Latest news with #discountsale
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers are snapping up ‘dirt cheap' toys from B&M from 80p – and they're perfect to put away for Christmas
B&M shoppers are racing to snap up 'dirt cheap' toys from B&M that are discounted to as low as just 80p. The purse-friendly retailer currently has a summer sale on, and many people are taking advantage of it to start on their Christmas shopping. 8 8 8 8 One bargain hunter took to the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK to show off the toy haul they did this week. They wrote: 'Check your local B&M folks. Just got all this for dirt cheap.' One of the cheap items they snapped up was a Tiffany doll with a scooter, which was just 80p. They also got a Tattoo Meez set with a plushy for just £2.50, and they spotted a Disney Bitzee for £18. The shopper added: 'They also had Power Ranger Funko Pop, Lego Star Wars for £9, Ninja Turtles stuff and more.' B&M just this week launched a two for £20 offer on over 20 of its products but has dropped prices on others by even more. In any case, always remember to compare prices before buying any product as you might find it cheaper elsewhere. PriceSpy, Price Runner and Idealo are three websites well worth using to find the best price for a particular item. You can also use the Google Shopping/Product tab to do a less extensive trawl of the internet. If you're looking to find similar bargains next time you're at B&M, there is one trick you can use as well - the B&M scanner app. 6 ways to get the biggest bargains in B&M The app can be downloaded for free on to your smartphone via the Apple App Store or Google Play. It has a barcode price check feature which lets you scan product labels in-store to find out their true price. It sometimes shows up products that have been slashed to just 10p. The app also offers you a description of the product you are scanning. 8 8 8 How else to save money at B&M The best time to get cut-price products is 10am on a Wednesday, according to one ex B&M manager. This is when staff slash items to as little as 10p to clear excess stock and make way for new products. It's worth signing up to Facebook pages dedicated to hunting for bargains from B&M and other discounters too. Some worth joining are and Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group. Meanwhile, B&M super shopper Sam Penney recently revealed her six top tips for bagging a bargain at the discount chain. 8 How to save money at B&M Shoppers have saved hundreds of pounds a year by using B&M's scanner app. The scanner lets you see if an item's price is cheaper than advertised on the shop floor label. Products that are typically discounted are seasonal items and old stock that B&M is trying to shift. The app is free to download off the B&M Stores mobile app via Google Play or the Apple App Store. According to one ex-B&M manager, you'll want to visit your local branch at 10am on a Wednesday too. Here's how you can join the B&M bargain hunt: Download the B&M app for free on any smartphone with an App Store or Google Play. Once you've installed it on your device, click on the option labelled "more" on the bottom, right-hand side of the app home page. You'll then find an option that says "barcode scanner". Click on this and you'll open a camera screen. Use the camera to hover over the barcode of the product you wish to check. If the price comes up as lower, take it to the cash desk and it will automatically scan at the lower price. You don't need to sign up to the B&M app to use the barcode scanner.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
High street retailer with 240 shops launches huge closing down sale ahead of shutting six branches in DAYS
A MAJOR high street retailer has launched a huge closing down sale ahead of the closing of six of its branches across the UK. GAME - which operates around 240 stores across the UK - has slashed the prices of some of its products by up to 20 per cent across the closing outlets. 2 The retailing giant announced the closure of six of its stores across the UK in August and September, including outlets in Eldon Square in Newcastle and at Galleries Shopping Centre in Bristol. Fans of the gaming store spotted major discounts at their local outlets that are due to be shut. GAME, which stocks video games, consoles, and even LEGO products, is owned by Frasers Group - the company behind brands Sports Direct and House of Fraser. Closing down sale signs were seen outside the popular store in Eldon Square last month, reports ChronicleLive. GAME stores closing in August and September Basingstoke, Hampshire (closed August 10) Southend, Essex (due to close before end of August) Metrocentre Shopping Centre, Gateshead (due to close September 7) Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol (due to close September 25) Chatham, Kent (due to close before end of September) Even more have appeared since the first sighting, with discounts slapped on countless products in the store. These savings could grow even larger as the store heads closer to its final day of trading. Other stores due for the chop include one outlet in the Metrocentre Shopping Centre in Gateshead as well as another in Southend, Essex. This follows the closure of a number of other GAME stores in recent months, including shops in the Trafford Centre in Manchester in June and the outlet in the Victoria Centre in Nottingham in July. GAME was acquired by the Frasers Group, owned by businessman Mike Ashley, in 2019, as part of a £52 million deal. However, in January 2020 the retailer announced plans to close 40 of its more than 300 stores across the UK. Major card chain with 163 shops launches closing down sales ahead of shutting its doors for good Today, there are roughly 240 Game stores operating across the UK. HIGH STREET STRUGGLES The high street has majorly struggled in recent years due to a combination of factors. Shoppers are buying much more of their products online, while retailers have faced higher rental, wage and energy costs. The Centre for Retail Research says the sector has been going through a "permacrisis" since the 2008 financial crash. Figures from the Centre show 34 retail companies operating multiple stores stopped trading in 2024, leading to the closure of 7,537 shops. Businesses have cautioned more closures are to be expected this year as well due to the hike to employer NICs and staff wages. The rate of employer NICs was hiked from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent and the threshold at which they are paid lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 in April. The national minimum wage was also increased by up to £12.21 a hour. Some big names have already announced mass store closures in 2025, including Poundland, Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop. 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." 2
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Amazon's back-to-school sale has deep deals on backpacks, MacBooks, pens and more
Amazon has stocked its virtual store shelves with deals on everything you and the students in your life need to head back to the classroom this fall during its annual back-to-school sale. Spread across pages and pages of deals, I've found 26 of my favorite ways to save money on all the essentials you were likely buying anyway. The best deals include up to 50% off school supplies, all-time lows on Apple's newest MacBook, backpacks from top brands and more. Five Star Spiral Notebook, 6-Pack Score six of these spiral notebooks from Five Star while Amazon is offering a record-low price. Each one comes in a different color to differentiate classes. It also features 100 college-ruled sheets for note-taking all semester long. Amazon Basics 44-Piece Student Success Kit Prepare the student in your life for whatever the upcoming school year throws at them with a discount on this 44-piece kit. In the box, you're getting an assortment of pencils, pens, markers, folders, notebooks and practically everything else you'll need for homework, group projects and other assignments. Amazon takes $5 off just before the fall semester. Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 10-Pack Save 32% on this pack of Paper Mate mechanical pencils while Amazon offers the best price of the year. Each one uses 0.7mm lead for more precise writing and comes in one of 10 colors for some added flair. There's also a jumbo twist eraser on the back. Oxford 2-Pocket Folders, 25-Pack Organize all your notes and assignments in these two-pocket folders. The 25-pack includes an assortment of designs for color-coding coursework and plenty of room for an entire year's worth of work, thanks to room for up to 50 sheets in each pocket. Take 50% off with this limited-time Amazon deal. Sharpie S-Gel Pens, 12-Pack If you've used these Sharpie gel pens in the past, you'll know how good of a deal this 12-pack is. If you haven't, now is your chance to see why over 76,000 Amazon shoppers swear by these pens. Today's 33% discount is the best price in months on the bundle. Cardinal 3-Ring Binders, 4-Pack This 4-pack of three-ring binders is nearly 50% off at the lowest Amazon price of the year. These are more heavy-duty solutions for keeping your study material organized this school year, with room for 350 sheets in each binder. Paper Mate InkJoy 100RT Retractable Ballpoint Pens, 20-Pack These colorful ballpoint pens from Paper Mate are under $10 with today's Amazon discount. Aside from the assortment of colors that make these stand out, the 40% discount makes stocking up on a classroom essential a better value. Oxford 5-Subject Spiral Notebook This hefty Oxford spiral notebook comes with 200 sheets wrapped in water-resistant and tear-resistant covers to ensure it can survive the school year. Amazon takes 28% off as part of its back-to-school sale. Amazon Basics Colored Pencils Set Whether you're stocking up for your little one's back-to-school shopping list or looking to keep them entertained over the final few weeks of their summer break, this set of 24 pre-sharpened colored pencils is ideal for shading and layering. Today's offer is the second-best price of the year and the lowest outside of a Lightning deal over Prime Day. Sharpie Permanent Markers, 12-Pack If your back-to-school kit could use a few old-school Sharpies, this 12-pack is down to $7. Use them to label boxes while packing, mark up folders to identify coursework and more while 27% off the going rate. Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air M4 If you're shopping for a new laptop this fall, I found the one most worth your money. The MacBook Air M4 has earned praise from CNN Underscored editors and readers alike since launching in the spring. It's now down to one of the best prices at $200 off during the Apple back-to-school our review Hisense 43-Inch QD6 4K Smart Fire TV This 43-inch television is the perfect addition to any dorm room. It's still on the smaller size for making the most of more compact rooms but offers 4K picture quality, integrated Fire TV smart features and higher-end perks like 120Hz refresh rates and Dolby Atmos audio. Apple AirTag When it comes to advice on how to make the most out of tech, there's no one I trust more than CNN Underscored's senior electronics editor Mike Andronico. He just took a closer look at why AirTags are the ultimate back-to-school gadget, and this Amazon discount popped up at an opportune time for you to apply his advice for less. Save $5 at Amazon on each of Apple's beloved item our review Roku Streaming Stick If you have an aging television that you're planning to bring with you back to campus this fall, give it an upgrade with this 1080p Roku Streaming Stick. It plugs into any TV's HDMI port in order to offer modern smart streaming features with an easy-to-use our review Apple AirPods Pro 2 Don't let a loud roommate break your concentration while studying now that the newest pair of AirPods Pro 2 is $80 off at Amazon. I've been rocking these myself and love that I can tune out my surroundings when it's time to focus. Read our review Herschel Supply Co. Classic XL Backpack Take 30% off the crosshatch version of Herschel's ubiquitous Classic XL bag. It earned our praise as one of the best laptop backpacks around by sporting a clean design and ability to carry a decent amount of gear like MacBooks, headphones, water bottles and more. Now, it's up to $19 off at Amazon just in time for back-to-school season. JanSport SuperBreak Plus Backpack There's nothing more classic than a JanSport backpack, and this one with a padded laptop sleeve won't break the bank while it's up to 40% off. Various styles and prints are on sale at Amazon right now, with prices starting at $25. Amazon Basics Backpack If you're looking for the most affordable way to outfit your little one with a new backpack this fall, this Amazon Basics option is it. It's down to $18 because of this nearly 40% price cut. It also comes with high ratings from over 17,000 Amazon shoppers. Under Armour Hustle Sport Backpack Send your student athlete back to school with this heavy-duty backpack on their shoulders. It not only has room to hold all their books and school supplies, but its bungee sleeves let them stow away any jackets or cleats. Plus, the entire thing is water-resistant for keeping everything dry. Lego Brick Backpack I may be biased, but this is my favorite backpack deal from Amazon's back-to-school event. Four colors of this quirky Lego brick design are on sale at up to 22% off right now. I love that the Lego studs on the back double as pockets. JanSport Main Campus Backpack Circling back to JanSport, another one of its backpacks is also on sale. This one features two interior pockets on top of a side mesh water bottle pocket, and it is $20 off. Bentgo Prints Insulated Dinosaur Print Lunch Bag Set Bentgo makes some of our favorite lunch boxes, and right now, you can bundle one of them with a Kids' bento-style lunch box for 31% off. The kit includes two back-to-school essentials, each complete with functional insulated fabric designs and fun dinosaur prints. Owala Kids 12-Ounce Insulation Stainless Steel Tumbler This 12-ounce Owala tumbler comes in several fun colors and is seeing a rare discount of 28%. Parents will certainly appreciate its spill-resistant lid and easy-to-clean removable straw even more now that it's at an all-time low price on Amazon. Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Soft Cooler Lunch Box in Lilac Speaking of rare deals, this Stanley soft cooler bag is on sale for one of the first times. The 20% discount only applies to the Lilac style, but if you don't mind its pink hues, you can keep your lunch fresh all day long since Stanley claims it will keep contents cold for up to 12 hours. Hydro Flask 21-Ounce Standard Flex Cap Keep water cold all day long with this 21-ounce HydroFlask bottle. Amazon takes $10 off the stainless steel bottle. Its cupholder-friendly design ensures you have access to a chilled drink while on the go. Bentgo Classic Adult Bento Box This all-in-one stackable lunch box container offers three compartments, plastic utensils and a nylon sealing strap for separating all the contents of your lunch. The bento box is BPA-free and comes in different discounted colors at nearly 50% off. CNN Underscored's deals experts are constantly shopping for the best discounts on the web. Outside of holiday weekends, we cover weekly guides on the top price cuts from retailers. While these back-to-school deals might not quite be down to all-time low prices, many of them are nearing those record lows. With the fall semester around the corner, buying a new device for a recent graduate or yourself means you can save on a classroom essential. I'm constantly tracking price cuts across multiple online storefronts to ensure the deals are as good as the retailers say. The rest of the deals team and I dive into the price history of each product while cross-referencing reviews and guides from other CNN Underscored editors to determine if it's worth your cash. Quite simply, our goal here at Underscored is to save you money. Our senior deals editor, Rikka Altland, has been doing just that for nearly a decade, and that kind of experience extends to the rest of our deals team. Being an advocate for buyers to make sure we're only recommending the best prices on the best products is what we're all about, and that focus comes across in our work.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Oprah's favorite things just went on sale for Amazon Prime Day - and these under-$17 finds are too good to miss
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more These are a few of Oprah's favorite things! Every year, shoppers wait with baited breath to find out the media mogul's latest recommendations. It's a major deal, and it's always fun to scoop up some of the finds — especially when they're on sale. This year, quite a few of Oprah's favorite things across all categories appear in the Amazon Prime Day sale, from insanely soft Cozy Earth sleepwear to luxe Beekman 1802 body care to the beloved Ninja CREAMi ice cream maker. Everything is discounted, but you'll have to act fast because Prime Day wraps up tomorrow night! Whether for yourself or someone special, these are some of the Oprah-approved favorites to snap up on Amazon today. Beats Studio Pro $170 (was $350) There's nothing like a pair of Beats Studio Pro headphones for exceptional sound. At 51 percent off, this is a great deal — and it earned a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2023. Calling them 'the best of the best,' the headphones offer flawless sound via two listening modes, including ANC and Transparency. Shop Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set $146 (was $195) It's no secret that Oprah loves Cozy Earth. Made from pure viscose derived from bamboo, the brand's pajamas are buttery soft and can transform an ordinary night into something more elevated and luxurious. They have just enough stretch and are slightly roomy, keeping you comfortable as you drift off for the night. Shop Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet $17 (was $24) It is absolutely no wonder this gorgeous formula earns 'Favorite Things' honors. Anastasia Beverly Hills has a winner in Lip Velvet, the creamy, rich, and long-lasting mousse that wraps your pout in beautiful color. It's truly weightless, with a lovely matte finish. Take your pick from a variety of gorgeous colors. Shop Nori Travel Press Steam Iron $89 (was $119) It's an iron… it's a steamer… it's both! The Nori Press has garnered millions of curious views and plenty of buzz for being so versatile and easy to use. Like a flat iron, it's designed to simply smooth over garments and leave every piece crisp, smooth, and totally free of wrinkles. Oprah notes it's 'ideal' for travel, too! Shop Beekman 1802 Body Care Gift Set $17 (was $24) We love Beekman 1802, and Oprah's a fan, too. The brand's hero goat milk ingredient is the star of the show, enveloping skin in comforting moisture. There's a lot on sale, but we're partial to these 3-piece gift sets in assorted scents. You'll get a tube of hand cream, a bar of Oprah's favorite soap, and a jar of body cream. Shop Le Creuset Cast Iron Bread Oven $240 (was $300) Could your kitchen use a luxe upgrade? Le Creuset is a must, both for its durability and its beauty. The brand's cast iron bread oven is utterly gorgeous (and available in lovely colors), with a 1.75-quart capacity and a snug lid that locks in steam to promote crisp crust and just the right rise. Delicious flavor is a given! Shop WanderFull Original HydroBag $47 (was $59) The HydroBag is both Oprah- and editor-approved, earning raves for being super practical and doubling as a purse! The main compartment holds your reusable water bottle snug when you're on the go, while a pair of zippered pockets provide ample space for everything from your smartphone to your wallet. Shop SWEET JULY Edgewater Collection Coffee Mug Set $25 (was $36) Artisanal mugs make such a nice addition to any cupboard. Great for your morning coffee or a relaxing cup of tea in the evening (or soup or cocoa or virtually any liquid!), this set of two ceramic hand-thrown mugs will wow you with its beauty. Choose from four colors, including black, white, gray, and peach. Shop TRUFF Hot Sauce Gift Set $24 (was $35) If you love hot sauce, TRUFF definitely has the right stuff! Oprah picked this duo last year, praising them for their 'delicious' flavor. You'll get one each of jalapeno lime hot sauce and habanero hot sauce. Both add just the right kick to any dish, livening up any breakfast, lunch, or dinner with serious heat. Shop Chillhouse Chill Tips Press On Nails Kit $36 (was $48) No fuss mani? Sold! Apparently Oprah was, too, because she hyped Chillhouse's Chill Tips kits, which have all you need to easily achieve a salon-worthy set in minutes flat. This bundle contains three boxes, including one each of cherry red, blush pink, and a delicate nude with dainty white squiggles. Shop Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker $250 (was $280) It turns out Oprah is just like all of us! She loves her CREAMi ice cream maker just as much as the rest of the world, and for good reason. This is the viral device that whips up not just ice cream, but also sorbet, fro yo, milkshakes, and more favorite treats. This XL model comes with two 24-ounce tubs. Shop De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Coffee Maker $550 (was $900) Oprah loves De'Longhi, frequently selecting the brand's gorgeous coffee machines for inclusion in her annual list. The Magnifica Evo makes coffee and espresso with the touch of a button, offering 13 grind settings for perfect extraction each time. It also has an automatic frother, enabling you to create coffeehouse creations at home. Shop Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks Set $35 (was $58) So chic and cozy! Life's too short to wear anything but the best socks, so why not splurge a little while they're on sale? Barefoot Dreams have you covered with this plush trio crafted in a gorgeous chenille knit. You'll get one each gray, navy, and black pairs. They're great for keeping warm on chilly nights! Shop Warmies Heated Stuffed Animal $24 (was $30) Need an emotional support teddy? We have to thank Oprah for sharing Warmies with the masses. Selected in 2022, the brand's heated stuffed animals are designed to improve well-being and provide immediate comfort. At 2 pounds, it's gently weighted for extra soothing. Zap it for 90 seconds (or even chill it) for temperature therapy. Shop Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 9-Piece Baking Set $58 (was $72) Oprah touted Chrissy Teigen's 9-piece bakeware set, a cute collection that includes 4 oven-safe silicone trays in square and rectangular shapes. They're all nestled in a carbon steel tray and include matching lids, so you can ensure that your leftovers stay consistently fresh. Everything is oven-safe up to 450 degrees. Shop OA Ora Ana Claire Huggie Earrings $103 (was $149) 'You never can go wrong with a hoop,' according to Oprah — and we agree! These dainty huggies are the perfect choice for everyday, anytime wear year-round. They even feel a little festive. And you can snap them up in a variety of colors, including ruby, emerald, black, white, and turquoise. Shop Cincha Canvas Go-Tote Bag $95 (was $119) Canvas totes live up to their reputation, offering durability and longevity coupled with plenty of room. Oprah's 2024 pick is a really reliable option, with a zip top, a pair of water bottle holders, and a laptop sleeve. It's also loaded with pockets, providing plenty of organizational space for all of your worldly essentials. Shop Dearfoams Hannah Chenille Knit Slippers $20 (was $44) Insane comfort from the first step! It's no wonder these topped Oprah's list in 2024. Like plush little pillows, these slippers nestle your feet in toasty warmth. The combination of knit fabric, gel-infused memory foam, and a hint of faux fur trim captures a chic vibe that sets them apart from ordinary slippers. Shop Khen Flower Cocktail Coupes $50 (was $60) Oprah is right — you can use this beautiful champagne coupes year-round! While they obviously turned up on her list during the holidays, they're so elegant and versatile that you'll want to pop them out whenever you're entertaining. Serve up everything from bubbly to sorbet to ice cream! Shop TELFAR Puff Shopper $140 (was $280) Oprah is a big TELFAR fan, having shared everything from bags to coats over the years. Last year she selected this roomy tote that's spacious enough to hold all of your daily essentials and then some. It has a handy magnetic closure and interior zip pocket, and is large enough to accommodate a laptop. Shop Softies Ultra-Soft Lounge Set $104 (was $139) Softies must be doing something right, because it's made Oprah's list year after year without fail. One touch of this lounge set and you will understand why! It is crazily plush, with a sumptuously light yet very warm feel. It's great for those off-duty days that find you curled up on the couch relaxing with a movie. Shop
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Family-run business holding ‘everything must go' sale as Labour's tax hikes force the closure of its last shop
A FAMILY-run retail business is closing its last store in a few days, offering great bargains before it shuts. The Cotswolds Sewing Centres, a family-run business, is closing its last store in Witney next week, offering big discounts in a "everything must go" sale. 1 The business, which has been a local favourite since 2021, says rising taxes under the Labour government have made it impossible to continue. This closure follows the shutdown of its sister store in Banbury earlier this year, ending over 40 years of serving the high street. Amy Brennan, who took over the business after her mother passed away in 2020, previously stated that the Witney shop and online store would stay open after closing the Banbury branch. However, she has now announced that both will be closing as well. In a notice sent to customers she said: "With a heavy heart I'm announcing the closing of Cotswold Sewing Centres. "Our Witney store and website will close in June 2025. "Unfortunately the April increases for businesses has forced this decision. "Thank you for all the support over the years." The Witney store will close for the final time on Tuesday, June 24. Until then, shoppers can grab bargains both in-store and online as the owners work to clear out their remaining stock. Britain's retail apocalypse: why your favourite stores KEEP closing down According to recent posts on the retailer's Facebook page, shoppers can get 30% off all fabric, 20% off yarn and 10% off drops yarn. Items in the haberdashery are discounted by 10%, and knitting and crochet patterns are available for just £3. In response to the post shoppers have shared their sadness about the closure. One person said: "This is just awful. Witney High Street is dying because of the high rents and rates. "I will be very sorry to see this particular shop go, as a dressmaker it's been a life-saver on many occasions." Another said: "That's a crying shame! "Where do all of us who enjoy being creative with knitting or sewing go now?" A third shopper said: "I'm so sad to hear the news. "This shop has always been such a special place for me - not just for finding beautiful fabrics and materials, but for the calm and welcoming atmosphere." RETAIL PAIN IN 2025 The British Retail Consortium predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. Research by the British Chambers of Commerce showed that more than half of companies planned to raise prices by early April. A survey of more than 4,800 firms also 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. Why is the retail sector struggling? The retail sector has struggled in recent years due to the onset of online shopping and lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic. Just this week, the owners of Poundland confirmed they would shut 68 stores in a major shake-up, with 82 more at risk. Both Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop are also shutting branches as part of restructuring efforts. Higher inflation since 2022 has also hit shoppers' budgets while businesses have struggled with higher wage, tax and energy costs. The Centre for Retail Research has described the sector as going through a "permacrisis" since the 2008 financial crash. Figures from the Centre also show 34 retail companies operating multiple stores stopped trading in 2024, leading to the closure of 7,537 shops.
