UK Chancellor John Healey warns retailers against 'profiteering' as the Iran war drives up prices, threatening economic security and household finances. The Bank of England fears inflation could exceed 4% next year if the conflict escalates.
Chancellor John Healey has warned big retailers that the government is closely watching for profiteering as the Iran war continues to drive up prices, reigniting the cost of living crisis. The Bank of England also cautioned that further escalation could push UK inflation above 4% next year.
Online sales in Great Britain reached a five-year high in June, rising 1% month-on-month, driven by a heatwave boosting demand for air conditioners and outdoor products, and World Cup spending, according to the ONS.
British households can buy plug-in solar panels from August 27 after a government legal change. Major retailers like Currys and B&Q will sell DIY setups, enabling flats and rented homes to generate electricity, potentially saving £70-£110 annually on energy bills.
US retail sales fell 1% in March, exceeding expectations, as consumers pulled back amid recession fears fueled by a banking crisis, reduced tax refunds, and expired food assistance benefits. This decline, reported by the Commerce Department, signals a moderation in consumer spending and a potentially slowing labor market, despite some economists noting underlying consumer strength.
Chinese organized crime rings exploit tap-to-pay technology for $1 billion annually, using stolen credit cards to buy gift cards and high-value goods, evading detection through complex networks and low-risk transactions.
A comprehensive guide to getting started with CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction), covering its workings, signup process, best programs, alternatives, and FAQs.
Schools, retailers, and government agencies reassured parents that asbestos-contaminated play sand posed a low health risk, relying on an unverified supplier assessment. This messaging spread after recalls in Australia and New Zealand, but independent testing later found 90% of samples released asbestos fibres when played with, prompting updated warnings.
SteelSeries is selling the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless gaming headset for $239.99 due to damaged packaging. The headset, normally $300-$350, is available for Xbox and PlayStation versions, both supporting multiple platforms and Bluetooth. The company assures the internal hardware is undamaged and includes a one-year warranty.
Indian fuel retailers have excess cooking gas supplies due to over-booking cargoes amid Persian Gulf disruptions and increased domestic production. Slow demand recovery from large consumers has led to storage issues and penalties.
Tesco, once poised for global retail dominance, is now divesting its international operations, focusing on its strong UK market share. The company's ambitious expansion plans faltered due to costly failures like Fresh & Easy, accounting scandals, and strong competition from German discounters.
Sonos Ace active noise-canceling headphones are on sale for $279, down from $399, at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The black version is discounted, while the white version is not. The headphones offer premium build, ANC, transparency mode, and up to 30 hours of battery life.
Tesco, once poised for global retail dominance, has largely retreated from international markets, selling off operations in Asia and the US. The company is now exploring the sale of its Central European division, focusing instead on strengthening its UK market share and shareholder returns.
The Trump administration reportedly contacted major grocery chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons to urge them to reduce beef prices ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Walmart announced discounts, with President Trump taking credit for the move.
Gold prices saw a minor decrease on July 8, 2026, with Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas reducing their 22-carat gold rates nationwide. IBJA also updated retail rates, showing slight increases for various gold and silver purities.
Trent, a Tata Group fashion retailer, saw its shares drop over 11% on Tuesday after its first-quarter revenue growth of 19% missed analyst expectations. Citigroup expressed caution due to weak revenue per square foot, competition, and expansion.
The Xtra Muse portable camera is available for $329, a significant discount, and is noted as nearly identical to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Other deals include Resident Evil Requiem on Steam/Newegg, Apple's M3 iPad Air at Best Buy, and the black Apple Magic Mouse on Amazon.
The US food donation system struggles with inefficiencies as only 13% of potentially donatable food from retailers reaches food banks. Communication gaps between retailers and food banks, coupled with capacity constraints and unreliable staffing, hinder efforts to get more food to low-income Americans facing rising grocery prices and reduced SNAP benefits.
NHS England plans to give patients at least three weeks' notice of hospital appointments, inspired by online shopping customer service. This aims to improve patient experience and end the "farce" of late or missed appointment notifications.
Currys CEO Alex Baldock reported a 6% sales increase to £9.2bn and 23% profit rise to £153m, driven by heatwave demand for cooling products and World Cup TV sales. He warned of tight AC and fan supplies for an upcoming heatwave and urged the government to reconsider national insurance increases and business rates for retailers.
US President Donald Trump announced a "Freedom Fuel Network" offering discounted gasoline prices at 25 stations in the Greater Philadelphia area on July 3, ahead of America's 250th birthday celebrations, linking it to his broader economic message.
Sony announced it will cease releasing new PlayStation video games on physical discs in January 2028, shifting entirely to digital downloads via the PlayStation Store. This move reflects a significant consumer preference for digital media, with digital game sales rising from 13% in 2013 to nearly 80% in 2025.
The Kerala state consumer commission ruled Bata India liable for charging Rs 67 above the MRP on shoes. The commission found Bata guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice for failing to display updated pricing stickers after a tax increase.
The EU has introduced a €3 levy on low-value e-commerce imports, targeting Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu. The move aims to curb unfair competition, improve safety standards, and alleviate overwhelmed customs authorities. The fee structure will evolve, and other countries are implementing similar measures.
