April/May 2026
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NEWS Sands Penrith to close ‘due to the continued rise in operating costs’
town centre cookware retailer has announced it will close its standalone store in the coming weeks, citing rising operating costs and ongoing pressures facing high street businesses. The Sands Cookware Shop, located on
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Middlegate, confirmed the decision in a statement shared with customers on Facebook. The retailer said the closure had been made “with a very heavy
heart” following continued increases in operating costs, while thanking customers for their loyalty and support over the years. Despite the closure, the business said it will continue selling
cookware from its main store on Devonshire Street, where it plans to relocate as much stock as possible. A clearance sale began on April 30 ahead of the store’s closure. The announcement comes as many town centre retailers continue to face rising energy bills, staffing costs and wider operational pressures, creating a difficult trading environment for independent businesses. Concerns over the future of the high street have grown in recent
years as more retailers scale back operations or close stores altogether, contributing to rising vacancy rates and declining footfall in many town centres.
The Sands said it hopes customers will continue supporting the business from its remaining Devonshire Street location once the cookware shop closes.
JD.com launches Joybuy in the UK with long-term ambitions
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hinese ecommerce giant
JD.com has officially launched its Joybuy platform in the UK, setting up a direct challenge to established online retailers including Amazon and Argos. The launch marks a major expansion for the business, which is
China’s largest retailer by revenue and is valued at around £30bn. Joybuy is offering UK consumers a broad range of products across technology, home appliances, beauty, groceries and homewares, alongside dedicated brand storefronts from names including Braun, De’Longhi, BRITA and Bodum. The company said logistics will play a central role in its UK
strategy. Operating from distribution hubs in Milton Keynesand Luton, Joybuy is promising next-day delivery to around 17 million UK households, with same-day delivery available in some major cities. The move follows
JD.com’s decision to abandon potential takeover
plans involving Currys and Argos in recent years, opting instead to build its own UK operation. Matthew Nobbs, Managing Director of Joybuy UK, said the business is focused on long-term growth in Britain, supported by competitive pricing, convenience and fast fulfilment.
Victorinox appoints Jackson Boxer as first UK Chef Ambassador
it looks to strengthen its presence across both professional and home kitchens in the UK. Best known for his London restaurant portfolio, Mr Boxer will
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represent Victorinox’s kitchen and commercial knives range, bringing his culinary expertise to a brand widely recognised for precision, durability and ergonomic design. Speaking about the partnership, Mr Boxer said Victorinox knives had been “a quiet constant” in his kitchens for years, describing them as “dependable, precise, and beautifully made”. Founded in 1884 and still family-run, Victorinox said the
collaboration reflects shared values around craftsmanship, quality and innovation. Carl Elsener, CEO of Victorinox, described Mr Boxer as “a natural
partner” for the company, highlighting his commitment to creating distinctive dining experiences.
Alongside the ambassador announcement, Victorinox is continuing to expand its kitchenware offer. The company recently launched a new utensils collection featuring 16 specialist tools including graters, zesters, pizza cutters and spatulas aimed at both professional chefs and home cooks. Victorinox’s Swiss Classic and Wood Collection knife ranges also remain key parts of the brand’s growing kitchenware portfolio.
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ictorinox has appointed acclaimed British chef Jackson Boxer as its first UK chef ambassador. The partnership marks a significant move for the brand as
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