The latest UK49s results are out, following the Lunchtime draw on Saturday, 15 February 2025. As such, the UK49s Lunchtime results for today are as follows: UK49s Lunchtime Results Pending… The next 49s draw, which will be the Teatime draw, is scheduled to take place later today at 17:49 UK time, or 18:49 South African […]
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The latest 49s results are out, following the Afternoon (Lunchtime) draw on Saturday, 15 February 2025. Today’s 49s Lunchtime, or Afternoon draw was presented by Kirstie. 49s Afternoon Lucky Numbers Pending… The next 49s draw, which will be the Teatime draw, is scheduled to take place later today at 17:49 UK time, or 18:49 South […]
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AN AIRPORT in the Caribbean has revealed its huge expansion plans, including a new terminal.
Las Américas International Airport in the Dominican Republic is set to benefit from a huge $30million (£24million) renovation.
Located in Santo Domingo, Las Américas International Airport will boost its capacity by another four million passengers when the new terminal eventually opens – double it’s current capacity.
Construction work on the new airport is set to begin later this year, with the airport’s arrivals area, roofs, facades and lighting to be revamped under the overhaul.
The arrivals area will be completely overhauled and have new floors and ceilings, making way for more modern elements.
A new baggage handling system, more modern security inspection and baggage machines will also be installed.
Improvements will also be made to the information systems and its air conditioning.
A new car park, with 400 extra car parking spaces, will also be built under the renovation.
New road surfacing and signage will also be installed at the airport.
Airport operator, Vinci Airports, is creating a new sustainable roof with a solar power plant and rainwater recovery system.
Construction work on the huge renovation project is underway.
Mónika Infante, CEO of AERODOM, declared: “AERODOM, as part of the VINCI Airports network, is proud to deliver these improvements as part of our partnership with the Dominican Republic.
“The works at the current terminal will be complemented with the construction of a state of the art new terminal that will continue to support the country’s tourism industry.
“We are committed to keep bringing positive momentum and sustainable transition in the country, as we have been doing since we started our operations in 2016.”
Despite an increase in passenger capacity, no new routes have been announced.
The Dominican Republic is the second-largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba, and is known for being one of the cheapest.
Because of its large size, there are plenty of things to do on the island, including visiting pristine white beaches like Punta Cana and Bavaro.
There are several historic sites like Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture.
Adventurers can hike to the stunning El Limón Waterfall or explore the lush landscapes of Los Haitises National Park.
Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts can discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life in places like Sosúa and Bayahíbe.
Not only are there direct flights from the UK, but the island has an average temperature of 29C.
Luis de Camoes Airport, Portugal
Lisbon will open its new Luis de Camoes Airport by 2034.
The £7billion airport will replace the current Lisbon Airport and welcome 100million passengers by 2050.
Kastelli International Airport, Greece
Kastelli International Airport will become one of the largest in the country when it opens in Crete.
The new airport will welcome up to 10million passengers when it opens in 2027.
New Bodø Airport, Norway
The current Bodø Airport will be replaced by the new £546million New Bodø Airport.
It hopes to open by 2029, welcoming up to 2.3million passengers a year.
The UK government has approved plans to expand London City Airport.
London Stansted Airport has revealed plans to welcome another 20million in the next 16 years, ahead of a £1.1billion renovation.
AS the UK waits for the much-anticipated Universal attraction to open, there are two exciting new theme parks opening in Europe.
Both Hossoland in Poland and Bommelwereld in the Netherlands will compete against European theme park giants like Disneyland Paris, Europa Park and Efteling when they open later this year.
Here’s everything you need to know about them both, including the new rides and when they will open this year.
Set in Brojce, in Poland‘s northern coast, plans for fairytale-themed Hossoland were first announced back in 2017.
Hossoland, which will open to the public on May 31, is hoping to rival Energylandia – one of Europe’s largest theme parks.
When it opens, the new theme park will have 50 rides and attractions spread across four themed lands.
A lighthouse will sit at its heart and connect the four zones, each of which has been inspired by local legends and fairytales.
Spread across 400,000sqm, the four themed lands include Mermaid City, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, the Land of the Vikings and the Dragon Valley of the Mines.
A steel coaster called GhostRider will be one of the park’s top attractions.
Soaring 176ft into the air, the new coaster will reach speeds of up to 72mph.
While other new rides have yet to be named, visitors can expect to find 20 food and drink areas in the Polish theme park.
It is hoped that the theme park will attract one million tourists each year.
Karen Hovsepyan, vice president of the park’s operator Hosso Group, told Planet Attractions: “Hossoland will be the only amusement park of such a large scale on the Polish coast.
“It will certainly become a recognisable symbol and a frequently visited place in this region.”
The best way for Brits to get there will be to fly to Szczecin, with Ryanair offering £14.99 flights from both Liverpool and London.
The park will be around an hour by car from there.
The Netherlands is also set to get a brand-new theme park later this year, with indoor site Bommelwereld slated to open in 2025.
Bommelwereld is based on the Dutch comic book characters Tom Poes and Ollie B. Bommel (Tom Puss and Oliver B. Bumble).
The theme park’s centrepiece will be a 23m-tall castle called Bommelstein.
Spanning 9,000sqm, the indoor theme park will feature more than 18 attractions when its doors open later this year.
Attractions include a Hall of Fame and a portrait gallery exploring the history of the fictional character Oliver B. Bommel.
There will be a mini flume ride, a grand theatre for live shows, a climbing tower, a double-decker carousel and a 9m-high slide.
Famous manufacturers Vekoma and Zamperla will have rides at the theme park – although details have yet to be revealed.
Local news outlets describe the park as being a blend of cutting-edge rides and nostalgia, which has been designed with multiple age groups in mind.
A firm opening date hasn’t been announced.
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
Meanwhile, here’s everything we know about the UK’s new Universal theme park as government prepares to approve planning.
Alton Towers has a pirate takeover week during February half term and there’s Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.
A MUM says she has been left “deformed” after getting a £3,800 “mummy makeover”.
Charlie Sugden was terrified she was going to die following the procedure in Turkey.
The 40-year-old booked liposuction and a tummy tuck after years of feeling unhappy with her body following the births of her three children.
She says as soon as she woke up from the operation, she realised something was horribly wrong.
Her stomach had already started turning black because the circulation had been cut off and she was developing sepsis, which kills 11million people worldwide every year.
Charlie claims she was in agonising pain and was petrified she would die – but it was the thought of her children that kept her going.
She flew back to the UK five days later but collapsed after noticing a gaping wound in her stomach.
Medics performed an operation to remove the dead skin and Charlie says she’s been left “deformed” as a result.
“When I woke up, I was in horrendous pain,” the mum-of-three, from Leeds, said.
“I looked down and my stomach was black because the circulation had stopped.
“I can’t describe the pain I was in. I thought I was going to die in my bed.
“The only thing that kept me going was my children.
“I kept thinking I needed to get home for them so they have a mum.
“I couldn’t die like that, it would be so traumatic for them.
“I was screaming in agony. My stomach was dying and all I could feel was tight pain all over my body.
“I had to get out of bed for my children even though it almost killed me. I needed to get home to them.”
Once Charlie returned to the UK, things only got worse.
I was naive. I just thought I’d be fine and home in a few days but now I’m deformed for life
Charlie Sugden
“I was on the sofa, and when I got up, my stomach opened up,” she said.
“Loads of fluid came out of it. I collapsed and I was rolling around in pain.
“I went to hospital and they said I had sepsis.
“They cut the dead flesh away and stuck a vacuum pack to my stomach to help it heal.
“When I woke up, I had no stomach and I wasn’t prepared for that. I was in shock, massively.”
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection. It can be incredibly serious.
Charlie, who is completing her GCSEs and hoping to become a nurse, spent five days recovering in hospital before being sent home.
She said she’s been left “disfigured” by the surgery, which she had in July last year, but is thankful to be alive.
“I’m deformed; my stomach goes in and it looks awful,” she said.
“I can wear a dress now but I know what I look like underneath.
“All that matters though is that I’m alive to be a mum to my kids.
“That would have been a horrible way for me to die and for my children to lose their mum like that.
“I’m fit and healthy otherwise, and I’m thankful for that.”
Source: Stop Sepsis Save Lives
Charlie opted for a tummy tuck and liposuction after struggling with her body image since having children.
The double procedure, which sometimes also includes a boob job, is popular with mums and is often dubbed a “mummy makeover“.
Charlie said she’d been researching surgeons for four years and the one she eventually chose had been recommended to her by a friend.
“From having three children, I have a stomach,” she said.
“The muscles are broken in my stomach and it’s difficult to get them back.
“Even if I lost weight, the belly would stay and it affected my confidence massively.
“I’m an active woman and I wanted to look good. I wanted to wear a bikini. I haven’t worn one since having kids.
“I did a lot of research but I didn’t trust any of it because I thought the reviews could be fake.
“It was word of mouth that pushed me to make the decision.”
She added: “You have to be prepared in case you run into problems.
“I didn’t ask who would look after me if anything went wrong.
“I was naive. I just thought I’d be fine and home in a few days.
“People going to Turkey must go to a hospital rather than a clinic so that if something goes wrong, they are able to access medical assistance right away.”
LUIGI Mangione – the man accused of assassinating UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson – has broken his silence from prison for the first time.
The suspect, 26, revealed he has been swamped with adoring letters from twisted fans in his statement posted to a website called Luigi Mangione Info.
In the message, Luigi says he is “overwhelmed” by the response from the public since his arrest on December 9.
He revealed that lots of people from different backgrounds have written to him to share their stories and offer their support.
He said that “mail has flooded MDC [Metropolitan Detention Center] from across the country, and around the globe”.
Luigi said that, whilst he cannot reply to all the letters, he reads every single one he receives.
His message concludes: “Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.”
It was posted to a website run by his defense team, which they set up to deal with the “extraordinary volume of inquiries and outpouring of support”.
The site features case updates, information on his legal team, an FAQ section, a contact form and a link to a fundraiser.
In the website’s FAQ section, Luigi’s attorneys asked the public to stop sending him books.
They wrote: “He is very appreciative, but kindly asks that people temporarily refrain from sending more books”, because he has received “numerous”.
THE following message was posted to luigimangioneinfo.com:
“Due to the extraordinary volume of inquiries and outpouring of support, this site was created and is maintained by Luigi Mangione’s New York legal defense team to provide answers to frequently asked questions, accurate information about his cases, and dispel misinformation. The intent is to share factual information regarding the unprecedented, multiple prosecutions against him.
“Here is a message from Luigi:
“‘I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support. Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe. While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.'”
Luigi is currently rotting in a windowless solitary confinement cell within the Special Housing Unit of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
He is facing federal charges including murder over the December 4 shooting of the private healthcare CEO in Midtown Manahattan – for which he could face execution.
He is also fighting murder and terrorism charges in New York state.
His next court appearance will be on February 21 in Manhattan on the state charges.
A huge, five-day manhunt followed Thomspon’s murder, and Luigi was eventually tracked down at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
When Luigi was arrested, cops found pieces of paper covered in a handwritten “manifesto” alongside other alleged items including a gun, bullets, fake IDs and cash.
The document attacked America’s healthcare system, and even said: “frankly, these parasites had it coming”.
Luigi also indulged his vigilante delusion by allegedly engraving the words “deny”, “defend” and “depose” onto shell casings found at the murder scene.
These ideological messages gained the suspect a cult following from misguided supporters who feel aligned with his grievances.
A poll published two weeks after Thompson’s murder found that 41 per cent of voters under 30 thought the killing was acceptable.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated to various defense funds set up in his name – with the one linked through his website sitting at over $400,000.
The committee backing the fundraiser said: “The American private health insurance industry has ruined countless lives by denying people access to basic care and burying families in medical debt.
“It’s no surprise that Luigi’s alleged actions are understood and supported by tens of millions of hard-working Americans.”
Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg in December as Luigi was brought in, waiving “Free Luigi” and anti-insurance signs.
Supporters wore caps of the Nintendo Super Mario character Luigi and held up signs that read: “Murder for profit is terrorism” and “Death by denial is murder.”
Officials have consistently condemned those who praise the murder Luigi stands accused of.
Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, previously said: “This was a killing to invoke terror.
“This was not an ordinary killing, not to suggest that any killing is ordinary, but this was extraordinary, and the New York State Legislature has set out both the paths, both the murder one and murder two.
Luigi allegedly murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after waiting for half an hour outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown on the morning of December 4.
Surveillance footage captured the moment a masked gun snuck up behind Thompson, who was on his way to an investors meeting, before firing three shots using a 3D-printed ghost gun, prosecutors said.
Thompson was struck in the back and leg and was transported to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he died.
Details in the unsealed federal indictment against Luigi allegedly show that he had been planing to kill Thompson as early as August 15.
An entry in his notebook read: “The details are finally coming together,” according to court documents.
BRIAN Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealth – the largest private healthcare insurer in the US healthcare.
He was gunned down in midtown Manhattan on December 4 and died.
The murderer, a masked assailant. struck as Thompspon was walking into a hotel where the company he led was holding an investors’ meeting.
Five days later, police charged Luigi Mangione, with his murder, after detaining him at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
A statement from Thompson’s family said: “We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian.
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives.”
Thompson and his wife, Paulette, had been living separately at the time of his death.
He received a $10.2million pay package last year from the company he started at the company in 2004.
Before joining UnitedHealthcare, he was a manager at accountancy giant PwC for a number of years.
He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a bachelor’s in business administration.
A MAJOR car dealership has announced a sudden closure with staff left “shocked and angered”.
BCA revealed it is shuttering it’s branch in Banbury, Oxfordshire, with hundreds now set to lose their jobs.
The company , which dubs itself “Britain’s biggest” used vehicle business, is closing their Chipping Warden site.
It will relocate business to existing Bedforshire and Northamptonshire operations.
Employees were told of the unexpected move late last month, and given 45 days to prepare.
The final working day will be March 14 before shutters are pulled down permanently.
Staff claimed the news hit “out of the blue” leaving them “shocked and angered”, as reported by Banbury Guardian.
One said: “There are now a lot of people at BCA very upset about the decision.
“We had no notice, the announcement about 200 redundancies and the centre relocating to Bedford just came completely out of the blue.
“Just before Christmas we were getting told to up production and we were smashing a lot more cars out than normal and this is the thanks we get for it!”
The staff member, who is in their 60s, shared fears they will be “too old” to find another job while being too young to retire.
They added how they’ve been “thrown into limbo” over the move.
The Chipping Warden site has been running for nine years.
A spokesperson for BCA said: “BCA confirmed that the Chipping Warden Remarketing Centre is set to relocate to other sites it operates in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and has opened consultation with staff.
“Like all businesses, BCA needs to evolve its operational base in line with its growth journey and the changing external environment and needs of our customers to ensure we continue to provide market leading service and support.”
This comes as another car dealership closed down five showrooms when business folded after 22 years.
Marsh Holdings Limited, based in Exeter, Devon, was forced to shut up shop – just months after it sold its Kia franchise.
Elsewhere, another longstanding car dealer axed six locations across UK in its biggest round of closures ever after cutting 250 jobs.
Meanwhile, a third landmark company revealed their sudden closure under plans to chop a whopping 50 sites.
By Summer Raemason
According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK.
The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships.
With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don’t even step foot into a dealership anymore.
Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared.
Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket.
Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors.
The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry.
A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars.
They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050.
The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals.
This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.
MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly hold an emergency staff meeting amid fears of 200 more redundancies.
SunSport revealed on Tuesday that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to cut another wave of jobs at Old Trafford.
The British billionaire’s money-saving measures have seen many employees lose their jobs – including 250 last summer – while the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson have had their salaries axed, too.
SunSport understands a further 100 to 200 staff members are at risk in the next slashing.
A source exclusively told SunSport: “Ultimately, football is a business but there are hundreds of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes who contribute to any club’s success.
“Morale is already on the floor after last year’s job losses. This will come as another big blow.”
One of those who has reportedly been dismissed is popular head of team operations and “mum of everyone” Jackie Kay, who joined United in 1995.
Now, though, The Guardian state the club have notified staff of an unexpected “team briefing” on February 24.
It is claimed all employees received an email on Friday evening to confirm the scheduled meeting next Monday afternoon.
And while the note did not confirm jobs would be lost, it heavily implied that would be the case as the “club must explore every option”.
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The email reportedly said: “We are aware of media reports this week speculating on a number of issues relating to the club.
“We recognise this is unsettling for you all. In terms of what has been reported there is no further information that we can share with you at this point.
“However, we will hold a team briefing on Monday 24 February at 2.30pm during which we’ll be able to talk to you further.
“It will come as no surprise that the club must explore every option, including reducing costs and raising revenues.
“There are no final decisions currently.”
Ratcliffe is determined to restore the glory days back at Manchester United – with no Premier League title since 2013.
The Red Devils have lost £300million over the past three years and need to turn things around financially.
Ratcliffe even fears if he does not radically cut costs, he fears the historic football giants could go BUST.
Ratcliffe’s unpopular measures in his first year in the director’s box include cancelling the staff Christmas party, replacing bonuses with £40 M&S vouchers, cutting donations to charities, increasing ticket prices and scrapping lunchboxes for matchday staff.
It is not just the staff feeling the disconnect with the club’s ownership – as fans plan a protest on March 9 when they host Arsenal at Old Trafford.
And on the pitch, January transfer recruitment was limited to less than £30million, signing left-back Patrick Dorgu and teenager Ayden Heaven, while it is thought virtually the entire squad of players could be available for sale at the end of the season.
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…
December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford
January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington
January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO
February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed
February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added
March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move
March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football
March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford
March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December
April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled
April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director
April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton
May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness
May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof
May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish
May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy
May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket
May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed
May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result
June 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground
June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office
June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team
July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation
July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026
July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.
July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment
July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board
July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125
July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie
August 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window
August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet
October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson
October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled
October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches
October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m
November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause
November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim
November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings
November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association
December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century”
December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66
December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director
December 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher
December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth
December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars
December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity
A BELOVED outdoor retailer is set to shut one of its stores in weeks as it launches a “huge” closing down sale.
Craigdon Mountain Sports will shutter its branch in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, at the end of March.
A Facebook post by the business, which operates one other store in Aberdeen, confirmed the closure.
It added: “We’re so grateful for the incredible support from the local community over the years, and we want to thank our amazing team and all the outdoor enthusiasts who made this store so special.”
Craigdon Mountain Sports said “many” of the Inverurie store staff will be transferred to its Aberdeen site and its website remains operational.
Stock has also been reduced in a huge closing down sale.
But shoppers have still be left distraught after finding out the branch, which sells footwear, snow gear, bags and more, will close its doors for good in a matter of weeks.
Posting on Facebook, one said: “Wow! what a shock! The best shop in the world, the best staff in the world!
“Such a shame to hear, the world is coming to an end, been in my life since I can remember, sad, sad, sad.”
Another commented: “Absolutely gutted to hear this – a real loss for Inverurie as well as the Craigdon brand.”
A third saddened customer added: “So sad to hear this news. Best outdoor shop with the best staff ever.
“We’ve been going for years and all our family adventures have been kitted out here.”
And a fourth commented: “So sorry to hear this, a great loss for Inverurie and the surrounding area.”
The Craigdon Mountain Sports closure comes after a host of other retailers shut up shop in Aberdeenshire.
Superdry is closing its store at the Union Square Shopping Centre in Aberdeen, today, after launching a 30% off sale.
Popular fashion chain Fat Face shuttered its store inside the same shopping centre on January 25.
Meanwhile, American retailer Hollister is set to shut its only store in Aberdeen at the end of the month.
Stores close sites for a variety of reasons including that a particular site is not performing or that a lease is coming to an end.
Closures are not always an indication that a brand is struggling.
The high street has struggled in recent years as shoppers increasingly head online.
The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows online retail sales increased from 5% of all retail sales in 2008 to 27% in 2022.
Shoppers have also been feeling the pinch in recent years following surging inflation which has dented their budgets.
The Centre for Retail Research said in 2024 alone more than 13,000 shops closed across the UK.
Some outdoor retailers are closing branches across the UK, including Trespass and Mountain Warehouse, which has shut a string of shops across the UK in recent years.
But it’s not been bad news by all means.
In August, Mountain Warehouse said it wanted to open 50 new stores following a surge in demand for outdoor clothing.
This came after the brand opened 20 new stores at the start of 2024 following pre-tax profits of £26.2million over the financial year.
EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.
The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors.
In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping.
Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open.
The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.
At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40.
In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.
The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing.
Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns.
Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead.
In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few.
What’s increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online.
They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places.
The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.