Latest news with #HollandAndBarrett
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Eat these two foods weekly to improve gut health and reduce tummy troubles, nutrition expert says
In recent decades, the term ' diet ' has become synonymous with weight loss. However, an ever-expanding bank of research tells us that what we eat has impacts extending far beyond the number on our bathroom scales. The food we consume can affect our mood, energy levels and immune system, among other things; its impact on our gut is central to many of these processes. For this reason, gut health has become a topic of increasing interest for many. 'Our research found that over 40 per cent of adults experience tummy troubles,' explains Holland and Barrett's Emily Foster, a certified nutritionist with a masters degree in applied sport and exercise nutrition. 'This indicates there's a need, now more than ever, to understand how to support gut health. Gut health isn't just about the gut either. It's linked to many more elements of health and it can influence other aspects of the body.' The path to a healthier gut, Foster says, is a high fibre diet containing 30 or more plant-based foods per week, with prebiotic and probiotic foods providing extra plus-points. But some are better than others. Here, Foster shares the foods she recommends eating weekly to allow your gut microbiome to thrive, and explains the many benefits each one can deliver. 10-second takeaways Everyone's gut is different, and people are likely to have individual experiences and triggers with their diet. But research supports the idea that a diverse gut microbiome leads to improved gut health and the many benefits that come with it. You can use the advice below to achieve improved gut microbiome diversity and health: Eat 30-plus different high fibre plant foods per week. Prioritise prebiotic fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, onions, garlic, leeks, Jerusalem artichokes, apples, berries and bananas. These feed and fuel the beneficial bacteria within the gut. Aim to consume fermented probiotic fibres such as kimchi, kombucha, kefir, tempeh, miso and sauerkraut at least two or three times per week, varying the ones you eat. If you are new to fermented foods, introduce them into your diet slowly to minimise any possible digestive discomfort – 'your gut microbiome isn't used to such a rapid influx of these new microbes... it's a sign of the beneficial bacteria getting to work'. Swap refined grains in your diet like white flour and white rice for whole grains. Read on for a more detailed list of the ingredients you should be adding to your weekly shopping basket, and why they are worthy of your time. What is a healthy gut? A healthy gut is one with a balanced and diverse microbiome, Foster tells me. 'Within our gut microbiome, we have trillions of different microorganisms – you can think of them like a bustling, microscopic city,' she says. 'There are beneficial bacteria, but also some viruses and fungi in there as well. The aim is to keep that balance in the bacteria, and also diversity within the types of bacteria that we have in our gut. 'There was a really interesting study called the American Gut Project [later renamed the Microsetta Initiative] which highlighted that a more diverse diet can lead to a more diverse gut microbiome, and this is linked to a healthier gut microbiome. '[To achieve this] we want to be consuming plenty of plant fibres to support our gut health. We also want to be consuming lots of different types [of plant fibres] throughout the week as well.' The foods Foster recommends for improving gut health can be split into two camps: foods rich in dietary fibre, particularly prebiotic fibres, and fermented foods with live cultures – many items in this latter camp fall under the probiotic banner. Group one: Foods rich in dietary fibre, particularly prebiotic fibres Fruits (especially those with prebiotic fibres, such as apples, berries, and bananas – bonus points if they are slightly green) Vegetables (particularly those with prebiotic fibres like Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, leeks, onions and garlic) Legumes Whole grains Nuts and seeds The American Gut Health (or Microsetta Initiative) study mentioned above showed that consuming 30 or more different plant foods per week can increase gut microbiome diversity, and thus gut health. 'These are foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, and nuts and seeds – even things like herbs and spices count towards it as well,' says Foster. However, gorging on your favourite fruit will soon see you hit a point of diminishing returns – diversity in your diet should be prioritised. 'If you were to eat a banana today, then you had a banana tomorrow, you wouldn't then be able to count that as a second plant food,' Foster continues. 'You need to consume different types of plant foods to reach that recommended 30 different plant foods per week.' For this reason, she says look out for 'plant points' on food packaging, so you know how much closer a food is taking you to that elusive weekly target. Of the plant-based foods listed above, Foster gives special mention to prebiotic fibres. These fibres feed and fuel the beneficial bacteria within our gut, promoting a diverse and balanced gut microbiome. 'Some of the big prebiotic fibres I always encourage people to eat are things like asparagus, onions, garlic, leeks and Jerusalem artichokes – these are all prebiotic vegetables,' Foster says. 'Berries and apples contain pectin, which is a type of prebiotic fibre. And bananas, especially slightly green ones, have resistant starch in them, which is again a prebiotic fibre to help feed that beneficial bacteria. 'Things like legumes, lentils, chickpeas and beans also have soluble fibre as well as resistant starch, feeding that good bacteria.' Another of Foster's recommendations is to swap refined grains in your diet, like white flour and white rice, for whole grains. 'Go for oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat and spelt,' she advises. 'Unlike refined grains, they retain their germ, their endosperm and their bran [the nutrient-rich embryo of the grain, the nutritious tissue that surrounds it, and the hard outer layer of the grain, respectively]. 'This makes whole grains rich in various types of fibres that are fermentable by the gut bacteria, again feeding that good bacteria within the gut. 'All fruit, vegetables and fibrous foods are great, but while all prebiotics are types of fibre, not all dietary fibre is prebiotic. Those prebiotic ones I've mentioned are especially beneficial for supporting the gut microbiome.' Group two: Fermented foods with live cultures Kimchi Kefir Kombucha Sauerkraut Tempeh Miso Live yoghurt If you've ever found yourself involved in a discussion about gut health, then someone has probably prescribed you a diet containing kimchi, kefir and kombucha. These are examples of probiotic fermented foods, and they can play a role to play in keeping your midsection content. 'Fermented foods, especially those that contain live cultures, are particularly good for the gut microbiome because they contain the beneficial bacteria strains within them,' says Foster. 'Instead of just feeding what you've already got within the gut, you're actually putting new strains in there as well, which is going to help to support diversity within the gut microbiome. 'Most, not all, fermented foods are probiotics, because not all of them actually contain live cultures. So things like beer, for example, are technically a fermented food, but it's not one we would encourage people to consume more of.' But, Foster adds, there are 'no official guidelines on how many types of fermented foods we should eat per week'. 'I always recommend aiming to eat them two to three times per week to start off with,' she continues. 'More is even better, and ideally, you are consuming different types of fermented foods on those two to three days, because the different fermented foods will contain different strains of beneficial bacteria. 'One important thing to note is that, if we do incorporate fermented foods into our diet, incorporating them slowly is better because it's quite common to experience a little bit of digestive discomfort when introducing fermented foods for the first time. 'This is because our gut microbiome isn't used to such a rapid influx of these new microbes. And it's a sign of the beneficial bacteria getting to work. It can be beneficial to start small and then gradually increase [the amount of fermented foods you eat] to allow time for your microbiome to adapt.' Below, you can find Foster's top recommendations for fermented foods to include in your weekly plans. Kimchi 'Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented cabbage,' Foster says. 'There are usually other vegetables in there, and things like chilli, garlic and ginger as well. 'It contains beneficial strains of bacteria to increase diversity and balance out the gut microbiome, improving overall digestion and potentially enhancing immunity. It's also rich in things like vitamin K and C for general health, and antioxidants from the vegetables that are in it.' Kefir 'Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a texture similar to a thin yoghurt. It's made with kefir grains, but these aren't actual grains – they're what's called a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, which is known as a SCOBY in a lot of scientific research. 'Again, they offer beneficial bacteria and yeast to support gut microbiome diversity. They have calcium in there as well to support bone health, and protein to support muscle maintenance.' Foster recommends using kefir in smoothies, overnight oats or even drinking a shot glass of the stuff in the morning. However, she advises being wary of flavoured kefir drinks as these can often contain added sugar. Kombucha 'Kombucha is a great one because it can be a good alternative to having a fizzy drink in the afternoon or having an alcoholic beverage when you're out,' Foster says. 'It has that beneficial bacteria, but it also has quite a nice flavour to it, so it still tastes like a bit of a treat.' Tempeh and miso 'Tempeh and miso are both fermented soy,' Foster explains. 'Tempeh comes in blocks, and a lot of vegan recipes use it as a bacon alternative because, if you fry it up or pop it in an air fryer, it has quite a nice taste to it. 'Then miso comes in a little pot, and it's generally an easy one to incorporate within meals – it's really nice to use in Asian dressings.' The benefits of including high-fibre foods in your diet 'Fibremaxxing' is currently trending on TikTok, and with good reason – there are plenty of benefits to upping your intake. The government guidelines recommend 30g of dietary fibre per day for adults, but many people are currently falling short of this standard, with most managing less than 20g. 'If we fall short of that fibre intake, we're potentially limiting the diversity within our gut microbiome, which is going to have an effect on digestive health and may impact things like nutrient absorption,' Foster explains. 'If we don't have a healthy gut microbiome, it could link to poor immunity, as well as issues with mood or stress through the gut-brain axis link. A low fibre diet also has the potential to be linked to quite a few gut conditions as well.' But for those able to hit their fibre goals with consistency, many potential benefits await. A large-scale 2019 review of data from existing studies, published in The Lancet, found that people who met the recommended daily fibre intake had significantly lower risks of dying from, or developing, several major health conditions (coronary heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer and cancer-related mortality) compared to those with lower fibre intakes, Foster explains. 'Other positive impacts are going to include regular bowel movements and generally improved gut health,' she continues. 'You're feeding that gut microbiome, which has loads of other impacts on a variety of health areas. 'A high fibre diet is linked to better weight management as well, because fibre is quite satiating and helps you feel full – the types of food that are high in fibre tend to be quite low in calories. It is beneficial for things like cholesterol levels and heart health, too.' Foster adds that everybody's gut is different as a result of their diet, environment and many other contributing factors. This is partly why Holland and Barrett's latest campaign has made gut health one of its key pillars. 'It's about empowering people to take control of their own gut health and educating people that the importance of gut health goes beyond just products and supplements,' says Foster. 'Yes, supplements can be beneficial, but it's also about creating an environment that helps those beneficial bacteria thrive through things like food and lifestyle. 'People go through different experiences [with their gut health] and have different triggers, so it can be really beneficial to get personalised, unique and tailored advice.' The Independent spoke to Dr Johnny Drain, the scientist-turned-chef who many of the world's top restaurants turn to for all their fermentation needs.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Best and worst UK retailers revealed as popular chain makes surprise drop – check where your favourite ranked
James Flanders, Chief Consumer Reporter Published: Invalid Date, THE Institute for Customer Service has revealed the UK's top-rated retailers for customer satisfaction in 2025. John Lewis has reclaimed its position as the UK's top-rated retailer for customer satisfaction, scoring 86.7 in the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI). The result places it ahead of rival Marks & Spencer, which scored 85.6 for its food division and 85.4 for non-food, after overtaking John Lewis in January. Other top performers include Holland & Barrett (85.4), Ocado (83.5), and Amazon (83.4). Each year, The Institute of Customer Service names the top 50 organisations across industries such as retail, banking, leisure, hospitality, telecommunications, and automotive. This year's UKCSI revealed that customer satisfaction in retail is improving, with 17 retailers making the top 50 list. Non-food retailers led the way with an impressive average score of 81.5. However, the news wasn't as bright for Waitrose, John Lewis Partnership's food chain. It fell to 26th place with a score of 82.4, down from fourth last year, as it faces challenges like increased competition from discount grocers and declining consumer confidence. John Lewis' success comes after a strategic turnaround led by chairman Jason Tarry and MD Peter Ruis, focusing on better customer experience, revamped stores, improved online services, and a return to its price-match promise. This has driven higher satisfaction and a 73% rise in profits, though its sales still lag behind M&S. Popular retailer to RETURN 13 years after collapsing into administration and shutting 236 stores Jo Causon, chief executive of the Institute of Customer Service, said: "Retail is a competitive space which consistently ranks among the top sectors for customer satisfaction. "The John Lewis turnaround is noteworthy, as an increase in customer satisfaction has coincided with a rise in profits, something we also saw with M&S. "Successful retailers understand it pays to consistently focus on the customer to drives brand loyalty, trust, and sustainable growth – and as our research shows, enables organisations to weather difficult events, such as cyberattacks." How did each sector perform in customer satisfaction? THE latest UKCSI data shows improved customer satisfaction across most sectors over the past year and six months. Automotive: Satisfaction rose by 1.0 points since July 2024, reaching 79.5, with a smaller 0.9-point increase since January 2025. Banks & Building Societies: Scored 81.1 in July 2025, up 1.8 points over the year and 1.1 points since January. Insurance: Improved by 1.3 points year-on-year and since January, reaching 78.8. Leisure & Hospitality: Scored 80.0, up 1.0 points over the year and 0.7 points since January. Public Services (Local): Saw the biggest year-on-year rise in satisfaction, up 2.4 points to 72.7, and a 1.7-point increase since January. Public Services (National): Scored 74.0, up 0.7 points year-on-year and 0.3 points since January. Retail (Food): Satisfaction climbed by 1.2 points over the year and 0.7 points since January, reaching 80.6. Retail (Non-food): Scored 81.5, up 1.1 points year-on-year and 0.9 points since January. Services: Saw the largest improvement overall, rising by 3.1 points to 76.6 over the year and 2.5 points since January. Telecommunications & Media: Scored 74.4, with a 1.1-point increase year-on-year and since January. Tourism: Satisfaction rose by 1.2 points over the year and 0.9 points since January, reaching 80.5. Transport: Improved by 2.4 points year-on-year and 1.7 points since January, scoring 73.9. Utilities: Rose 1.9 points over the year and 1.7 points since January, reaching 71.7. Which other companies are included in the top 50? First Direct, Starling Bank, John Lewis, and Nationwide are the top-rated organisations for customer satisfaction, with scores of 87.7, 87.0, 86.7, and 86.3 respectively. Banks and building societies are strong contenders, with seven organisations in the top 50, including three of the top five. PayPal and Klarna made their debut in the UKCSI, ranking among the 10 highest-rated organisations. Seven automotive companies and six tourism firms also feature in the top 50, while just two insurance providers, SAGA and Aviva, made the list. Jet2 is the only transport company included, and HM Passport Office is the highest-rated organisation in the public services (national) sector. Of the top 50 organisations, 34 improved their scores by at least one point compared to July 2024, with eight achieving an increase of four points or more.
The Guardian
15-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Electrolyte sachets are everywhere – but will they cure a festival hangover?
The tickets are bought, the line-ups have been announced and it's nearly time to drag last year's tent out of the cupboard for a wipedown – and to evict a few dead earwigs. And this summer, there's one more festival accessory that partygoers won't be travelling without: electrolyte tablets. Touted as a faster route to rehydration than water, and a way to replace vital salts lost during heavy drinking and partying, the focus on festivals is the latest twist in a global boom for electrolytes, as everyone from triathletes to YouTubers sings the praises of these super-hydrating mineral supplements. Happy Tuesdays is selling 'all-night electrolytes' for party people; Holy Hydration says its hydration powders are perfect for athletes and party people, replacing electrolytes and minerals lost from sweating; while ORS Hydration claims its tablets can help people to prevent or recover from hangovers. The UK health food chain Holland & Barrett is promoting electrolyte sachets and magnesium water as 'festival essentials'. But can they really take the edge off a hangover, or soften the infamous 'Tuesday blues' that follow a weekend flirtation with substances of a less legal kind? Electrolytes are minerals that are vital for basic bodily functions, such as regulating fluid levels, transmitting nerve impulses and ensuring the blood doesn't become too acidic. The main electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphate and bicarbonates. 'They are carefully regulated within specific ranges in the body. This is because levels outside the normal ranges – either too high or too low – can lead to life-threatening complications,' said Dr Sammie Gill, a specialist gastroenterology dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. Fortunately, our bodies do an excellent job of maintaining the correct balance of these chemicals, with the kidneys playing a key role – so for healthy people, day to day, taking electrolyte supplements is unnecessary, Gill said. 'There are so many foods that are rich in electrolytes, including plant-based foods and dairy. It's not something people should be concerned about.' One scenario where a healthy person might need electrolytes is after a bout of vomiting or diarrhoea. This can cause significant fluid loss and upset the body's balance of essential minerals like sodium and potassium, In severe cases, rehydrating with a properly balanced solution – such as oral rehydration salts – can be life-saving. Electrolytes may be useful in other situations – 'for example, during periods of intense or prolonged exercise over an hour in duration, and especially in hot climates, or if the individual is a particular heavy sweater', said Gill. And while partying in a sun-baked field isn't quite the same as running a marathon, it could, in theory lead to dehydration – meaning electrolytes may be useful here as well. That said, Gill said if you truly need electrolyte support, it's easy enough to make your own. 'Simply mix 200ml of water, 300ml of fruit juice and a pinch of salt,' she said. 'Cow's milk is also a naturally a rich source of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. You're also getting additional nutrients, such as protein, that electrolyte supplements do not deliver.' Whether electrolyte sachets can ease hangovers or soften the crash after taking recreational drugs is another matter. A recent review of UK hangover products available on Amazon found that most contain modest amounts of potassium, sodium and vitamin C. But although dehydration is often blamed for the misery that follows a night of drinking, the science tells a more nuanced story. When researchers led by Joris Verster at Utrecht University reviewed the evidence last year, they found that although alcohol does cause some fluid loss, dehydration and hangovers appear to be parallel outcomes of drinking, rather than one causing the other. In other words, although people often feel thirsty the morning after drinking, and may also feel terrible, thirst doesn't reliably predict the intensity of a hangover – and drinking water during or after alcohol consumption has only a modest effect on symptoms. 'Yes, thirst and dry mouth are common the next morning, and an electrolyte sachet might help with those symptoms, but it won't touch the main symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, or hangxiety,' said Dr Blair Aitken at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, who investigates the impact of recreational drugs on cognition. 'Current research points to inflammation, oxidative stress, and acetaldehyde buildup as the key drivers of hangovers, not fluid or electrolyte loss.' Nor are they a cure for post-MDMA or ecstasy comedowns, Aitken said. These are thought to be driven by a temporary dip in serotonin, poor sleep, dehydration, and general physical and mental exhaustion. 'You can't simply restore a complex neurochemical system with a supplement and expect to feel normal again,' he said. Interestingly, a small 2022 study from Imperial College London found no mood decline following MDMA-assisted therapy in clinical settings. 'The authors suggested that the typical comedown might be more about context and expectation than the drug itself,' said Aitken. Some ingredients in rave recovery packs, may offer a small lift – hydration, sugar, perhaps some caffeine or other energy boosters, but they are not cures. 'The best you can do to support recovery would be sleep, hydration, food and time,' said Aitken. That said, using electrolyte tablets after a night of dancing, sweating and consuming drugs or alcohol, is unlikely to be harmful, he added. 'If people want to use them for a bit of post-party support, that's fine – just don't expect a miracle fix.'
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
My hair's thin & short but a £12 buy helped it grow so full & thick – I can't believe the difference & it smells amazing
HAIR loss is a result of many factors; menopause, diet changes, list goes on. And it can really affect a person when they see clumps of hair falling out, or excess shedding. Whilst the hair goes through a natural cycle, with it being normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, any more and it starts to become a concern. Several shoppers who have experienced hair loss for a variety of reasons are claiming to have found a product that is brilliant at stimulating new hair growth. The Weleda Rosemary Revitalising Hair Tonic is usually £13.95 but is currently on offer for £10 at Boots. Holland & Barrett also sell it for £15.95. It's a "natural treatment against hair and scalp problems, hair loss, thinning or brittle hair, dandruff and dryness". The product description reads: "Used for centuries to stimulate the circulation, rosemary helps restore the health of the scalp, while stonecrop and horseradish extracts work together to discourage microbial development and reduce inflammation." The benefits are said to be: But what do customers think? Giving if five stars, Lesley Anne said: "I've been using this product day and night for nearly three months and I can't get over the difference in my hair. I have typically thin, short hair but I recently noticed more thinning than usual so I gave this a go! 'I'm in shock at how well this has worked in a month' shoppers praise budget Amazon buy for curing their hair loss & it's currently on sale "I wish you could post pictures here because the difference is honestly unbelievable. I'm not concerned about tying up my hair anymore, no it looks full and thick. Not surprised Weleda are still selling this product, it is absolute gold!" Daria shared her experience using the product: "Very good for hair growth, using for the second time and love it." Yasemin's review read: "It definitely stimulated new hair growth around my temples which is where I apply the tonic. pleasant smell and not too runny/oily once applied. Recommend." Veronika also had great things to say about the tonic: "The product is perfect, it actually helps to grow a new hairs and keep the hair healthy." Hair re-growth FAQs Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley spoke exclusively to Fabulous. How long does it take for hair to grow back? Hair grows, on average, half an inch a month. You cannot speed this up. Do rosemary oil and scalp massages work? Oils do not promote hair growth. In terms of rosemary oil, the current trend stems from one small study carried out on 50 men in 2015. No women were involved, and the study compared the effects of 2 per cent minoxidil to Rosemary oil. 2 per cent minoxidil doesn't do much for male pattern hair loss anyway, so the results were not very impressive. Oils do serve a purpose in conditioning hair treatments though. They help add shine and smooth the hair cuticle to lock-in moisture and improve combability. Scalp massages alone won't cure hair loss, but it can help relax you, aid in lymphatic drainage, exfoliate and help topicals penetrate. Are there any products or foods/vitamins you recommend someone using or eating to help with hair regrowth? To support healthy hair regrowth, if you are experiencing hair thinning we'd recommend our Density Preserving Scalp Drops clinically proven to help slow hair loss with continued daily use within three months. Telogen effluvium (hair shedding) due to nutritional deficiencies can often be simply treated with changes to your diet, and nutritional supplements such as our specially formulated Density Healthy Hair Complex and Density Amino Acid Booster. Iron and Ferritin (stored iron) in red meat, dried apricots and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin B12 in animal products and fortified plant-based foods. Protein from oily fish, lean meat, cottage cheese, tofu, nuts, chickpeas, and beans. However, there may be an underlying cause for their hair loss and rather than this being masked by using an off-the-shelf product, they should be encouraged to seek the advice of a specialist such as a Trichologist. However, not everyone who has used it raves about it. Karen explained: "Only half way through first bottle and am squinting my head brain eyes trying to see a difference and nothing!" Another also failed to see new hair growth: "Being a huge fan of Weleda products, I was so excited to try this, but sadly I didn't notice any difference. I used it every morning and night for around 4/5 months (I purchased two bottles)." What's the evidence behind rosemary oil for hair growth? Rosemary oil is believed to stimulate hair follicles and improve scalp circulation, potentially leading to hair growth. It's often used as a natural alternative to minoxidil, a medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure and pattern hair loss, with some studies suggesting it may be equally effective. While more research is needed to fully understand its benefits, many individuals report positive results from using rosemary based products for hair growth.
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Popular chain with more than 1,600 stores to ‘close high street branch' in blow to shoppers
SHOPPERS were saddened to hear a popular chain with more than 1,600 stores is set to close a beloved branch. Holland & Barrett are reportedly shuttering a once-thriving site imminently, in yet another blow to the high street. 1 Residents in Inverness, Scotland, were disappointed to see a "closing soon" sign taped to their local store. "We're sorry this store is closing soon but you can still shop at it read. Holland & Barrett is one of the UK's leading health stores and is known for selling a range of vitamins, vegan food and beauty products. The company have not given an official shut down date as of yet, as reported by the Inverness Courier. It is understood the lease on the shop may be up for renewal soon, which may have led to decisions being made around potential closure. However, it is not known whether Holland & Barrett could re-open at a new site nearby. This comes after the company announced plans to roll out more than 30 new UK stores as part of a three-year mission. It will also be transforming 320 existing sites, as well as launching new brands both in the UK and internationally. And, in its annual report, Holland & Barrett recorded double-digit growth for the second year running. The firm boasted a 10 per cent year-on-year sales growth in the last financial year, and £524.2million in profit. Scottish vintage clothing store launches huge closing down sale with 80% off It added: "As a result, confidence is high that the company will see a third consecutive year of strong growth driven by the significant acceleration of online in fiscal year 2025." Holland & Barrett were contacted for comment This comes follows the closure of a branch on Hanley's high street in Stoke on Trent bit the dust. They were forced to relocate, and ahead of the move, Holland & Barrett said: "We can confirm we will be closing H&B Hanley later next month and opening our new, bigger and better store in The Potteries Centre. 'We are delighted to be opening a larger store with an even wider range of products and an increased store team of experts to support the community on their wellness journeys. 'We look forward to welcoming our customers from our Hanley store soon.' Meanwhile, not long ago the company confirmed its shops in Chard, Somerset, and Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, would be closing their doors. This comes ahead of more closured from major retailers this month as the high street continues to face difficulties. This year businesses have faced increased costs due to Government changes announced in the Budget. An increase in employer National Insurance contributions, energy and rent costs and lower customer footfall have all piled on pressure. As a result, some retailers have been forced to hike prices, review expansion plans and reduce the number of stores they have. But remember, retailers regularly close shops for a number of reasons, not just because they are struggling. For example, they may have a nearby store that is performing better or may want to move to a location that will have a higher footfall, such as a retail park. Here is a full list of the shops we know are shutting in June 2025. They include, but aren't limited to, The Original Factory Shop, Poundland, and The Works. RETAIL PAIN IN 2025 The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than half of companies plan to raise prices by early April. A survey of more than 4,800 firms found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024. Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure. 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." Professor Bamfield has also 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."
