3 h. ago High street charity shop to close 190 UK stores as part of major restructuring plan

The charity firm has announced new retail plans that will see it "invest more money in life-saving cancer research."

Politics

3 d. ago FTSE 100 hits new high despite worries over potential US government shutdown

Without Congress passing a bill to fund federal operations before midnight Tuesday night, the government will partially close up shop.

Events

5 d. ago Poundland to shut six shops today as it confirms two more stores to close – full list of 67 being axed

POUNDLAND is set to close six stores today in a blow to shoppers. The popular discount chain will close its branches in Havant, Newport, Ripley, Swanley, Uttoxeter and Partick for good today. Meanwhile, it has confirmed that a further two stores will be axed. Its shop in Market Harborough will close on October 9, while...

Economics

7 d. ago High street heroes: how the humble charity shop is shifting clothes by getting creative

From fashion shows to secondhand socials, charity shops are now hubs of innovation when it comes to fashion waste – and even celebrities are jumping onboardThis was not your usual fashion show. First, I’ve rarely seen a more exuberant bunch of models – all unpaid volunteers living their best lives. Second, everything was secondhand, from a charity shop called Second Life in East Sussex. And third, half of it was sold that day, even the damaged pieces. Second Life’s annual fashion show, held over the summer, is just one of the creative ways the shop keeps its harder-to-sell clothing out of incinerators, landfill and developing countries’ illegal dumps.This “buy direct from the catwalk” concept is something charities are increasingly adopting. At London fashion week this month, Oxfam’s show, styled by thrift queen Bay Garnett, saw pop star Sam Ryder, activist Katie Piper and costume designer Sandy Powell take to the catwalk in preloved boiler suits, capes and wedding dresses, which we...

Politics

8 d. ago Starbucks to sack hundreds of staff and close stores in major $1bn restructure

Starbucks have announced major changes to their North American operation with 900 jobs expected to be cut as well as a widespread cull of the coffee giant's locations

Politics

1 week ago All Amazon Fresh stores to close in the UK four years after first shop opens in London

The US tech company intends to close all 19 Fresh stores and turn five of them into Whole Foods Market shops

Politics

1 week ago High street chain reveals 'great sadness' as it confirms another store closing

Locals in have been left devastated as The Original Factory Shop has confirmed it will close its doors in the coming days for the final time with shoppers sharing their goodbyes on social media

Politics

3 w. ago Sir David Jason to reprise Open All Hours role for 50th anniversary special

‘Only Fools and Horses’ star will close fictional corner shop for final time

Politics

3 w. ago Popular Greater Manchester shop to close after nearly 80 years as owners share ‘deeply grateful’ message

'It has been an honour to be part of your lives'

Politics

3 w. ago Parents who lost children to cancer ring St Paul’s bells in their memory

A ceremony was held at the cathedral in central London to remember the 253 children who die of cancer each year in the UK on average.

Society

4 w. ago Poundland shuts down 11 stores to avoid 'running out of money'

It is part of a major restructuring plan

Politics

last month Celebrate the rise of accessible design – it benefits everyone

I’ve spent almost a decade working in the luxury fashion industry because I want more representation and respect for disabled customersFashion is a vocabulary. Clothing communicates parts of who we are, what we are interested in and how we want to be seen. It reveals choices that we make – but it also exposes lack of choice.I am a disabled woman; I have dwarfism. My disability and stature is obvious and often shapes a first interaction. I’ve learned to love scouring through rails of clothes in high street stores and charity shops, and taking the items for alterations to make sure they fit. I know that if there are patterns or embroidery near the shoulder or ankle of a garment, altering it won’t work. I’ve found that jeans and trousers have to be elasticated at the back so they go over my hips with ease and don’t gape at the back. I’ve also learned that dresses and skirts should have an asymmetrical hemline to accommodate the curve in my spine. As I’ve got ol...

Politics