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Astro Home of Kids: Empat Hari Keceriaan untuk Seisi Keluarga di IOI City Mall

Kuala Lumpur, 26 Disember 2024 – Astro kini membawa kembali Astro Home of Kids, sebuah acara 4 hari yang penuh dengan keriangan dan hiburan untuk kanak-kanak dan keluarga. Program yang berlangsung dari 26 hingga 29 Disember 2024, di IOI Grand Convention Centre, IOI City Mall, ini terbuka secara percuma dari jam 10.30 pagi hingga 9.00Continue reading "Astro Home of Kids: Empat Hari Keceriaan untuk Seisi Keluarga di IOI City Mall"

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TM One dan SDEC Lanjutkan Kerjasama untuk Memacu Ekonomi Digital Sarawak

Kuala Lumpur & Kuching, 26 Disember 2024 – TM One, cabang penyelesaian sektor perusahaan dan kerajaan TM, telah mengumumkan lanjutan kerjasama strategik dengan Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) untuk memperkukuh ekonomi digital negeri Sarawak. Kerjasama ini bertujuan untuk mempertingkatkan ketersambungan dan mempermudah penerapan teknologi canggih serta perkhidmatan pintar dalam sektor kerajaan dan perniagaan. DalamContinue reading "TM One dan SDEC Lanjutkan Kerjasama untuk Memacu Ekonomi Digital Sarawak"

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Fashion fans racing to buy ‘gorgeous’ Ralph Lauren-inspired pyjamas from Primark – and the dupes are over £200 cheaper

FASHION fans are racing to Primark for Ralph Lauren-inspired pyjamas. 

The “gorgeous” designs feature a bear trope just like the American designer’s signature mascot and are available to shop right now. 

Teddy bear pajama set on a mannequin.
Primark/Instagram
Primark’s “gorgeous” designs feature a bear trope just like the Ralph Lauren signature mascot[/caption]
Cream-colored pajama pants with teddy bear pattern.
Primark/Instagram
Prices start as cheap as £8 and come in a variety of fits[/caption]

The range includes Teddy Bear Pyjama Bottoms and a matching cardigan, as well as a romper

Each piece costs between £8 to £14, while Ralph Lauren’s bear-themed can cost up to £219 for a full set. 

The £12 “cosy” trousers are wide leg with a drawstring waistband and all-over teddy bear design.

“These wide leg pyjama bottoms bring a touch of fun to your nightwear collection,” Primark bosses said. 

“The white fabric displays a charming pattern of striped jumper-wearing teddy bears, while the drawstring waistband offers adjustable comfort to help you find your ideal fit. 

“The relaxed silhouette provides easy movement, making these bottoms ideal for both sleeping and lounging. 

“Team with the matching top for a complete sleepwear set that’s un-bear-ably sweet.”

If you’re someone who gets hot at night, you can pick up the bear-themed shorts for £8 instead. 

“Make bedtime extra charming with these patterned PJ shorts,” Primark bosses continued. 

“The white base showcases an all-over pattern of teddy bears dressed in red and blue sailor-style outfits, bringing a whimsical touch to your nightwear collection. 

“The comfortable drawstring waist lets you find your perfect fit, while the handy slip pockets add practical convenience. 

“These shorts are ideal for warm nights and lazy weekend mornings.”

The fast fashion giant’s social media team took to Instagram to showcase the new designs. 

Shoppers were quick to call the pieces “gorgeous” and gushed that they “look so cost”. 

Why Primark is great for looking expensive on a budget

By Clemmie Feildsend, Fabulous Fashion Editor

AS someone who’s no stranger to grabbing a last-minute outfit from Primark for a night out, it’s about time that celebrities started catching on too.

For as long as I’ve been heading out, Primark has been my go-to for those “I have nothing to wear” moments, rushing in at the last minute to find something perfect.

And I’m definitely not alone – on any Friday or Saturday night, you’ll find plenty of shoppers doing the same thing, right before closing time.

But no matter what, Primark always delivers.

Now, Rita Ora is leading the charge, showing that you can snag a designer-worthy look without spending a fortune at high-end stores.

While Rita’s not rushing in last minute for a red carpet outfit, she’s proving you can achieve the same high-impact style for much less.

Looking stunning in her tailored suit alongside her mum Vera, Rita fit right in among the other A-listers dripping in Prada, Dior, and Victoria Beckham – if anything, she looked even better than some of the guests at The Fashion Awards.

With Myleene Klass and Roxy Horner already jumping on the Primark bandwagon, I’m sure more stars will be following suit soon enough.

The romper, which features long sleeves and short legs, will set you back £14 – and it’s perfect for pyjama parties with your pals. 

“Snuggle up in this charming sleepwear romper featuring an all-over teddy bear print,” Primark bosses said. 

“The neutral base creates a perfect backdrop for the playful bears dressed in striped jumpers. 

“With thoughtful details like a V-neckline and convenient button placket, this romper combines style with whimsy. 

“While the long sleeves will help keep your arms warm, the relaxed fit ensures unrestricted movement for peaceful slumber.”

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We put 9 sheet masks to the test to combat puffiness and fine lines – the £3 winner transformed our skin

WITH silly season almost behind us, your skin might be suffering as a consequence. 

Sleep, healthy food, and booze-free weekends have become distant memories – all things we know can help our skin stay glowy.

Collage of people using face masks.
Lucy Gornall and Eliza Loukou tested nine face masks to find the best one

We find an at-home sheet mask is an essential item to keep us looking our best, or at least, somewhere to start!

Whether we’re looking puffy, tired, spotty, dry, or showing some fine lines, we’ll whip one out to see if it can make things appear a little better.

We have tested nine sheet masks to see which ones actually make a difference to our skin. 

Here are the results…

1. For puffiness 

Hydropeptide Polypeptide Collagel Mask for Face, £45 for 4

Lucy says: This mask comes in two parts – one for the lower face and the other for the upper face. 

It did keep coming loose, which was annoying, but while it was on it felt so good. 

This mask was also thicker than any other I’d tried and felt like it was really infused with goodness. Although, I should hope so for the price!

I loved the gel-like feel of it and the effect lasted for ages rather than drying out fast. 

Afterwards, my skin felt clean, smooth and yes, it did feel and look less puffy, particularly around my jawline. 

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Woman wearing a sheet mask.
Supplied
This mask was thicker than any other I’d tried and felt like it was really infused with goodness[/caption]
HydroPeptide polypeptide collagen face mask.
Supplied
This mask is on the pricier side[/caption]

2. For fine lines 

PMD Hydrate Energising HydratingPeptides Sheet Mask, £10

Lucy says: This mask is filled with collagen and hydrating peptides, which apparently work to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while deeply hydrating the skin. 

This felt great and stayed put for ages. I actually forgot I had it on at one point. 

When I took it off, I’m sorry to say, my fine lines hadn’t gone.

But let’s be honest, it’s going to take more than a mask to get rid of fine lines. 

However, I definitely had plumper, smoother and more hydrated-looking skin. 

Person holding a sheet mask.
Supplied
PMD Hydrate Energising HydratingPeptides Sheet Mask[/caption]
Woman wearing a sheet face mask.
The mask stayed put for a long time but I can’t say it removed my fine lines
Supplied

3. For a dewy look 

Youth & Earth’s Hyaluronic Acid Gel Face Mask, £29.99 for 5

Lucy says: The dewy look is all the rage right now.

But my skin is more oil than dew, so I figured this might help.

I loved the feel of this thick, gel-like mask.

The only issue I had was that it did rip a bit as I was putting it on (see pic), but it stayed put for a good 30 minutes until it got a little dry as my skin had been infused with juicy goodness. 

An hour after taking the mask off, I took a selfie and although I most definitely have fine lines, I do think my skin was left with a nice bit of glossiness. 

Plus, later that day, I actually received a skin compliment which let’s be honest, is always appreciated.

Woman wearing a sheet mask.
This mask was a little harder to get on than others
Supplied
Woman trying sheet masks for skin health.
Supplied
My skin was glossy an hour later[/caption]

4. For tired skin 

Tropic Skincare Hydrogel Face Mask Ultra-Hydrating Skin Treatment, £8

Lucy says: Late night? I broke my ‘nothing good happens after 12’ policy and continued drinking into the early hours, so this mask was my go-to the next morning.

I love that this mask is clear so it doesn’t scare anyone, unlike the usual white sheet masks which look like something from a horror movie. 

The mask is in two parts and has a gel-like feel. It’s also really cooling when you put it on.

My skin was a bit red and had that slightly haggard appearance, thanks to the late night.

When I took it off after 30 minutes, my skin felt a little more ‘together’, almost like it had undergone a nip and a tuck, which was nice. 

Plus, I definitely looked a little more glowy. 

Tropic Hydrogel Face Mask: ultra-hydrating skin treatment with aloe vera juice, allantoin, and peptides.
Supplied
Tropic Hydrogel Face Mask[/caption]
Woman wearing sheet masks for skin health.
I felt like my face was tighter (in a good way) after this mask
Supplied

5. For hydration 

Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Ageing Sheet Mask, £3.29

Lucy says: This mask is packed with four different types of hyaluronic acid, also known as skin’s hydrator, to help fight against ageing. 

I’ll do anything to minimise signs of ageing, so I was keen to try this. 

The mask applied easily and stayed stuck to my face as I worked; I even managed to sip on my coffee.

Afterwards, I was legitimately quenched.

And my skin looked hydrated and glowy for the rest of the day.

This mask works and it’s a total bargain!

Woman wearing a sheet face mask.
This mask is a bargain and really works
Supplied
Woman in a gray robe trying sheet masks.
My face felt hydrated for the day
Supplied

6. For all-round skin goodness 

Beauty Pro Squalan Nourishing Facial Sheet Mask, £6

Lucy says: I did this mask straight off the back of a long haul flight. 

My skin, despite being tanned, looked a bit lifeless after 17 hours in the air with just three hours of sleep.

So I whipped this out to see if it would live up to its promise of ‘smoothing the skin, improving texture and reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pores’.  

It was easy to apply and it just felt so juicy. Plus, there was lots of liquid left in the packet – perfect for slathering over my chest which had just been savaged by Aussie sun for two weeks.

After 20 minutes, I took it off and upon first inspection, I actually thought this made my skin look more pimply. 

But, in hindsight, this can be a good thing to clear out those pores.

My skin definitely looked more glowing and I certainly looked less sleep-deprived.

I will also add that three days later, I didn’t have a single pimple left. Coincidence? I’m not sure.

Woman wearing a sheet face mask and giving the peace sign.
Easy to apply, and I put the leftover skincare on my chest
Supplied
Woman trying sheet masks for skin health.
Supplied
Voila – I look less sleep deprived![/caption]

Foods to boost skin health

Shona Wilkinson, lead nutritionist at ethical nutrition and supplement brand DR.VEGAN, says you can give your skin a helping hand by turning your focus to what you eat.

“Many people underestimate the role your diet can play in maintaining healthy, glowing skin,” she told The Sun.

In general terms, packing your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats can prevent all sorts of issues with our skin, Shona says.

It can “reduce the risk of premature ageing, and leave us with a consistently radiant complexion”, the nutritionist explains.

The foods she recommends are:

1. Kiwi

Shona says: “Not only are they rich in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy collagen production, but they’re also great for improving gut health, which has direct implications on our skin.”

2. Berries and cherries

The red fruits are rich in a natural plant-colouring agent called proanthocyanidin, which helps impart their dark colour.

“Proanthocyanidins are potent natural antioxidants – meaning they protect the skin from harmful oxidants that come from the sun, pollution and poor dietary choices,” Shona explains.

“Proanthocyanidins particularly help to protect the collagen in your skin, which helps to provide your skin with structure, strength, and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and providing a general layer of protection.”

3. Chia, flaxseed and fish

Foods like white fish, chia seeds, and avocados are fab for your skin as they’re rich in omega-3 – “a flexible fat used in skin cells to keep the skin healthy, moisturised, and less likely to crack or flake”, the nutritionist explains.

“Importantly, omega-3 fats also help with the production of anti-inflammatory hormones in the body, decreasing any excess skin inflammation or face redness,” she adds.  

4. Brussels sprouts, broccoli and mustard greens

Shona says: “Vegetables such as Brussel sprouts, broccoli and mustard greens are rich in isothiocyanates, which support the function of the liver by protecting it from damage from toxins, especially alcohol.

“Research shows that reducing alcohol intake and increasing the consumption of cruciferous vegetables can help your liver to function properly and leave your skin toxin-free.”

5. Oranges, red peppers and strawberries

Shona says: “In order, to produce all the collagen your skin needs to keep you glowing every day, the body needs a substantial amount of both Vitamin C and protein.

“This is because vitamin C is used in a process called hydroxylation, which converts protein into collagen.

“Try incorporating lots of citrus fruits such as oranges, red peppers, strawberries, or tomatoes into your diet.”

7. For dull skin

Beautypro Cica + Niacinamide Blemish Control Sheet Mask, £3.74

Eliza says: I have oily, acne prone skin and tend to get sore, lingering spots under my chin and jaw – especially if I’m stressed or I’ve been reaching for sugary snacks.

My skin has been blessedly clear over the past few weeks, though it’s certainly feeling the effect of winter.

It looks a bit duller and feels drier to the touch, and I noticed some slight texture to my cheeks before I put the mask on.

It was cooling and soothing as I lay it on my face, and I ended up keeping it on for about 30 minutes instead of the recommended 15 as I cleaned my kitchen.

My skin felt visibly moisturised as I took it off and I certainly looked brighter – there was a subtle glow to my skin.

After five minutes, the film on my skin had dried down and felt a little tacky and sticky, so I decided to wash off the mask.

There are no instructions on the pack on whether or not you’re supposed to wash off the mask, so I decided to rinse my face and do my usual skincare routine.

The subtle dew to my skin seemed to last into the next day as I got told by a couple people that I looked glowy!

Hand holding BeautyPro Cica + Niacinamide blemish control facial sheet mask.
Eliza Loukou
My skin is definitely in need of some brightening[/caption]
Person wearing a face mask.
Eliza Loukou
The mask feels soothing and cooling[/caption]
Woman's face and neck, profile view, showing bare skin.
Eliza Loukou
And I emerge from it looking fresher and brighter – I even got complimented the following day![/caption]

8. For enlarged pores

SOME BY MI – Real Super Matcha Pore Care Mask, £0.66

Eliza says: I tried this mask after a Pilates class so my skin had a bit more of a glow to it than usual – or was it just sweat?

The residue clinging to the sheet was very thick and gloopy – quite similar to the homemade flaxseed mask I tried last year – and had a slight tinge of green.

It also had a strong, fresh matcha-like smell.

This mask felt even more cooling than the first and I massaged the extra goo down onto my neck.

After 15 minutes, my skin looked glowy and soft as I peeled the sheet off. The pores across my nose and cheeks also looked less noticeable.

The instructions recommend that you don’t wash the mask off, so I kept the residue on to sleep and just added some spot cream to a couple of zits under my chin.

Person with face mask applied.
Eliza Loukou
This mask was extra thick and gloopy[/caption]
Person wearing a navy shirt, face mask testing.
Eliza Loukou
My pores looked visibly smaller afterwards[/caption]

9. For acne

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Clarifying Plastic Free Sheet Mask, £3.50

Eliza says: My skin was definitely in need of some TLC when I got round to trying this Boots face mask, as a few small spots had popped up along my jawline and under my chin.

I was surprised by the jet black colour of the sheet mask (though I should have been tipped off by the activated charcoal) and I took the opportunity to give my sister a bit of a fright as she walked in from work.

It didn’t feel as initially moisturising as the other masks, but I guess the point is to clarify rather than moisturise.

Nevertheless, when I peeled it off after 15 minutes my skin looked fresh and glowy, and my pores appeared smaller

I massaged the residue into my face and neck as advised and didn’t apply anything else for a couple of hours.

I was afraid the mask would dry out my face but my skin felt really soft and looked really glowy, even without the helping hand of my moisturiser.

I’m not sure how much of a difference it made for my spots, but they thankfully didn’t linger for much longer.

Boots tea tree & witch hazel purifying plastic-free sheet mask.
Eliza Loukou
Though I’ve been on a good skin run, I had a couple spots that needed attending to[/caption]
Person wearing a black face mask.
Eliza Loukou
The dark colour was certainly striking[/caption]
Eliza Loukou face mask test.
And my skin felt impossibly soft hours afterwards
Eliza Loukou

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EastEnders’ Cindy attacker ‘revealed’ by BBC pic – but fans convinced someone else will ‘take the blame’

EASTENDERS fans are speculating over who attacked Cindy Beale after a BBC promotional image hinted at the killer’s identity.

However, many EastEnders viewers believe that someone else could take the fall for the shocking incident.

Cindy Beale lying injured in the snow near a snow shovel and statue.
BBC
A resident used a shovel to hit Cindy on the back of her head[/caption]
Cindy Beale lying injured on the ground.
BBC
She was found in the early hours of the morning fighting for her life[/caption]
EastEnders cast promotional image.
BBC
The BBC have released nine suspects in the frame for Cindy’s attempted murder[/caption]

The BBC soap aired two explosive festive specials on Christmas Day as Cindy and Junior’s affair was exposed.

In the Queen Vic as the recording of Cindy admitting everything played ruining the festivities, she was humiliated.

With Ian literally throwing her out of his house and into the freezing, snowy conditions Cindy booked a cab out of Walford.

However, while she was waiting, an unknown attacker smacked her over the head with a shovel.

The character – played by Michelle Collins – now in an induced coma after having emergency surgery on her brain.

The police are interviewing everyone on in Albert Square to find out who tried to murder her.

Fans are convinced they have sussed out the killer, after the BBC released a photo of the suspects.

There are nine suspects in the frame including Ian Beale, Peter Beale, Lauren Branning, Kathy Beale, Junior Knight, George Knight, Anna Knight, Gina Knight and Elaine Knight.

However, newcomer Kojo Asura is not in the featured image and fans are wondering why when he has the biggest motive.

Viewers know that Cindy made Kojo lie about her affair with her stepson Junior and threatened him with deportation if he told anyone.

She also caused his accident when he fell from a high balcony and ended up in hospital.

Viewers believe Kojo may have tried to get revenge on Cindy.

On Boxing Day, George asked Kojo to lie to the police and be each other’s alibi when they are questioned by the police about Cindy’s attack.

George said he was at the boxing gym when Cindy was attacked – but where was Kojo?

Who attacked Cindy Beale?

The Sun’s Soaps Editor Carl Greenwood runs down the suspects in the big EastEnders whodunnit

Anna Knight

Shall we just rule Anna out straight away?

The woman’s barely got enough about her to kill a fly, so the chances of her finally becoming worthy of being Cindy Beale’s daughter and bashing her over the head with a shovel are slim to none.

But she was watching out of the Queen Vic window so she may well know who did attack her mother.

Gina Knight

Fiery, recovering drug addict Gina is a good shout for shovel-ing her mother this Christmas.

She’s got the boxing skills of George and the temper of Cindy – so she definitely has the ability and will to take her mother down.

And she was seen sneaking out of the Vic just before Cindy was attacked.

Peter Beale

This Peter is a bit of a drip – he’s more Anna, than Gina, shall we say.

It’s hard to imagine him being able to pick up a shovel without mummy’s approval.

But having said that he was seen drowning his sorrows in tears shortly before the attack, so maybe he finally embraced his mum’s side?

Lauren Branning

Never before has a character failed to learn from her past mistakes more than Lauren. 

Except Cindy obviously who appears doomed to repeat the affair cycle until the day she dies.

But Lauren’s ability to ruin Christmas is unrivalled – and it provoked explosive drama.

And it left her with a bag of pills in the car lot having lost her relationship, her family and her son – and it’s all Cindy’s fault.

So could Lauren be the one responsible?

Ian Beale

For a man whose Christmases have included the time he was nearly murdered by his wife with a killer carbonara, you’d think he’d have quite low threshold for bad days but this was something else.

Humiliated in public by a recording of Cindy saying he couldn’t satisfy her so much so she was sleeping with her former stepson, Ian didn’t have a happy Christmas.

He threw a drink over and then punched Junior, before rejecting Cindy and throwing her out onto the streets.

Last seen smashing up his own living room and storming out into the Square, he was certainly in the mood for killing Cindy.

But could he? Really?

Kathy Beale

There’s been no love lost between Kathy and Cindy since they both returned from the dead and a full-on brawl is well overdue.

But after everything that happened last Christmas, would Kathy really want to go through that again?

It’s a miracle she managed to get back into the Vic.

Elaine Peacock

The Queen Vic landlady’s scheme to get rid of Cindy once and for all backfired quite spectacularly.

She began Christmas Day convinced she was about to be rid of Cindy forever – but ended it single and alone.

Hearing George rage about Junior taking what was his pushed her over the edge and she kicked George out.

But did it push her enough to grab a shovel and try to kill Cindy?

George Knight

Cindy cost him everything.

He’s now homeless, job-less and son-less after Cindy’s affair was exposed and as a former professional boxer he’s capable of explosive rage.

He was seen working out his emotions on a punching bag, but maybe it didn’t work and maybe he needed Cindy to pay for what she’d done?

Junior Knight

The spurned lover, unwanted son, humiliated man… things aren’t looking good for Junior.

He fell for Cindy, hook, line and sinker, and worse, he fell for her lies.

Last seen trying to call Cindy after everything went down – did he want to find her to kill her or to seduce her again?

George then pulled out his hidden white shirt he wore on Christmas Day, which had blood stains on it.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote: “Okay we think we’ve cracked it – George saw Kojo attacked Cindy and went over (hence blood on his shirt) and then walked away to make it look like he found her when Kathy walked over, so really George is protecting Kojo and being Kojo’s alibi!.. perhaps?”

Another added: “Realistically I don’t see it being any of the Beale’s. They just wouldn’t do that after everything that happened with Lucy. That being said, when Lucy died, it wasn’t one of the actual suspects. So I’m going with Kojo.”

A third penned: “Anyone else feel like George is only making Kojo lie to protect Kojo himself as he was the one who did it?!”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and is available to watch from 7am on BBC iPlayer.

A bald man with a serious expression.
BBC
George told Kojo to be each other alibi[/caption]
Man in patterned shirt looks intently at someone.
BBC
Fans are convinced George is trying to protect Kojo[/caption]
Bloodstained cloth held in a hand.
BBC
Has George got blood stains on his shirt from helping Kojo?[/caption]

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High street shop with over 60 sites launches huge ‘everything must go’ closing down sale before shutting for good

SHOPPERS have shared their devastation following the news a major high street store will close for good.

Card Zone, which has 60 locations across the UK, will permanently shutter its site in Scunthorpe in a matter of months.

Cardzone store closing sale, 20% off.
CardZone closing Scunthorpers Foundry Shopping Centre in a few months

A closing-down sale has already been launched, with the retailer offering 20% off products in the store.

In a post shared on social media, locals have expressed their sadness at the card and gift store’s departure.

One said: “The town centre is dead.”

And another added: “Aww no gutted love this shop especially for my Disney bits.”

Colleagues at the store in North Lincolnshire confirmed to The Sun that the gift and card store will close for good on 23 April 2025.

That gives shoppers around four months to say their goodbyes.

It comes as Card Zone is set to close another store in Stroud, Gloucestershire next month.

Shoppers in the area have been aware of its closure since May, with a closing-down sale also being launched.

And these are not isolated occurrences.

Earlier this year, it was announced the brand would close its site in Reigate following a major discount sale. 

Two other Cardzone stores were permanently shuttered last year as well. 

The retailer, which has stores across the UK, shut branches in Beeston and Kirkby in Ashfield, both in Nottinghamshire.

News of the closure comes amid a challenging time for the whole of the UK’s retail sector. 

High inflation coupled with a squeeze on consumers’ finances has meant people have less money to spend in the shops. 

TROUBLE ON THE HIGH STREET

Just this month, bosses at a number of prominent retailers have revealed plans to cut stores from their estates.

Garden centre giant Dobbies closed 12 of its stores before Christmas to help shore up extra costs following a restricting plan.

Meanwhile, Homebase has confirmed that six of its sites will close before the end of the year.

These include sites in Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Fareham, Newark and Rugby.

Three more Homebase sites in Derry, Inverurie, and Omagh are also set to close in the coming months, along with a branch in Glenrothes near Fife.

The garden and homeware retailer crashed into administration last month, but around 70 stores were rescued by CDS Superstores, the owner of The Range and Wilko.

At the time it entered administration, Homebase operated 141 stores.

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.

The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year, and more are coming.

The number of jobs lost in British retail dropped last year, but 120,000 people still lost their employment, figures have suggested.

Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 10,494 shops closed for the last time during 2023, and 119,405 jobs were lost in the sector.

It was fewer shops than had been lost for several years, and a reduction from 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.

The centre’s director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.

Although there were some big-name losses from the high street, including Wilko, many large companies had already gone bust before 2022, the centre said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.

“The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and increases in interest rates have led many consumers to tighten their belts, reducing retail spend,” Prof Bamfield said.

“Retailers themselves have suffered increasing energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and falling demand that have made rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”

Alongside Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it collapsed, 2023’s biggest failures included Paperchase, Cath Kidston, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.

The Centre for Retail Research said most stores were closed because companies were trying to reorganise and cut costs rather than the business failing.

However, experts have warned there will likely be more failures this year as consumers keep their belts tight and borrowing costs soar for businesses.

The Body Shop and Ted Baker are the biggest names to have already collapsed into administration this year.

Read More »

Azerbaijan Airlines reveals cause of Xmas plane crash after it was shot down by Russian anti-aircraft missile killing 38

THE cause of the deadly Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38 has been revealed.

The Christmas Day disaster saw the aircraft explode into a fireball near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan amid reports that it shot down by a Russian anti-aircraft missile.

Airplane exploding in a fiery crash.
East2West
The plane exploded into a fireball[/caption] Map showing the flight path of a plane that was hit by a missile, the pilot's attempts to land, and the crash site near Aktau Airport.

Azerbaijan Airlines have now revealed that the cause of the crash was “external physical and technical interference”.

It’s the first official statement on the cause of the crash from the airline – confirming the disaster was not caused by a fault on board the aircraft.

The doomed flight had been travelling from Baku, in Azerbaijan, to Grozny, in Russia’s Chechnya on Christmas.

But tracking data from FlightRadar24 and the plane’s transponder shows the final minutes of the plane’s journey.

The jet flew in an erratic pattern, repeatedly lurching up and down across the Caspian Sea as the hero pilots fought for control of the damaged jet.

After reaching land, they tried to descend towards Aktau Airport but continued struggling to control the doomed aircraft.

Moments later it smashed into the ground and ripped in half – killing more than half on board.

It comes as several reports have linked the tragic crash to Russia.

A Russian military blogger claimed the plane was hit by the air defence missile as it flew over Russia.

This theory was fuelled further as just one minute later a panicky Russia shut down the air space, according to blogger VChK-OGPU.

Anti-air Pantsir missiles had been installed in the area of Grozny airport just a fortnight before the deadly incident.

Map showing the flight path of a passenger plane shot down over the Caspian Sea, near Aktau, Kazakhstan.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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I’m a topless cleaner & chef – it’s not sleazy, my male clients are so rich they don’t know what to do with their cash

A WOMAN has revealed that she makes money from scrubbing floors and cooking meals…whilst naked.

Amber Katherine is a trained nurse, but she also works as a topless cleaner.

Woman responds to a question about whether clients watch her clean topless.
Amber cleans people’s houses whilst topless
tiktok/@bougiebosscleaning
Woman responds to a comment asking if wealthy clients watch her clean their houses topless.
She said that some people completely ignore her whilst she’s doing her job
tiktok/@bougiebosscleaning

She can often be found washing dishes in rich people’s homes wearing nothing but a tiny apron and knickers.

The mum of one charges around £160 an hour for her services and has used the cash to pay for a remodel of her house.

Amber has also recently begun cooking meals in the nude, but has catered her menu especially so that she doesn’t get splattered with grease.

Despite people hiring her specifically because she doesn’t wear a top, Amber revealed that none of her clients stand and watch her whilst she cleans.

“I have some people that hire me and they just completely ignore me, and I just clean their house as if I’m a regular house cleaner,” she said in a video posted to her TikTok account.

She said that often these people have more money than they know what to do with, so just hire her so that they can tell their friends they have a naked cleaner.

She added that some of her clients hang around and chat to her whilst she works.

“I have one client and while i’m cleaning his bathroom, he just sit in his tub fully clothed, just lounging around,” she said.

Sometimes Amber even teaches them her recipes whilst she’s cooking her clients meals.

Amber’s clients are not allowed to touch her or film her, and she makes then sign a contract to avoid any rule breaking.

Amber’s (@bougiebosscleaning) video has likely left many people intrigued, as it has racked up over 400,000 views on the video sharing platform.

TikTok users raced to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts.

One person said: “People are so weird.

“I love that it works for you!”

Cleaning hacks for outside

IF you want to get your garden summer ready, you'll need to check this out.

ALGAE: If your fence is covered in stubborn algae, Mrs Hinch fans swore by white vinegar to get it looking brand new.

MOSS: If moss is causing you problems, soda crystals will do just the trick.

PATIO: IF your patio slabs have seen better days, bleach could be just the thing for you.

A second person said: “What’s the point if they’re not going to watch?”

A third person said: “It would be so uncomfortable to have someone topless just doing normal stuff.

“I think I’d have to leave the house.”

A fourth person added: “Cooking topless sounds very dangerous.”

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