really don't know why it opened in the first place. Pointless.' The news comes after IKEA opened its own hotel in the Canary Islands. The location offers cheap rooms, a swimming pool and breakfast is included while also offering some of their most popular homeware items. Why are retailers closing stores? RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis. High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going. However, additional costs have added further pain to an already struggling sector. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." It comes after almost 170,000 retail workers lost their jobs in 2024. End-of-year figures compiled by the Centre for Retail Research showed the number of job losses spiked amid the collapse of major chains such as Homebase and Ted Baker. It said its latest analysis showed that a total of 169,395 retail jobs were lost in the 2024 calendar year to date. This was up 49,990 – an increase of 41.9% – compared with 2023. It is the highest annual reading since more than 200,000 jobs were lost in 2020 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced retailers to shut their stores during lockdowns. The centre said 38 major retailers went into administration in 2024, including household names such as Lloyds Pharmacy, Homebase, The Body Shop, Carpetright and Ted Baker. Around a third of all retail job losses in 2024, 33% or 55,914 in total, resulted from administrations. Experts have said small high street shops could face a particularly challenging 2025 because of Budget tax and wage changes. Professor Bamfield has warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020."
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The Range has slashed the price of a privacy screen to under £13 to help fence off your garden
Scroll down to find out how to spruce up your garden on a budget PRIVACY PERK The Range has slashed the price of a privacy screen to under £13 to help fence off your garden Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Range has slashed the price of a privacy screen ideal for creating your own back garden oasis to under £13. The retailer's artificial hedge screen now costs £12.74, down from £14.99, saving shoppers £2.25. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Range is selling an artificial hedge privacy screen for less than £13 Credit: THE RANGE The Gr8 screen measures 50cmx300cm, so you might need to snap up a few if you're looking to get coverage across your whole garden. Shoppers currently can't order the privacy panel through Click and Collect but can via home delivery. When we looked at ordering to north east London, there was no delivery fee, but bear in mind this might not be the case for you. Of course, whenever buying something like this make sure you shop around and check you're getting the best deal possible. Compare prices on the same, or similar, products through websites like Price Spy, Price Runner and Trolley. We had a quick look to see how much other retailers are selling the same Gr8 privacy fence panel for to see if The Range has the best price - and it does. Amazon is selling the same panel for £14.99 while Robert Dyas and B&Q are also selling it for the same price. Debenhams is stocking it for £15.99 - £1 more expensive. In any case, it's worth keeping an eye out for other retailers selling privacy fences if this one doesn't take your fancy. B&M is selling a 100cm x 300cm Peeled Reed privacy screen for just £10 - making it bigger and cheaper than The Range's ivy one. Cheap ways to bring vibrant colours to your garden all year round How to spruce up your garden on a budget Those lucky enough to have a garden can spruce up their space with a few budget-friendly tips - starting with cheap flowers. A rose garden is an easy way to give your garden a lift and you can buy seeds from £2-£3 at most garden centres. Or, you can head to Lidl for lavender from £2.99. If you have the space, try creating your own compost pile to enrich your garden soil without having to buy it yourself. How to find gardening bargains Doing up your garden to enjoy on warm and sunny days needn't cost the earth. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a top deal on items for the garden… You can bag big savings on plants, shrubs and flowers, as well as gardening tools and furniture. Many retailers have flash sales across entire seasonal ranges – often these promotions tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Use a price comparison site to search out the best value items. And keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items for your outdoor areas. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart online and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. And always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback. Mix green and brown waste to make the perfect pile - green grass cuttings with dead twigs and leaves work as a combination. It should be ready to spread when it turns brown with a crumbly texture and has lost its unpleasant smell. If you're looking to give your patio a clean up, you don't have to spend a fortune making it look pristine either. One gardening expert previously told The Sun a bucket and warm water with a dash of washing up liquid works just as well as more expensive cleaning products. Mucky greenhouses and furniture can be cleaned with sugar soap and water too. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Primark's 'charming' £16 bag adds 'playful touch' to wardrobe
Primark shoppers have dubbed it the "bag of the season" after seeing it on TikTok Primark shoppers are keen to get their hands on a "charming" new bag they've spotted online. The retailer is well known for its on-trend and affordable fashion - and there may just be a new favourite in stock. The Paula Echevarría Straw Seashell Clutch Bag is priced at £16 and is a shell-shaped straw clutch bag with a detachable crossbody chain strap. The bag has been shared on social media and has proven hugely popular with fans. TikTok user @kat_hickss posted a clip of the bag, with the caption: "Okay Primark I see you." Text overlaying the video dubbed it "the bag of the season." Beneath the post, one shopper said: "we're so obsessed," and a second wrote: "super cute." A third added: "She's cute." Another TikToker, @makeupbyhx, shared the bag alongside the caption: "@Primark be coming through with the holiday bags!" Text over the clip read: "Get this in my suitcase." Primark fans loved the clip, with many taking to the comments to share their thoughts. One said: "Sooo lush babe." A second wrote: "Love a good Primark bag." A third added: "So cute!!!!" A fourth impressed viewer commented: "I'm obsessed." A fifth wrote: "This is a must" and another said: "Looks nice." The full Primark product description reads: "Say hello to summer with this charming Paula Echevarría straw clutch bag. Shaped like a seashell, this woven accessory brings a playful touch to your warm weather wardrobe. "The delicate pearl-like clasp closure adds a hint of elegance, while the detachable gold-toned chain strap gives you versatility to wear it your way. Take it from beach to dinner with ease – pair with a flowing maxi dress and sandals for daytime adventures, or match with your favourite white linen ensemble for sunset dinners. This shell bag is designed to hold your essentials while keeping your holiday style perfectly on point." The Primark bag is available in stores now. Shoppers can check availability or order via Click and Collect here.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Primark launches exciting new service at ALL Scottish stores today – and shoppers will love it
PRIMARK is adding a new service to all its Scottish stores today - and shoppers will love it. The bargain fashion and homeware brand is finally rolling out Click and Collect to the 21 branches across Scotland. Advertisement 3 Scottish Primark stores are finally getting Click and Collect Credit: Tom Farmer 3 It's exciting news for shoppers Credit: Les Gallagher 3 Click and Collect will be available at all 21 Primark stores in Scotland Credit: Primark Click and Collect lets fashion fans order clothes from the budget fashion brand online and then pick them up in-store. As well as offering the convenience of ordering wherever and whenever, the service gives people the chance to get their hands on ranges and collections typically only found in Primark's larger stores. Whether that's its popular Paula Echevarria collection, 100% linen outfits from The Primark Edit or pieces from its adaptive clothing range, Click and Collect brings more of Primark to more people. So if you've been struggling to hunt down a viral buy in your local Primark or you're sick of scouring the rails for your size, it could be a godsend. Advertisement The move also means that shoppers at the UK's smallest Primark, in Hamilton, will have access to more than three times the in-store range, with more than 5,000 products available via Click and Collect. Primark's Click and Collect first launched as part of a trial in November 2022 and has proved popular amongst shoppers down south. But until this point, people in Scotland were missing out. Now, lovers of the brand will be able to shop a range of lines including women's, men's, kids clothing and homeware. Advertisement Another eight branches in England have also launched Click and Collect which marks the completion of the rollout across 187 stores in England, Wales and Scotland. Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, said: 'From the moment we launched Click & Collect, we've heard from our customers that it's made shopping with us even easier. Fashion fans 'need' Primark's new £14 linen trousers - there's two colours to choose from and they're great for spring "We know our customers in Scotland have been patiently waiting for the service to come to them, and I'm delighted that the wait is finally over. "From today, shoppers can check out online and pick up in person at any of our 21 Scottish stores, making it easier than ever to grab all their holiday essentials ahead of summer.' Advertisement Primark's Click and Collect service is just one of the ways Primark is giving Scottish shoppers more convenience, choice and reasons to visit their local high street. The retailer's first store in Scotland was in Hamilton, opening in 1975 – making it one of the first Primark stores in the UK. Today, Primark has 21 stores in Scotland spanning over 700,000 sq ft of retail space and employing more than 2,300 colleagues. It opened its latest Scottish store last December, at Glasgow Fort, while at the same time introducing its WornWell vintage clothing concession to its store on Argyle Street, also in Glasgow. Advertisement How does Primark's click and collect service work? The service works very similar to online shopping, but instead of getting the items dropped off at your home, you pick them up in-store. Primark has over 3,000 products available to shop via its website, including menswear and homeware. To place an order select a click and collect store, choose the size of your items to add to your bag and head to the checkout. Advertisement You can also select a date you would like to visit the store to pick the item up. Click and collect can be cheaper than a home delivery as many retailers do not charge a fee for the service. It is always worth looking online to see if your retailer has the option, but make it is at a store which is close to you.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Primark issues major update as popular shopping service launches in 29 stores
Today's launch makes the Click and Collect service available in 187 Primark stores which is all of the fashion retailer's estate in Great Britain Primark has completed its Click and Collect rollout across all of its stores in Great Britain as the final 29 stores launch the service today. The final rollout sees eight more Primark stores in England and 21 stores in Scotland receive the service. Overall, the fashion retailer's Click and Collect service is available in 187 stores across the UK. The service allows shoppers to reserve Primark products online, pay, and pick them up at a dedicated desk in their local store two days later. Customers can choose a day to collect, up to seven days ahead. It is free to use, but you need to spend a minimum of £10. Currently, shoppers can browse over 5,000 items online across its women's, men's, and kids' clothing wear, as well as its home and lifestyle ranges. Alongside this, the high street chain says shoppers can also access new and expanded ranges they might not otherwise be able to get in their local store. Click & Collect customers can also pay for any additional in-store finds when collecting their order from the dedicated Click & Collect desk, letting them skip in-store queues. Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, said: 'Now, wherever you live in Great Britain you can browse and shop the best of Primark online, before collecting in the store that suits you. We're thrilled to have now completed this roll out ahead of the summer. Whether you're after a suitcase, a swimsuit or matching holiday outfits for the whole family, Click & Collect makes your summer holiday shopping even easier. Primark first launched click and collect in November 2022 in 25 stores in the North West, North Wales and parts of Yorkshire. Although many shoppers have asked for an online delivery service from the retailer, it has reiterated many times that home delivery would "never happen". Primark stores getting Click and Collect today England Bath, 38 - 39 Stall Street, BA1 1QH Bristol, 1-27 The Horsefair, BS1 3BB Chelmsford, 9 High Chelmer, CM1 1XL Guildford, 33 The Friary, GU1 4YW Harrogate, 36-38 Cambridge Street, HG1 1RX Hastings, Queens Square Priory, Meadow Shopping Centre, TN34 1PN King's Lynn, 40 - 42 High Street, PE30 1BJ Yeovil, 19 Middle Street, BA20 1LF Scotland Aberdeen, 153 Union Street, AB11 6BH Ayr, Unit 8, Taran Walk, KA7 1TU Braehead, Unit 1a, Braehead Shopping Centre, G51 4BS Clydebank, Unit 2, 117 Sylvania Way, G81 2RR Dundee, 40 High Street, DD1 1TU Dunfermline, 127 - 137 High Street, KY12 7DR East Kilbride, Unit 4, Plaza Shopping Centre, G74 1LW Edinburgh, Unit 5, Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, EH15 3RD Edinburgh, 91 - 93 Princes Street, EH2 2ER Glasgow, 56 - 68 Argyle Street, G2 8AG Glasgow, 171 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3ER Glasgow Parkhead, Unit 21, Forge Shopping Centre, G31 4EB Glasgow Fort, Unit 8, Glasgow Fort Shopping Centre, G34 9DL Greenock, 39 Hamilton Way, Oak Mall Shopping Centre, PA15 1JW Hamilton, 29 Quarry Street, ML3 7AW Inverness, 16 - 18 Bridge Street, IV1 1HG Irvine, Unit 46, Rivergate Centre, KA12 8EH Livingston, 8 - 11 Almondvale South, The Centre, EH54 6HR Motherwell, 20 - 26 Brandon Place South, ML1 1RB Perth, 134 - 148 High Street, PH1 5UH Stirling, Thistle Marches, FK8 2EA
