Latest news with #retailer
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Thousands of of ASOS customers banned and accounts deleted as retailer cracks down on ‘insane' policy
THOUSANDS of ASOS customers have had their accounts banned and deleted as the retailer cracks the whip on its return policy. Shoppers were sent emails detailing how their accounts had been closed with "immediate effect" after the online retailer said they breached the terms of its Fair Use Policy. 1 The move sparked fury among punters, with many describing the move as "unfair" and "insane". Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one shopper said: "Account closed for consistent breaches of their [ASOS] Fair Use policy when I haven't returned anything since October." While another confused user said: " I haven't shopped with ASOS in over a year and I still get an email telling me my account is being closed." Another upset customer said: "ASOS have really hurt me today closing my account what did I do?." And a fourth added: "I've made three orders in the last six months and from those orders sent back only one pair of jeans. "This is a joke, I've been a loyal customer for years and now you close my account . An ASOS spokesperson: "We recently closed the accounts of a small group of customers whose shopping activity has consistently fallen outside our Fair Use policy. "This helps us maintain our commitment to offering free returns to all customers across all core markets." It is understood that even if customers have not used their account in recent months, it could still be closed if they breached policy rules. Last year, the online department store said it would charge customers for returning items unless they spent a certain amount. The new rule means shoppers only get free returns if they keep £40 or more of their order. My Asos dress looks so high end it's giving Balmain on a budget – it's perfect for a birthday, I'm begging you to buy it Otherwise, £3.95 will be deducted from their refund. Premier ASOS customers, who pay £9.95 a year for free delivery, are also not exempt from the change. But they only need to keep £15 of their order to dodge the charge. The digital department store previously said its profits were bruised by customers making large orders and not keeping all of the items. However, the move has been labelled as unfair by many punters, especially as they cannot try before they buy when shopping online. CRACK DOWN ON RETURNS And ASOS is not the only online store to crack down on customers who make frequent returns. H&M, Boohoo, Pretty Little Thing, and Zara are among stores which now charge customers. Next also introduced the change at the start of 2023 and customers now have to fork out £2.50 per item returned. In December 2023, Debenhams left shoppers feeling "cheated" after introducing a charge for returning online goods. Can your account be closed for making too many returns? By Laura McGuire, Consumer Reporter WHEN shopping online it is important to be clued up on what your rights are - especially when it comes to making a return. H&M, Boohoo and Zara are among the countless fashion retailers which make customers pay for sending products back. And brands such as ASOS and Pretty Little Thing now ban customers who return items frequently. Retailers can impose these stricter rules as part of their own returns policies. Some stores may assess shoppers return behaviour on a case-by-case basis, while others may have a strict blanket policy. Amazon customers in the US have claimed the retail giant has closed accounts without warning more making too many returns.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Punctures Ruin Launch Day for Fans Due to Store Receipts Stapled Into Console's Box
UPDATE: GameStop has begun replacing Switch 2 consoles it punctured with staples, impacted customers have told IGN. "GameStop did right by me," one fan told IGN. "They traded it in for a new system. They must of sent a shipment of Switch 2's to that location today to fix the staple problem." Another customer, who also got their Switch 2 replaced, said they had been told GameStop moved quickly to pull spare stock from other local stores in order to provide immediate replacements. In a statement to IGN yesterday, reported below, the retailer had pledged it would "make customers whole". Happily, it seems that this process has indeed now begun. ORIGINAL STORY: Nintendo Switch 2 owners are opening consoles with punctured screens due to store receipts being stapled into the front of the console's box. Photos from a string of Switch 2 customers show how staples can easily penetrate through the console's packaging, which consists of a thin cardboard box and a flimsy plastic envelope containing the main Switch 2 unit. "GameStop stapled the receipt for me and my friends' Switch 2s to the box. FML," wrote one fan last night after getting home from excitedly picking up their console at a midnight store opening. "Genuinely insane now I'm gonna have to wait three months for the restock." Many images showing the problem include receipts from the same Staten Island branch of GameStop, which appears to have stapled receipts to much of their midnight launch Switch 2 stock. A video of the midnight launch posted by one attendee shows a long line of customers waiting at this particular GameStop branch — many of whom now appear to have been impacted in the same way. "Midnight release went bad for me," another affected customer, whose console screen has also been punctured by staples, wrote on reddit. "It's seeming like everyone there had the same thing done to their boxes as well. Over 100 people were there tonight." "Hello! My Switch 2 has staple holes in the screen," a third fan with a damaged console wrote on social media in an attempt to contact GameStop and Nintendo. "They stapled the receipt to the box at 1756 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303 and it damaged the screen." GameStop and Nintendo are yet to give the fan a response. "Me and my homie here (we never met before) were unfortunately at the same GameStop and this happened to me and another buddy!" yet another fan wrote on reddit. "Think the entire pre-order batch is completely f***ed." IGN has contacted GameStop and Nintendo for comment, and asked if advice can be passed on to retailers warning them of the potential issue when handling Switch 2 stock. "We are investigating the matter and will make customers whole", a GameStop spokesperson later confirmed to IGN. While GameStop has been criticised by those affected, fans have also expressed surprise that Nintendo itself had not done more to protect the key part of Switch 2 — the main unit, including its screen — within the console's packaging. "I'm not gonna hate on the employees too hard, but it seems like it was packaged without thought," one fan with a damaged Switch 2 wrote. "Why have the screen facing up with barely any protection. I mean they are still idiots for stapling it."The Switch 2 is packaged with its main unit at the front of the console's cardboard box, and its screen facing outwards. (From unwrapping my own Switch 2 console this morning, I can confirm there is surprisingly little to protect the screen from damage.) "I knew this would happen," another fan wrote on social media. "It was a weird decision by Nintendo to have the screen sit face-side-up at the very top of the box with only the thin cardboard to protect it. You're going to hear about a few damaged screens in the coming days. They are at risk just being stacked in shipping." IGN has contacted many of the fans now left with a Switch 2 that has been damaged, through no fault of their own, on the day of the console's launch. One GameStop customer told us they would be back at the store when it opened later today to return the console. It seems likely they won't be alone. Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ or find him on Bluesky @
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Morrisons customers are furious over new car park time limit at string of supermarkets – and they face £100 fine
MORRISONS customers have been left fuming over a new car park time limit that's been introduced at a string of supermarkets. The retailer has quietly cut the maximum period shoppers can park their vehicles in some of its car parks before being fined up to £100. 1 Supermarket car parks are on private land and often run by private companies that impose penalties if you overrun a maximum stay. Morrisons has confirmed it has quietly reduced maximum stay periods at five of its supermarkets: Skipton, Blackburn, Queensbury, Leighton Buzzard and Southport. The change in rules has left some shoppers fuming. One customer at the Skipton branch, referencing a sign outside saying the change had been made to free up parking spaces, said: "I hope Morrisons see the 'improved customer availability' they desire." Another, commenting on the change at the same store, added: "Two and a half hours max at Morrisons car park in Skipton from June 2." Meanwhile, a shopper at the impacted Blackburn branch added a photo of a sign detailing the new parking limits, adding: "A warning to anyone who parks on Morrisons car park in Blackburn. "They have reduced the times you can park there to two and a half hours." Not all shoppers are mad at the change though, with some understanding of the move. A customer who uses the Stockport store commented: "Understandable as it doesn't take three hours to do a shop. Even two hours is well long enough. "I doubt that I'm in there for more than 30 minutes." Savvy ways to save at Morrisons Meanwhile, a second, commenting on the change at the Skipton branch, said: "Who the h*ll wants to spend two and half hours in Morrisons anyway." Morrisons said it reduced the maximum stay at its Skipton branch from three hours to two and a half hours on June 2. Meanwhile, it has cut maximum stay times at the branches in Southport, Queensbury and Leighton Buzzard from three to two hours. The branch in Blackburn has seen a reduction from three hours to two and a half hours. Morrisons said the changes at all five supermarket car parks are permanent, with the reduction at its Skipton store made due to "exceptionally high" demand for parking spaces. When asked if more supermarket car parks will have their maximum stay hours reduced, the retailer declined to comment further. It said it wasn't rolling out these changes to all its branches as any reduction in car park maximum stays are made on a store-by-store basis. A spokesperson added: "We have introduced these changes to ensure there are enough spaces available for our customers when they come to shop with us." WHAT OTHER SUPERMARKETS DO Customers can spend up to two hours in most of Sainsbury's car parks for free. However, some do charge you even for a quick stay, like the Superstore branch on Clapham Common. Aldi has a limit on how long shoppers can use its car parks before being charged but this varies from store to store. The retailer says signs are put up at each branch telling you how long you can stay for free and how much it costs beyond this point. Maximum stays at Tesco car parks vary from branch to branch. The retailer says signs are put up around car parks displaying maximum stay limits as well as on sign at car park entrances. Parking is free at most of Asda's stores, while some locations are Pay and Display. How to save at Morrisons Buying a delivery pass can slash the cost of shopping online if you're a Morrisons regular. You also get priorities for Christmas delivery slots. How much it costs depends on which you get anytime or mid-week, and if it's for the year, six-months or monthly. You'll need to work out the cost compared to how much you spend on delivery without one to see if it's worthwhile. Morrisons does a range of wonky veg that can work out cheaper than the main range. Check websites like Quidco and TopCashback BEFORE you place your order. Cashback websites PAY you to shop. All you have to do is click through their links and the money is added to your online account. Search for discount codes on websites like and to see if you can get money off at the till. Follow your favourite shops on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and sign up to its deals newsletter to get the latest on any offers. We post the best deals in our Sun Money FB group too. Try switching all of your branded or premium goods for lower level ones and see if you notice the difference. Morrisons regularly adds new products to its 'own-brand "savers" range. This is its value range where prices start from as little as 20p. It includes all sorts of products including peas, spaghetti, marmalade, jaffa cakes and washing up liquid. Swap your usual items for savers alternatives and see if you can tell the difference. Shoppers can earn points with the More Than loyalty scheme when they spend online or in store. How many points you earn will depend on the offers available at the time, plus you get five points for every litre of fuel at Morrisons petrol stations. Reach 5,000 points and you get £5 off your shopping, plus there are other offers and coupons and the checkout and via the app. Shoppers also get cheaper prices that are just for members.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
B&M to open three brand-new stores this week – is one coming near you?
MAJOR discounter B&M is set to open three brand new stores this week in a boost for shoppers. The DIY, toys and games and pets retailer is pulling up the shutters on the sites between Thursday and Saturday. 1 A store in Erdington, Birmingham, will open on Thursday (June 19) while a second will open on Friday in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland. The third location is opening in Halifax, West Yorkshire, on Saturday (June 21). Details on the new stores including their contact numbers can be found on the B&M website It comes as B&M opens a number of branches across the UK, including 14 since the start of the year. Shops have opened in Leicestershire, Kent, Shropshire, Cumbria and Somerset. Wales, Winsford, Cheshire and Chatham, Kent. In its latest results, B&M reported an increase in group revenues of £5.6billion in the 52 weeks to March 29, up from around £5.3billion in the 52 weeks to March 30, 2024. But, group operating profit was down 7% over the same time window, from £608million to £566million. The retailer acknowledged the group's sales performance was "below expectations" due to a challenging economic backdrop. However, it said the group's overall profit in the 52 weeks to March 29 was still "resilient". 5 ways to save money in B&M The retailer said it opened 45 B&M stores, plus a further 11 in France over the year, with more openings expected this year. The retailer is yet to confirm the full list of 45 branches which opened over the 52 week period. OTHER RETAILERS OPENING STORES The retail sector has struggled in recent years as households turn to online shopping and amid high inflation. The Centre for Retail Research said more than 13,000 high street shops closed for good in 2024. The complete list of confirmed B&M openings this year Here is a list of the 18 locations we do know about: Hall Croft, Shepshed, Leicestershire - April 26 New Rossington, Doncaster, South Yorkshire - May 2 Eastgate, Louth, Lincolnshire - May 16 Watling Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham - May 17 Bridge Street, Killamarsh, Derbyshire - May 21 Middlebrook Way, Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk - May 23 Linden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent - May 24 Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland - May 30 Wyndham Way Retail Park, Portishead, Somerset - May 30 The Market Hall, The Eden Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria - May 30 Wrekin Retail Park, Arleston, Telford, Shropshire - May 31 Horsted, Chatham - June 6 Queens Parade, Winsford – June 11 Picton Court, Bridgend - June 14 Erdington - June 19 Galashiels - June 20 Halifax - June 21 Antrim – August 19 This was after more than 10,400 stores closed permanently in 2023, it said. However, some retailers and chains have been bucking the trend and opening stores across the UK. Discount supermarket Aldi recently earmarked 115 areas where it wants to open new stores. Among areas the retailer is eyeing up are Leicester, Sheffield and Wolverhampton. Meanwhile, M&S wants to open 12 new food stores across the UK, creating 500 jobs. The move is part of the retailer's 'store rotation and renewal' programme, which aims to bring in 420 bigger, fresher food shops and upgrade 180 full line stores by 2027/28. Family-owned Søstrene Grene is reportedly eyeing up 50 new stores across the UK as well.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Poundland confirms exact date another store to close as 100 at risk after chain sold
POUNDLAND has confirmed the exact date another store will shut as the future of 100 hangs in the balance following the chain's sale. The discounter will pull down the shutters on a store on the Isle of Wight at the end of next month. The Cowes branch will close for good on July 30, a spokesperson confirmed. They added: "We'd obviously like to thank customers for their support over the last few years and look forward to welcoming them to other locations on the Island. 'It goes without saying whenever we close a store in circumstances like these, we do all we can to look for other opportunities for colleagues, and that work is underway. 'With over 800 locations across the UK and Ireland, we constantly review our store portfolio as leases expire or come up for renewal." Shoppers and locals have reacted to the closure with sadness online, with one posting on Facebook: "We will miss it." Another commented: "Such a shame this is going. "Cowes really has a lack of normal shops like Poundland where we can pick up normal items at a normal price." A third simply added: "It's a shame." Poundland has closed 14 stores since March last year, with a further four, including the Cowes location. Stores have shut across the UK, including in Liverpool, London, Belfast and Ipswich. A further 100 Poundland stores are at risk of closure after the retailer was sold just last week. What is happening with Poundland? Gordon Brothers, the ex-owner of Laura Ashley, agreed to provide up to £80million in financing to Poundland earlier this month. However, the deal puts thousands of high street jobs at risk with its parent firm, Pepco Group, planning a major restructure. More details on what the restructuring plan will involve are yet to be revealed. Full list of Poundland store closures This is the list of stores that have closed since last March, or are set to close later this year: 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 Brackla, Wales – closed May 24 Chiswick High Road – closed May 28 Filton Abbeywood – closed May 31 Surrey Quays – closing June 11 Barrow Dalton Road - closing June 12 Union Gate, Bristol - closing June 20 Flint - closing June 21 Cowes, Isle of Wight – closing July (exact date tbc) Newquay, August 1 However, it is expected the restructuring will lead to the closure of around 100 of the retailer's 800 stores. It is not clear what will happen to staff members. However, it's been confirmed the business will continue to operate under the Poundland brand in the UK. The retailer was put up for auction in March, with Homebase owner Hilco then reported among the bidders. In April, it was reported advisory firm Teneo was drafted in to oversee the sale of the UK business. Last month, Poundland reported revenues dropped by 6.5% to £830million for the six months to March, compared with a year earlier. Pepco had previously warned of the knock-on effect of hikes to employer National Insurance contributions and the national minimum wage. 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. 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." .
