7 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Shoppers face supermarket price hikes, warns Lidl boss after Chancellor’s £7bn NI raid sparks fears over mass closures
THE boss of Lidl has warned that food prices will inevitably rise after the Budget’s tax raid added huge costs for retailers.
Ryan McDonnell, Lidl chief executive, said that the discount supermarket was facing “tens of millions of pounds” in extra costs after the Chancellor hiked employers’ national insurance contributions.
The boss of Lidl has warned that food prices will inevitably rise after the Budget’s tax raid added huge costs for retailersDARREN FLETHCHER PHOTOGRAPHYThe discount supermarket was facing ‘tens of millions of pounds’ in extra costs after the Chancellor hiked employers’ national insurance contributionsZUMA PRESS WIRE/REX
Analysts have previously estimated Lidl faces a hit of at least £50 million, which Lidl did not dispute.
Mr McDonnell told The Sun: “We are talking about £7 billion for the whole industry. For us it will be tens of millions. With all that cost pressure there will be greater inflationary cost pressures.”
Lidl was one of 80 big retailers to sign a letter to the Chancellor this week warning her that the Budget would result in job losses, store closures and inflation.
It comes as fresh figures today, Wednesday 20, show that inflation has already ticked up by more than expected to 2.3 per cent from 1.7 per cent in September.
The Lidl boss said the discount supermarket would invest to make sure it was still offering lower prices than its rivasl.
And despite the Budget’s cost burden, Lidl will still hire more staff as it plans 18 new shops in the next few months and 40 in its new financial year.
During the cost of living crisis Lidl swung to a loss as the cost of keeping prices cheaper than its rivals while inflation was at a 40 year high took its toll.
The bulk of Lidl products are own-brand and it uses its European network of 12,000 stores to drive the best deals with suppliers.
This means it has greater purchasing power than some of its rivals and isn’t as exposed to the huge price increases that big brands, such as Kellogg’s, Heinz and Nestle have pushed through on supermarket shelves.
“We have been here before with Brexit, Covid and geopolitical concerns and we have managed capably with market leading prices”, said Mr McDonnell.
Revenues at Lidl rose by 16.9 per cent from £9.3 billion to almost £11 billion in the past year. It has also swung back into the black with pre-tax profits of £43.5 million compared to a loss of £75.9 million.
It now has 964 shops across the UK after opening just one store in the last year, the lowest level for at least a decade.
Mr McDonnell said that Lidl had to “draw breath” and consider investing in new warehouses that were needed to support futurestore openings as well as sprucing up older shops.
“We are now back on the growth train and we still believe that we can have a network close to 1,000 shops”.
Mr McDonnel said he wanted the government to move faster on its promised business rates and planning reforms. “I just hope that these reforms will make a difference and it is balanced.”
Despite the slowdown in store openings in the past year, Lidl is still the fastest growing supermarket in Britain.
More than 326,000 new shoppers visited Lidl stores in the new year while shoppers took 35 million more trips to Lidl.
Mr McDonnell said that he wanted Lidl to leapfrog its bigger rivals and wanted to make the store “even more British and more relevant to shoppers”.
“We’ve come a long way since we opened our first stores here 30 years ago, from stocking jars of frankfurters to now having over two thirds of our products sourced from British suppliers”, he said.
Lidl said its famous “middle aisle” continued to appeal with shoppers picking up bizarre items from flame-throwers to kayaks and childrens doll houses along with their fruit and veg.
The boss of Lidl said he expected its panettone range and “decadent chocolate train” to be a big hit with shoppers this Christmas.
It is also launching its latest Christmas jumpers in stores tomorrow.
And just in time for the festive season, Lidl has unveiled a new range of Christmas candles so shoppers can fill their home with festive aromas.
7 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on From Love Islanders to Towie icons, surprising celebs who went YEARS without sex & why it can turbocharge your love life
SHE was once voted the World’s Sexiest Woman, but Tulisa is taking a break from the bedroom.
RexTulisa revealed she’s “demi-sexual”[/caption]
RexShe’s been celibate for three years[/caption]
Tulisa also told her campmates Dean McCullough and Alan Halsall that she identifies as “demisexual” – which is when a person only begins to find someone sexually attractive after forming a strong emotional bond with them.
And the former X Factor judge even admitted the thought of sleeping with someone makes her feel “physically sick”.
She said: “I need actual depth. I’m a slow, slow burner, I’ve been celibate for over three years.
“I’m not an overly sexualised person.
“For me, it’s all about the connection and the emotions that I feel with someone and then wanting to express them in that way.”
But Tulisa – who topped FHM’s sexiest female list in 2012 – isn’t the only surprising celeb to have gone years without sex, as we reveal…
Chantelle Houghton
Rex FeaturesChantelle Houghton gave up sex after her last relationship[/caption]
Chantelle Houghton has had a string of high-profile relationships, including with Preston from Ordinary Boys – who she was married to, for a year, after meeting on Celebrity Big Brother.
But in March, she revealed she’d been celibate for two years, having decided she’d rather be alone than be with the wrong man.
The mum-of-one told The Sun: “It’s been about two years now and without sex I feel empowered, independent and free.
“Chivalry appears to be dead and I’d much rather go through the rest of my life single than settle for someone who makes me miserable.
“Since my marriage to Preston ended I’ve suffered everything from ghosting to gaslighting and I can spot a narcissist a mile off.”
Lauren Goodger
InstagramLauren Goodger was celibate for over two years[/caption]
In 2016, Lauren Goodger began dating jailbird Joey Morrison, while he was serving time in prison for a string of violent, drugs-related charges.
At the time, the former TOWIE star confessed they were yet to be intimate and she was saving herself for him.
In a candid interview with Closer Magazine, she said: “Joey’s going to be knackered when we’re finally alone because we’ll be very busy.
“There’s lots to do. I’ve been properly celibate for a year but he’s worth the wait.”
But Lauren continued with her celibacy journey – and still hadn’t had sex by 2018.
She said: “I’m a very sexual person, but I don’t want to be intimate with someone unless I’m in a relationship. I want to settle down and have the fairytale.”
Linda Robson
Linda Robson and her husband of 33 years didn’t have sex for two yearsRex
Loose Women panellist Linda Robson shocked viewers last year, when she confessed she was “celibate” – especially as she’d been married to Mark Dunford for 33 years at the time.
“Can I just say I’ve been celibate for two years?” she said. “I can’t be a**** with all that [romance stuff].
“I’m just happy going out with my mates and my children and my grandchildren.”
Unsurprisingly, Linda and Mark split up just a few months later, but she saw no need to rush into further romances.
WHETHER you’re single or in a relationship, going on a “sex diet” can turbocharge your love life.
By abstaining from intercourse, you can rediscover intimacy and tap into your inner desires.
It’s not about depriving yourself, it’s about taking the pressure off and allowing yourselves to connect again.
Far from being a punishment, the “sex diet” is all about focusing on non-sexual intimacy to boost your appetite for love-making.
A lot of sex therapists recommend this approach to couples struggling in the bedroom or men suffering from Premature Ejaculation (PE).
While full intercourse may be off the menu, there are other ways to rekindle that excitement.
Sensual massages, kissing, flirting are a great way to start. Use plenty of eye contact as research shows it releases phenylethylamine, a chemical linked to attraction, and oxytocin, associated with long-term bonding and commitment.
Start by spending 15 minutes on the sensual massage and then dedicate 10 minutes to kissing.
This practice not only helps both partners feel loved but also deepens your connection, making each kiss a step toward a more meaningful relationship.”
After their break-up, she told OK! “I don’t need a man. I’ve got my friends and my family.
“I’m not interested in dating, I’m too old now. I can’t be bothered with all that ‘jiggy jiggy’.”
Kendra Wilkinson
GettyFormer Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson is celibate[/caption]
She rose to fame on Girls of the Playboy Mansion, as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends.
But earlier this year, Kendra Wilkinson revealed she had been celibate since divorcing her husband Hank Baskett in 2018.
In January, the former I’m A Celebrity star told People: “It’s been so long since I’ve had sex — it’s been so long that I’ve had any.
“Because I shamed myself on my sexuality too. Everyone sees me as a sex icon, so I shamed myself. I shamed myself, and I stayed away from anything sex.
“I almost became celibate.”
Brad McClelland
ITVBrad McClelland didn’t have sex for two years before Love Island[/caption]
Before heading into the Love Island villa in 2021, Brad McLelland said people see him as a “top shagger” but he’s “far from it.”
In fact, he’d been single for two years, and not had sex in that time because he was “living with his nan”.
He said: “I live with my nana and her little dog, I definitely wouldn’t be going to my nana for any dating advice.”
Brad’s dry spell is definitely up now, as he’s been dating Harry Maguire‘s sister Daisy Maguire since September 2022.
Yewande Biala
ITVYewande Biala was celibate for four years[/caption]
Love Islanders are often seen as people who play the field, but Brad isn’t the only former star who abstained for a while.
In the 2019 series, viewers worked out that Yewande Biala hadn’t had sex in four years.
In a villa game, she admitted to the fact that she’d “only slept with one person”.
Then, later in the series, on a date with Danny Williams, she told him she’d been single for four years, saying it was part by choice and part because she hadn’t found the right person yet.
Ferne McCann
GettyFerne McCann didn’t have sex for two years[/caption]
Ferne McCann didn’t have sex for two years after she split from her jailbird ex Arthur Collins in 2017.
The former TOWIE star made the confession in an episode of First Time Mum, while on a house viewing with her and Arthur’s then-15-month-old daughter Sunday in tow.
She told Liam ‘Gatsby’ Blackwell: “It’s coming up to two years, I’m basically a born-again virgin.
“I need to clean away the old cobwebs!”
She certainly managed that, as Ferne and her now-fiance Lorri Haines welcomed a daughter Finty in July 2023.
Gemma Collins
InstagramGemma Collins told her ex Charlie King she didn’t have sex for a year[/caption]
She’s been on and off with Rami Hawash since all the way back in 2011 – and finally got engaged to him in February this year.
But in April 2012, Gemma Collins begged her then-boyfriend Charlie King for sex on TOWIE – telling him she’d not had it in a year.
Charlie has since come out as gay but, at the time, told Gemma he wasn’t ready for sex with her.
Gemma argued: “You know what everyone in Essex is like, they put it about!”
He replied: “I’m not like everyone else. I’m going to stick to my roots with that, let’s just have some fun, you need to be patient with me.”
Gemma hit back: “I’ll be patient with you but its random behaviour, it’s bizarre to me, a man wants to touch you, feel you, slap your a**e.
7 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Canada Goose Black Friday 2024: Save up to 30% on puffer coats
CANADA GOOSE Black Friday sale is the prime time to save on premium outerwear you can count on to keep you warm during the winter – and for many winters to come.
The ideal moment to score some luxury pieces from the brand at a discount is during the Canada Goose Black Friday sale, which could save you hundreds.
You can find big savings on Canada Goose items in the Black Friday sales
The collection of parkas, puffer jackets, raincoats, and winter accessories are made to last, and designed for extreme weather, but they don’t come cheap.
Hence why we are seeking out all discounts on Canada Goose this Black Friday.
Canada Goose luxury items often carry a hefty price tag, but the annual mega-sale offers the ideal opportunity to grab those winter essentials at a fraction of the cost.
Canada Goose has yet to officially launch its Black Friday sale, but that’s not to say you can’t secure an absolute steal on the luxury brand.
In the meantime, there are plenty of offers on Canada Goose at other top-tier retailers, such as Liberty London and Flannels.
And while practicality is key, why not indulge a little and snag some chic gear for your next winter sports adventure?
Last year, we saw savings of up to £490 on the iconic feather-down coats, along with Black Friday discounts on accessories and everyday wear.
Already we have spotted big savings on Canada Goose items ahead of the brand’s official Black Friday sale, which included over £700 off the Marlow Coat that has (unsurprisingly) now sold out.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Canada Goose Black Friday sale, as well as Cyber Monday deals to expect.
Canada Goose Black Friday: Deals live now
While there aren’t currently any live deals on the Canada Goose website, other retailers that stock the brand have launched discounts on select items.
Liberty London currently has up to 30% off select outerwear and jumpers from Canada Goose.
Though we expect more deals to drop from Canada Goose, as well as other stockists in the coming weeks.
This Hoody Jacket is selling out fast, though it’s unsurprising considering the £217.50 saving.
This jacket is perfect for everyday wear, dog walks, and hikes, as it is super insulating.
It boasts a fixed hood, elasticated cuffs on the wrists to prevent any draughts creeping in, and is fitted.
The padded design is made from water-repellent nylon, which is also wind-resistant to withstand the elements. Plus, it features an underarm gusset, storm flap and reflective details.
If you are in the market for layers to wear when working from home, or on a wintery walk underneath your parka jacket, the Holton Hoody is a stylish option from Canada Goose.
Of course Canada Goose has not compromised on quality with this jumper, which has been created from 100% superfine merino wool that is ultra soft on the skin.
The design is luxe hoody, as it boasts the classic features of a hooded jumper, such as the long sleeve, relaxed fit, and hood (obviously), but it also boasts raglan sleeves and a ribbed hem around the body and cuffs.
The Claire Vest, which I would class as a gilet, is the perfect layering staple to wear underneath your puffer coat for extra insulation on a particularly chilly day, or on its own over a long sleeve jumper in the transitional seasons.
It is a water-resistant and wind-proof design that will keep you snug and dry whatever the weather.
This creation also features a removable down-filled hood, which is a detail I love as sometimes you don’t need the hood, or it can get caught with your layers underneath.
The slim fit stands this design out from the crowd as it hugs the body in all the right places for a more flattering fit.
Canada Goose is, arguably, best known for its parka jackets, so if you’re in the market for the ultimate winter staple, look no further.
The only thing is sizes are selling out fast.
There is nothing we don’t love about this staple. It features a funnel neck, is longer in length as it falls midway down the thigh, as well as a removable hood.
It features material ribbed cuffs for extra comfort and warmth, which, combined with the Fill Power Down insulation and Arctic Tech shell provides the necessary insulation we seek from a parka jacket.
Find your favourite brands Black Friday deals in our A-Z directory here
When is Black Friday 2024?
If you’re wondering when Black Friday falls this year, mark 29 November in your calendar. It lands the day after Thanksgiving in the US for 2024.
Originally a US-centric phenomenon, Black Friday has become a worldwide event, with countless retailers across the globe joining in.
Many discounts kick off early, though the most exciting deals often launch on the day itself.
Keep in mind that a lot of stores kick off their discounts early, so keep an eye out for those early bird deals.
We’ll keep you posted with all the latest deals right here; so watch this space.
What to expect from Canada Goose’s Black Friday sale 2024?
Much like last year, we expect the Canada Goose website won’t offer any discounts, but the retailers and department stores that stock its items likely will.
To maximize your chances of landing a great deal, it’s worth shopping around.
Based on last year’s trends, we can likely expect significant markdowns on Canada Goose coats, as well as discounts on its everyday wear.
I’d suggest keeping an eye on retailers like Farfetch and Flannels; where we saw some of the best discounts in 2023.
This year, Cyber Monday falls on 2 December, and it’s typically the last big opportunity to snag a deal before the Christmas rush kicks into high gear.
Just like with Black Friday, we’re anticipating some great Canada Goose offers and discounts from various retailers that will stretch across Cyber Weekend and into Cyber Monday.
Canada Goose provides free standard express delivery, which typically arrives in one to two days. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for next-day delivery for an additional £16.
All orders are dispatched from their UK warehouse. Head to the Canada Goose website for more details on delivery across the UK.
Keep in mind, if you’re snagging a Black Friday bargain from other stockists, the delivery options, and costs, may vary.
Delivery times and costs might vary during Black Friday, so double-check with the store to avoid disappointment.
Does Canada Goose offer any other discounts?
Typically, no. That’s why it’s a wise idea to shop around for deals on Black Friday.
To score extra discounts, check out various retailers, they often have general sales both in-store and online during the sales season.
Sun Vouchers is your one-stop shop for every deal and discount code currently available from your favourite online retailers. Don’t click ‘buy’ until you’ve checked Sun Vouchers for a discount code to apply to your basket.
7 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on I’m a curvy model and tried new must-haves at Dunnes Stores for winter – they always get it so right
A CURVY model has told how she tried on new pieces from Dunnes Stores for winter and “they get it so right”.
Liz, known on Instagram as @curvygirlliz, showed off a variety of items that she found while shopping at the retail giant.
This coat retails for €60This coat comes in sizes XXS to XXL
One of her finds was this brown Savida Freya Teddy Long Coat.
It costs €60 and is available in sizes XXS to XXL.
Found exclusively at Dunnes, the retailer says: “From Savida, this teddy coat is a must-have for the winter months, crafted from exquisitely soft material that adds a luxurious finish to any outfit.
“It features a classic notch lapel, two large snap buttons for secure closure, and two side pockets for added convenience.”
Liz said: “If you know, you know!”.
“If you go to Ireland, you have to pop into Dunnes Stores. I just wish I had brought a spare case so I could have gone crazy buying in there.
“They always get the sizes, style and price so right!”.
Another Savida find she had was the white Borg Clasp Jacket.
It’s €50 and comes in sizes XXS to XXL.
Dunnes Stores said: “Guaranteed to keep you cosy, this stunning jacket from Savida is designed in fabulously fluffy borg fabric.
“Taking a pared-back approach to style, the three clasp fastenings serve as statement pieces, adding to the jacket’s warm organic feel.”
Another coat she showed in her video was the white Savida Marga Coat.
It comes in black as well and is €60 on the Dunnes website.
Dunnes said: “This tailored longline coat features a two-button closure with intricate button detailing and a distinctive link design on the pockets.
“The back vent offers both comfort and structure, making it the perfect piece to smarten up your winter look.”
Liz also found this stunning tulle skirt.
It’s the Gallery Athena Mesh Skirt and it’s priced at €30.
The retailer says: “Bring some individuality to your wardrobe with this multilayered tulle skirt from Gallery.
“Flaunt a midi length, elasticated waist, and a solid lining.”
It’s just €25 and can spice up any Christmas party look.
Dunnes Stores says: “This metallic mini skirt from Savida has a shimmering finish that adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.
“An excellent choice for the upcoming party season, the back zip allows for easy wear and a comfortable fit that keeps you looking stylish all night.”
This stunning coat also comes in blackThis skirt is just €30This gold skirt is perfect for Christmas
THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
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This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
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Mandy Patinkin’s role in Criminal Minds was certainly memorable. Although the actor wasn’t on the series for too long, he managed to leave a mark on the series, with many wondering why exactly the actor left the series. Although the series has been running for seventeen seasons, he left after the second season and was […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
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