Latest news with #budgetshopping
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Bargain UK retail chain with 700 stores is shutting doors to ‘super' branch for good in just HOURS
ONE OF Britain's favourite budget chains is shuttering a popular branch for good in just a few hours. The bargain retailer has more than 700 stores across the country, and shoppers are gutted to see more branches close. 2 2 Poundland is closing even more stores across the UK, with some closing in a matter of hours. One of these is the Stratford store on Bridge Street, which is set to shut tomorrow. Shoppers in Stratford were devastated to see the shop close, and some even took to social media to express their dismay. One gutted shopper said: " another one! "Won't be much left on Bridge Street at this rate." Another customer raised concerns about the 'super' shopping assistants: "The staff are super in that store, I hope they find jobs quickly." A third responded: "Another empty unit! Sad!" One angry resident slammed the area as a "ghost town" following the closure: "Stratford for shopping went down the pan years ago, this just adds to the ghost town it's becoming." Other shoppers simply put 'shocked' emojis. The store was taken on by the Gordon Brothers in 2025 and announced that a few sites would be closed during a major reshuffle. Poundland to be sold for JUST £1 as frontrunner for shock takeover is revealed after wave of store closures However, the Bridge Street branch closure was not initially part of the wave of closures. The store is being forced to close after the company failed to reach a deal to stay at the location. A spokesperson for Poundland said: 'Poundland expects to have a store network of around 650-700 stores in the UK & Ireland compared to around 800 today which includes combining two locations into one, where we're able. 'While that remains a very sizable number of stores, we know how disappointing it is for customers when a location like Stratford stops trading, and we look forward to welcoming customers to our close-by Retail Park store. They explained that the Stratford store was not one of those and neither was the shop at the Maybird Shopping Centre, but its closure was related to not being able to agree terms that would allow them to keep trading there. The spokesperson added: 'We're obviously disappointed we haven't been able to agree terms that would allow us to keep the store open. "It goes without saying that we are formally consulting with colleagues at the store and that work is underway.' Unfortunately for Poundland fans, the Stratford branch isn't the only store in the firing line. Port Glasgow follows suit on August 10, and Whitby will shut for good on September 3. A closing-down sale is now underway at the Newark store, while signs announcing the closure have appeared at the Pontypool branch, which will shut on September 7. The Merry Hill store in Dudley already shut its doors on July 18, followed by the Telford branch yesterday. Poundland is set to close its Cowes branch on the Isle of Wight on July 30, with its Newquay shop set to close on August 1. The closures are part of a major overhaul after the retailer was bought by Gordon Brothers for just £1 earlier this year. The bargain chain has said up to 68 stores will close, with another 150 at risk as it cuts down from nearly 800 sites. Plans include scrapping frozen food sections, removing online shopping, and increasing womenswear and seasonal ranges. Seventeen shops have already shut since March 2024, including locations in Maidenhead, Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction. Once the closures are complete, the company expects to operate between 650 and 700 stores. The Polish-owned Pepco Group had previously run Poundland since 2016, but auctioned it off in March. Shoppers have flocked to stores offering big closing-down discounts, picking up bargains before the shutters come down. Customers are being urged to check whether their local branch is affected as closures continue into September. A total of 24 stores will shut once the remaining closures have taken place: Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast – closed March 2024 Macclesfield – closed August, 2024 Maidenhead – closed October, 2024 Sutton Coldfield – closed October, 2024 Clapham Junction Station, London – closed May 2 Belle Vale Shopping Centre, Liverpool – closed May 6 St George's Centre, Gravesend – closed May 8 Southwark Park Road – closed May 14 Copdock Mill Interchange, Ipswich – closed May 20 Newport, Wales – closed May 24 Chiswick High Road – closed May 28 Filton Abbeywood – closed May 31 Surrey Quays – closed June 11 Barrow Dalton Road - closed June 12 Union Gate, Bristol - closed June 20 Flint - closed June 21 Colchester - closed St Marks Place Newark - unknown Telford - closed July 1 Stratford-upon-Avon - July 21 Newquay - closing July 30 Cowes, Isle of Wight – closing July 30 Newquay - August 1 Whitby - September 3 Pontypool - September 7 Inverclyde - unknown Barry Williams, managing director of Poundland said: 'It's no secret that we have much work to do to get Poundland back on track. "While Poundland remains a strong brand, serving 20m-plus shoppers each year, our performance for a significant period has fallen short of our high standards and action is needed to enable the business to return to growth. 'It's sincerely regrettable that this plan includes the closure of stores and distribution centres, but it's necessary if we're to achieve our goal of securing the future of thousands of jobs and hundreds of stores. "It goes without saying that if our plans are approved, we will do all we can to support colleagues who will be directly affected by the changes.' 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."
Globe and Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Is Dollar General the Top Pick for Budget Back-to-School Deals?
Dollar General Corporation DG is vying for the attention of budget-conscious back-to-school shoppers by positioning itself as a primary destination for affordable classroom and student essentials. With an expansive network of more than 20,000 convenient locations spanning 48 states, DG provides unparalleled accessibility, a crucial factor for families navigating busy shopping seasons. Shoppers can find more than 70 back-to-school and stationery items priced at $1 or less, encompassing fundamental necessities like folders, notebooks and composition books. Dollar General asserts that 100% of its core back-to-school inventory is offered at last year's everyday low prices, a compelling proposition for families striving to manage expenses amid economic pressures. This value commitment extends to popular brands such as Crayola crayons and Elmer's glue sticks, alongside fashionable yet functional backpacks available for just $5. DG is offering a direct 30% discount on select stationery for verified educators through Sept. 6. This is complemented by a "Teacher Social Media Sweepstakes," providing 20 educators with a $250 Dollar General gift card, fostering goodwill and direct support. DG is empowering all shoppers to maximize savings through its myDG account and DG Digital Coupons, which unlock additional deals. The retailer also promotes its popular weekly $5 off $25 deal, available every Saturday and on planned weekdays in July, encouraging larger, value-driven purchases. Furthermore, the in-store product scanning feature within the DG app helps customers easily identify available coupons, streamlining the savings process. As shoppers gear up for back-to-school, Dollar General promises value and quality. How TGT & WMT Stack Up Against DG in the Back-to-School Race Target Corporation TGT is making a strategic push to win over back-to-school shoppers through its early summer campaign, Target Circle Week. Running from July 6 to 12, the event features up to 50% off on school supplies, electronics and dorm essentials. With initiatives like daily deals, a 20% student discount and exclusive Target Circle 360 perks, Target is actively positioning itself as a back-to-school savings hub. These layered incentives not only promote early purchases but also deepen shopper engagement within the Target ecosystem. Walmart Inc. WMT is targeting back-to-school shoppers with its Walmart Deals event, running from July 8 to 13. Offering major savings on essentials like backpacks, laptops and school supplies, Walmart is positioning itself as a one-stop destination for early shoppers. Walmart's integration of tech-enhanced convenience — including app upgrades and multiple delivery options — further strengthens its appeal. With early access for Walmart+ members and trusted brands at reduced prices, Walmart is reinforcing its value-driven approach this season. Dollar General's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Dollar General stock has rallied 24.3% over the past three months compared with the industry 's growth of 1.4%. Dollar General's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 18.61 reflects a lower valuation compared to the industry's average of 32.42. DG carries a Value Score of B. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dollar General's current financial-year sales suggests year-over-year growth of 4.4%, while estimates for earnings per share imply a decline of 2.7%. Dollar General currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. #1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA) The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow. One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Target Corporation (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report Dollar General Corporation (DG): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shoppers race to Home Bargains to grab girly decor priced from just £1.49 that's so nice it's leaving them ‘crying'
HOME Bargains fans are in a frenzy after spotting a stunning new collection of girly homeware starting from just £1.49 and it's perfect for a night in with your besties. A TikTok video showing off the range has gone viral, with one excited shopper urging others to get down to the budget retailer asap. 5 5 Posting the dreamy finds, she wrote: 'Girls don't walk, run to Home Bargains.' And when you see what's in store, you'll totally get the hype. From chic cream soap dispensers tied with soft pink ribbons for just £2.99, to adorable ribbon mason jars complete with glass straws that scream summer garden party vibes. She also showed off the sweetest little bow glass mugs, which are flying off the shelves at just £1.49 each. And if you fancy a bit of fizz with the girls, there are gorgeous bow-stemmed coupe glasses for only £3.99. For those planning a cosy night in, Home Bargains is also selling ceramic mugs with bow handles. But the star of the show is stunning cream duvet set with embroidered ribbon detailing, giving your bedroom that soft, romantic look without breaking the bank. Shoppers are obsessed, with one commenting: 'These are all in my Home Bargains, omg I saw them yesterday!' Another added: 'Mine had run out of mugs but I picked the candle up… smells lush.' One happy customer wrote: 'I got that bow cup today, I love it!' I transformed my bedroom with just 3 strips of wallpaper - I'm obsessed with the result, now everyone wants to try it Another simply said: 'I love this whole collection, it's so girly.' The pink-and-cream range has sent fans into a spin, with many already on the hunt before everything sells out. Some items are available online. You can pick up the bath bow dispenser, tumbler and tray online. There's even a bow bathroom mat for £4.99 that's also available for home delivery. For the rest of the items you'll have to visit your local store. It's worth calling up in advance so you can make sure they have it in stock before making a trip. And this isn't the first time Home Bargains has nailed it. Just recently, the high street fave had shoppers crying tears of joy over its affordable garden decor range. With summer in full swing, it's the perfect excuse to revamp your space. 5 5 5
The Sun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a mum & Primark has become too expensive – here's the supermarket where I got almost 40 items for less than £80
AS prices are skyrocketing, millions of cash-strapped parents are looking for ways to slash costs wherever possible. A few years ago, many would've popped inside Primark to snap up a pile of clothes for their little ones on the cheap. 2 But over the last few months, furious customers have expressed fury over the popular retailer's prices, including a winter coat for £50. ' A £100 price tag in Primark, never thought I'd see the day!', posted a critic, referring to a black dress that Rita, 34, wore to attend the British Fashion Awards. Another commented on the frock: 'Primark isn't Primarking any more.' One former customer, mum-of-five and TikToker Mrs Luckey, has now also stopped going to the high street store, dubbing it ''so expensive''. The cash-savvy mum recently revealed where's been going instead - and how ditching Primark for a supermarket saved her a fortune. Ahead of the summer holidays, the thrifty mother bagged a mega pile of clothes for less than £80 - and it's all thanks to shopping at ASDA. The mega supermarket has long been a firm favourite for fashionistas - and there is plenty of wallet-friendly kids clothing too. During her trip to the store, the money-smart TikToker nabbed a total of 14 pairs of shorts, 14 summery tops, as well as five pairs of colourful leggings. The monster haul, which came to just £79, also included six sets of adorable pyjamas that her kids are sure to love. Sharing the jaw-dropping finds, the mum said in the video: ''Primark has become so expensive. Primark's mini dress is a copy of a £135 designer version - it'll give you a gorgeous hourglass figure & perfect for date night ''So instead of going there, I went to ASDA instead. ''I got the girls a pack of shorts each, all seven of them cost me about £8. ''So that was 14 pairs of shorts for about £16.'' How Asda has upped it's game By Fabulous' Fashion Director Tracey Lea Sayer Take a whizz round the aisles in Asda it is hard not to notice how good the George at Asda clothing range is at the minute. Add into the mix their recent collaboration with fashion designer Roksanda, celebrating 40 years of London Fashion Week, which is full of the designer's signature colour blocking dresses, oversized Borg fleeces and bold stripe co-ords, it is easy to see why the brand is on fire! All proceeds from the range go to The British Fashion Council to help promote young designers, so a win win! There also seems to be a return to quality in the clothing range. 'Style Stories' with fashion influencer Erica Davies is a capsule collection of Autumn must-haves which delivered not only on style, but on great pocket friendly prices starting from £7. Gorgeous quilted jackets, slogan sweats and a chocolate faux sheepskin flying jacket are among my faves. Plus, George at Asda has just been crowned with the Best Kidswear in our Fabulous Fashion awards voted for by the Fabulous readers. Click to buy enables you to shop the whole range online or you can just have a browse while you do the weekly shop. You are welcome! The bargain haul also included gorgeous summery vests that cost the mum just £12 for five - or just £2.40 each - as well as two Moana T-shirts slashed to just £4 on sale. Not only this, but the savvy shopper also nabbed a pack of seven tops for a mere £8 - and more. ''I thought I did really well. The whole hail cost me £79 and I definitely feel I got more clothes from ASDA than I would've got from Primark.'' Raving about the affordable collection, the mum went on in the comments under the video: ''Such nice quality for the price.'' It's not just the thrifty mum pleased with the retailer's clothing range - heaps of other fans flooded to comments to praise the supermarket.
News.com.au
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Nutritionist exposes ‘truth' behind Aussie office lunch fave
With the cost of living still rising, Aussies are scrutinising every dollar spent at the supermarket. But a viral TikTok is urging shoppers to look beyond just the price tag, exposing major differences between budget and premium versions of everyday staples. Filming from inside a supermarket, Dietitian Joshua Wernham holds up two cans of tomatoes, one a Coles home brand for $0.95, the other, a branded option from Mutti for $2.30. 'This one has almost 100 per cent tomatoes,' he says, gesturing towards the more expensive can. 'Other ones, typically have only around 60 per cent – and there are many other examples of this throughout the supermarket you might not know.' Differences between budget and premium products He then compares tuna cans, revealing that Sirena tuna contains 73 per cent tuna, while the Woolworths can of the same size contains just 35 per cent, the rest made up of oils and flavourings. While he acknowledges that he's comparing a spring water version with a flavoured one, he points out that you're better off buying the Sirena one and adding your own flavourings to it, to get the most tuna. When it comes to maple syrup, he compares Woolworths' 100 per cent pure Canadian Maple Syrup, which has just one ingredient and costs $9.50, with Woolworths' Maple Flavoured Syrup, costing $2.50, which has over nine ingredients. Parmigiano Reggiano, which is aged for a long time, was compared with regular parmesan, which he called just 'a regular hard cheese'. Olive oil wasn't spared either. He explained: 'Your extra virgin is basically just cold pressing olives, whereas your regular is extracted by using heat and/or chemicals, and in doing so, you lose many antioxidants and polyphenols. So pay for the quality'. His video quickly went viral, with commenters shocked by the differences. 'I didn't know that about tuna!' said one viewer. Another added, 'Interesting, just proves that generic brands are a rip off'. 'Thank you. This is why I don't buy home brand,' a third admitted. More price and ingredient disparities Mr Wernham told there are countless examples of these product disparities. 'Coconut milk is one to look out for,' he said. 'For example, Ayam has 89 per cent coconut extract and costs $5, versus only 50 per cent in your Coles or Woolies homebrand (both $1.10). This can go as low as 19 per cent in some light versions too, such as TCC Light Coconut Milk, which costs $2.30'. Buzzwords to look out for For those trying to save money, Mr Wernham doesn't simply recommend always buying the most expensive option. Instead, he encourages shoppers to read ingredient lists carefully and look out for certain buzzwords. 'Terms like 'natural' might sound ideal, but they're not strictly regulated and can be used on products that contain naturally occurring substances, even if they're highly processed,' he explained. He also warned that products labelled 'sugar free' or 'low sugar' may contain sugar alcohols, a type of sweetener. 'Although they contain fewer calories than sugar, it's important to remember they still have a few (2 kcal per gram), and in high amounts, they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort for some people,' he said. Shoppers should also be mindful of hidden sugars. Ingredients like maltodextrin, cane juice, dextrose, or corn syrup are 'basically just sugar in disguise,' he noted. 'Superfood' is another marketing term to watch out for. 'This is promoted for foods with supposed health benefits, as they're often very high in a certain nutrient,' he pointed out. 'While this is great, they may be lower in others, so I wouldn't say they're necessarily more or less beneficial than other foods.' And if a label claims to 'detox', he said it's worth remembering that the body's own organs do that job just fine. He also advised being cautious of products labelled as 'high protein', as sometimes the difference between the high-protein and regular options is very small. For example, Mayver's 'Protein' peanut butter has only 1.4g more protein than Mayver's standard crunchy peanut butter. How to maximise value After weighing all this up, Mr Wernham also suggests comparing prices per 100g, which are listed in small print on supermarket shelves. 'There might be a happy medium where they don't have many of the above, but still offer a reasonable price compared to the cheapest options with less ideal ingredients,' he said. He also recommends avoiding pre-sliced or pre-seasoned products, as they tend to cost more and may be packed with additives. Not shopping while hungry is also a common tip people may know, but he says it really does lead to unnecessary spending. Lastly, he recommends frozen products for maximising value without sacrificing nutrition. 'This helps with convenience as you don't need to chop anything beforehand. They also don't spoil as quickly, so there's minimal waste,' he said. 'They're just as nutritious as fresh, so that's not an issue either.' Overall, he urges people to read food labels and base their diets mainly on lean meats, in-season fruits, and vegetables.
