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The Sun
an hour ago
- Business
- The Sun
Supermarket chain with 300 stores launching closing down sale ahead of shutting popular site this weekend
Olivia Stringer, Fabulous Digital Writer Published: Invalid Date, A POPULAR supermarket chain is launching a huge closing-down sale this weekend, as it shuts one of its 300 high street stores. The budget foodstore has been providing shoppers with bargains in the busy shopping precinct for over two decades. 2 2 Farmfoods, in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, is closing its doors for the final time this Sunday, June 22, with the remaining stock being sold off at a reduced price. Shoppers have been left devastated by the news, which marks another blow for the high street. Posting in the Ilkeston Life Facebook group, one person said of the Scottish store, which was founded in 1954. "A blow for savvy Ilkeston shoppers - Farmfoods in the precinct is closing. "It will be missed by many people, and the pleasant, helpful staff will be out of a job. "Shops like this are a lifeline to many folk." The post was flooded with comments from locals, sharing their sadness at the loss. A second person said: "It will be a sad day to see another shop closing. "It always seems to be busy though so it makes no sense." NatWest to close 53 bank branches in fresh blow to UK high street – see if your local is affected A third person added: "Oh what a shame, it will be sorely missed." This follows the news that Poundland has confirmed plans to shut 68 stores, with up to 150 at risk of closure. The struggling discount chain was sold for just £1 last week and it was expected a major shake-up would be needed to rescue it. Poundland has now announced a huge series of changes aimed at keeping itself afloat - although these will need to be approved by the High Court in August. 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." They include ditching its frozen food items, getting rid of its loyalty scheme app and no longer selling products online. The Original Factory Shop has also recently launched another closing-down sale as the brand pulls the shutters on another store. The discount department store has slashed the prices on everything, from clothing to gardening tools to toys. Clothing rails have been tagged with percentage-off signs as high as 30 per cent off. And a major DIY retailer has launched a huge closing-down sale as it prepares to close one of its branches in weeks. The Hobbycraft store in Imperial Park, Bristol, has confirmed that it will close its doors for good on June 21.
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
The charming corner of Norfolk rejecting the second homes tax
Norfolk is known for its quaint villages, beautiful beaches – and for being an epicentre of the backlash against second home owners. Much of this ire is focused in a quiet corner of North Norfolk, in the village of Burnham Market, in an area widely known as Chelsea-on-Sea. Here, almost 10pc of properties are second homes. In 2023, villagers voted to stop properties from being turned into holiday homes through the planning system, and then the council hit owners with a 100pc tax surcharge. Almost all of Norfolk penalises second home owners with higher council tax – except for one area which, by contrast, greets them with open arms. Welcome to Wymondham, in the heart of South Norfolk. It is far less flashy than its northerly counterparts. Its medieval streets are littered with thatched cottages, timber-framed properties and a historic abbey. The high street is packed with independent shops, and the cobbled market cross hosts a farmer's market every Friday. There is the annual Wymondham duck race, when hundreds of rubber ducks are launched down the river on May Day. Wymondham in Bloom transforms the high street during the summer months. It is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone – the locals can point out the Airbnb and second home hotspots. Yet they are welcoming of these visitors, as the high street cries out for more business. 'We need second home owners,' says Nicky O'Grady, a Wymondham local and owner of the Enchanted Willow flower shop. 'We need the footfall, and want the town to become more discovered. Second home owners can often afford to spend money and buy local produce. You can't just rely on locals for business.' 'Taxation for taxation's sake' While its neighbours have doubled tax on second homes, South Norfolk Council chose not to, deciding that it would have been 'taxation for taxation's sake'. The 100pc council tax premium on second homes was introduced by 230 councils across the country on April 1. It means a second home owner in Wymondham will pay £2,258 for a Band D property in council tax. Across the border in Great Yarmouth or North Norfolk, the same second home would attract a bill of more than £4,000. There are 667 second homes in the district, which is dwarfed in comparison to the 5,973 in North Norfolk. Yet local authorities with as few as six second homes – including Sandwell Borough Council in the West Midlands – have introduced the levy. The town hall resisted this attack on second home owners, saying it didn't believe in 'taxation for taxation's sake'. So the area remains an attractive second home destination, with the Norfolk Broads National Park nearby. Kyrena O'Brien, of local estate agency, TW Gaze, said the market in Wymondham is 'really active at the moment', with lots of interest from buyers. 'Wymondham is the most sought-after area in South Norfolk, it's getting more and more popular. The town is very welcoming of Airbnbs and short-term lets. It's getting busier, and that's a good thing.' She adds: 'This is the perfect place if you can't afford to be right on the sea, but you can get there quickly. It's also really easy to get to London via the A11 and has good train lines from Norwich, so it's a good place for a second home.' It's still an affordable place to buy, with median house prices just above the national average, at £300,000. 'We need the footfall' As is the case in so many small towns, its high street has struggled. Wymondham residents, Karen and Michael Graham, both 64, have seen an increasing number of businesses shut up shop over the years. 'The high street used to have wonderful butchers and fishmongers, etc,' says Karen. 'Second homes mean tourists are coming in, which helps the economy. We need the footfall.' Michael says that instead of buying in Chelsea-on-Sea, second home owners should set their sights further south. 'There are lots of places here that are extremely nice.' Their sentiment is echoed by local businesses. O'Grady, who runs the flower shop, says the town is 'lovely, but undiscovered', and adds that she can't 'just rely on locals for business'. 'We love tourism here. We need the second home owners. We want the town to become more discovered. I worry about the high street,' she added. Her shop, which is one of its oldest buildings, recently received royal approval when Princess Ann took a bunch of the Enchanted Willow's flowers on a visit to the local hospital. A change is coming The South Norfolk council area stretches from Diss in the south to the outskirts of Norwich, and creeps east towards the coast, bordering Great Yarmouth. As local government funding wanes, this second home tax haven may cease to exist next year. Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget hiked employer National Insurance contributions, indirectly costing councils an extra £1.13bn this year. And the spending review fell 'well short of filling the projected £2.2bn funding gap faced by county and unitary councils next year', the County Councils Network said. South Norfolk District Council has suggested that it may have to bring in the levy because of a lack of government support. Daniel Elmer, the council leader, said: 'South Norfolk Council took the decision not to increase council tax on second homes this year as we do not believe in taxation simply for taxation's sake. 'Unfortunately, due to the reduced support from central government and the current financial situation, we have had to agree to introduce the increase from next year so that we can use the added revenue to help reduce the overall tax burden for our residents.' This move may not be wholly supported by Wymondham's locals, however. Buster Smith, South Norfolk born-and-bred, says: 'There is nothing in Wymondham now. It's just charity shops. We need people here!'
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Why More North Tonawanda Homeowners Are Choosing Proza Tree Service for Their Tree Care Needs?
Proza Tree Service is a trusted, locally owned company based in North Tonawanda. The company is committed to providing reliable and professional tree care across Western New York. They bring years of experience to ensure safe service with a focus on customer satisfaction. It has helped them build an unmatched reputation. North Tonawanda, NY - The area is located between the Niagara River and the Erie Canal. That means the city has plenty of mature trees and green spaces. That tree-filled charm is great for curb appeal but requires expert care to keep properties safe and beautiful. That's why relying on a company that has local tree knowledge makes everything different. The team has established itself as the go-to option for homes throughout the city due to its reputation for local trust and dependable, reasonably priced service, preserving property values, and ensuring family safety. In addition to safeguarding people from hazardous branches and unsteady trees, their expert tree care preserves property values. 'We're not just here to remove trees. We're here to protect homes and families, preserving what makes this city beautiful,' says the company owner. Learn more about them at Proza Tree Service offers 24/7 emergency support, expert care, and the use of advanced equipment to handle any tree issue safely and efficiently. With free quotes and affordable pricing, homeowners get real value with every call. 'We had a tree down after a storm, and they were at our house within hours. I just couldn't ask for better service,' said an Erie County resident. By providing safe, reasonably priced, and skilled tree care services, Proza Tree Service has gained the trust of residents in North Tonawanda. They remain the best option for dependable tree care because of their years of experience and dedication to excellence. With glowing five-star reviews and trusted service, it's no wonder more locals turn to them. 'They treated our yard like their own - quick, clean, and kind,' added one happy customer. They offer expert tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, and fast emergency response to keep properties safe, clean, and beautiful. Each of their services plays a vital role in local tree maintenance. 'Our goal isn't just to cut trees but to care for them. Whether it's a removal or a pruning job, we make sure it's done with safety and long-term tree health in mind,' said the lead arborist. One of the top reasons why locals like this company is that they are available around the neighborhood during all kinds of tree emergencies. Other than North Tonawanda, the tree service company serves Erie County, Niagara County, and nearby areas. They are a reliable tree care company that understands the region's unique tree conditions and seasonal challenges. That local knowledge leads to quick, smart solutions. As one homeowner shared, 'When a big limb crashed during a storm, the team showed up fast and had the job done before lunch. I won't call anyone else.' The crew offers free quotes, expert consultations, and fast, flexible scheduling. Whether it's routine care or emergency help, they're just a call or click away. Connect with Proza Tree Service at About Proza Tree Service Proza Tree Service has won the trust of North Tonawanda homeowners with safe, affordable, and expert tree care. Their customized and on-demand service keeps tree owners at ease. Location: Media Contact Company Name: Proza Tree Service Contact Person: David Prozapas Email: Send Email Phone: 716-535-0865 Address:4639 Kriston Ln City: North Tonawanda State: NY 14120 Country: United States Website: Source: King PR
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Free Estimates, Clear Proposals: West Penn Tree Service Simplifies Tree Work for Homeowners in Irwin and Beyond
West Penn Tree Service, a local tree care company located in Irwin, Pennsylvania, focuses on maintaining honesty and transparency at every step. Their free estimates are a major initiative to keep customers informed about the cost and reduce later disputes. Irwin has trees just about everywhere, like red maples, tulip poplars, elms, and more. They add character to the streets and make homes look great. However, old trees, weak branches, and storm damaged plants become hazardous and risky. Additionally, diseases like root rot, fungal infections, as well as storm damages are frequent problems that need professional care. Pricing often leads to disputes and unpleasant experiences for property owners. Many companies often don't share the total cost, or they may overlook services like cleaning up. West Penn Tree Service has solved this problem with beforehand estimates after a thorough inspection. Their team understands the area's unique climate, terrain, and tree varieties well. As a result, they deliver the right solution for every job for local homes and businesses. 'We believe in giving our customers all the information up front,' said the company owner. 'A clear proposal means you know exactly what's happening on your property and what it will cost.' Visit them at to learn more! Homeowners in and around Irwin trust West Penn because of their strong commitment to service quality. Every client receives a free estimate and a written, detailed proposal that outlines exactly what work will be done. Their experienced tree care professionals perform tree trimming, tree removal, and stump grinding with free quotes for every service. 'Our job may start with tree removal. But it ends when your yard looks better, not worse, than before we arrived,' said one of their lead arborists. Their customers agree to this, too. 'We had a huge limb hanging over our garage, and they came out the same day to take a look,' said one Irwin homeowner. 'The estimate was clear, the price was fair, and the job was done the next morning. They were fast, clean, and professional.' If someone needs aesthetic trimming, urgent removal, or post-storm cleanup, West Penn Tree Service is ready to help. Their estimates are always free, and the proposals are always detailed. It means clients can make informed decisions with no pressure. Connect with West Penn Tree Service at About West Penn Tree Service West Penn Tree Service is a fully insured, full-service tree care company based in Irwin, PA. The company is known for its clear proposals, skilled crew, and no-nonsense pricing. And they also provide top-notch tree care services. Location: Media Contact Company Name: West Penn Tree Service Contact Person: Jake Cardiff Email: Send Email Phone: 724-396-0680 Address:201 Jason Lane City: Irwin State: PA 15642 Country: United States Website: Source: King PR
CBS News
6 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Third Thursdays in Old Sacramento aim to bring more locals to historic district
Old Sacramento is trying to bounce back from a big loss this week after a fire tore through one of its most popular and oldest shops. More than a dozen businesses are kicking off a new event that showcases the one-of-a-kind crafts and merchandise that can't be found anywhere else in Sacramento. The historic business district is trying to bring in more customers by creating a new monthly event called Third Thursdays. It's a chance for people to learn from local artists and creators. "It's a fun demonstration night, behind-the-scenes night with different businesses around the district," said Chelsea Evans, Old Sacramento district director. At Blueprint, they're teaching customers how to brew the perfect cup of coffee at home. "The big one is the blooming process," said Chase Garibaldi, manager of Blueprint Coffee Project. "That's when the water and coffee grounds meet each other for the first time." At Threadeco Boutique, they're showing people how to mend holes and fix buttons on their own clothing instead of tossing it in the trash. "There's really something for everyone down here," Threadeco owner Maggie Baker said. One of Old Sac's most popular spots, Evangeline's Novelties and Costumes Shop, temporarily closed due to a fire early this week. Some people may have security concerns due to violent crimes in the past, but the stores behind this new marketing campaign hope it will ultimately encourage more local customers to support these locally owned businesses. "I think a lot of people think of Old Sacramento in terms of candy and coming down for the holidays, but we have so many artisans, craftspeople, really unique finds and unique gifts, and so we're really hoping to showcase that side of Old Sac," Baker said. Third Thursdays is scheduled to run through the summer and fall and could be extended if it becomes a popular monthly event. "My hope is that the locals understand that they can come down here to Old Sacramento for a great evening and not just come down when your aunt and uncle come to town," said Glow Studio owner Katy Karns. "It's going to be ever changing, so each month you can come down on the third thursday and there will be different demonstrations," Evans said.
