Shopping advice

An entire shopping centre has been snapped up for as little as the price of a house .

Wilko going bust did little to boost the value of Kingsway Shopping Centre in Newport, South Wales but it’s still home to a Sainsbury’s and Starbucks . Apparently, though, such heavy hitter brands aren’t enough to make it any more attractive to own than £615,000 – less than a detached four-bed on the market just down the road in Caerleon.

READ MORE: Horror seaside town dubbed ‘desperate dead end’ with ‘smashed up pubs’ all over

For all out-there stories on quirky properties for sale and abandoned buildings, head to our page here .

In May the shopping centre was put into property receivership and in August liquidators were appointed to Kingsway Investments (Newport) LLP, which operates the centre and owns its leasehold. It’s now been sold to an unnamed buyer for a staggering £385,000 below its guide price.

According to WalesOnline , the shopping centre’s leasehold owners were placed into liquidation due to financial difficulties earlier this year. It is hoped the purchase, which includes Sovereign House at Commercial Street, could secure the centre’s long-term future for Newport which has struggled to become a major shopping attraction in the region.

The centre currently provides space for 36 retail units, many of which are vacant, as well as office space, a gym, and a car park. The gross contracted income in rent from the shopping centre as of this month was £1,186,682.

According to Newport-based commercial property expert Dan Smith, of M4 Property Consultants, the secret to the centre’s future success could be to fill the units with more varied tenants. He cited nearby Newport Arcade as an example of a shopping area now thriving with a mix of tenants. Newport Arcade includes a florist, a coffee shop, an art gallery, and a skater store.

Jemma McAndrew, receiver and partner at Cushman & Wakefield, told WalesOnline the difficulties for the Kingsway “reflected changes that occurred in the retail sector over the past few years”. “By nature of the retail environment at the moment running shopping centres and enticing tenants requires a significant injection of capital,” she said. “Any new owner is going to need the cooperation of the council in respect of a grace period on the head rent in some shape or form. The asset’s income profile will be challenged even more with Wilko leaving.”

A spokesman for the council has said it will “work with any new developer to ensure ongoing viability” and has “offered a range of business rate relief to retailers in the city centre and will work with any developers to ensure ongoing viability”.

The existence of a secret document referring to a “normal practice” of dealing with complaints by “shutting up shop”, “ignoring” and “await litigation” has been uncovered by a couple in a long-running dispute with Hastings District Council.

The existence of such a practice was discovered by Jason and Vicky Roebuck, who are in dispute with the council over its inspections of a building that was found to have numerous flaws .

Over the course of the dispute, which is the subject of legal action , the couple became aware of a document that referred to the council’s ‘normal practice or process’ in dealing with complaints or litigation, which was said to be “shut up shop”, “ignore” complaints and “await litigation” or words to that effect.

In April this year, Jason Roebuck made a request to the council under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act seeking the document.

He was informed by the council that there was a document that met that description, and it was included in a report prepared by the council before a council meeting in October 2022. But it would not be released.

The council, through its lawyers Rice Speir, told Roebuck that the document related to a settlement strategy in respect of a claim against the council, unrelated to Roebuck’s.

“The report remained in draft and was not finalised i.e. it was not presented to council as before that meeting could occur it became apparent that the settlement proposal could not proceed,” Roebuck was told.

The council said it didn’t have a policy or practice of the kind alleged and “therefore to the extent the request for information sought information about who, how and when the normal practice referred to was formulated or established and who within council had been directed to follow it, that information does not exist.”

Stuff sent an email on Tuesday to the Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst, deputy Mayor Tania Kerr and the 14 councillors with a list of questions around the existence of the document mentioning this secret practice. No responses were received.

Several councillors contacted by Stuff refused to discuss the matter or said they were unaware of the document.

But when councillor Damon Harvey was contacted he said the document did exist.

“Look, I’ve been a little surprised by the council’s responses to this matter to be honest. The fact of the matter is that all councillors in office at the time – ie before the latest election – received this report, ahead of the meeting in October,” Harvey said.

“Myself and councillors were contacted by Mr Roebuck last week asking if we had received the report, and I have since asked council staff for further clarification about its contents,” he said.

Roebuck said “the apparent ‘normal practice’ of ignoring complaints and diverting them to the courts to resolve is a matter of great concern to me, as it should be to ratepayers generally, because litigation is a costly and debilitating process”.

“The Council’s own statutory complaints policy which is required as part of the Council’s accreditation as building consent authority requires fair and objective assessment with a view to resolution out of the Court if appropriate, and on this basis my legal advice is that the council’s ‘normal practice’ is illegal,” he said.

“How many other people have been ignored and/or pushed to costly litigation expense when they have raised legitimate concerns?,” Roebuck said.

“I have asked the [Office of the] Ombudsman to investigate, but in the meantime, ratepayers should be aware of the serious cultural problem within this organisation,” he said.

A council spokeswoman said the council had “no policy or practice of the kind alleged by Mr Roebuck”, but did have a responsibility to act prudently when facing claims against it and “that is what the draft report, which was never finalised or tabled, was colloquially referencing”.

She said the council had co-operated with the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation, and felt the matter was best left with the Ombudsman, “and it would be inappropriate to comment further”.

MAKEUP fans hoping to get a discount on viral staples for their collection should think ahead to the end of November, and the biggest sale in the calendar.

Read our in-depth explainer on Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday deals, and what you should expect.

• Charlotte Tilbury deals – shop here

With a legion of fans that includes celebrities, professionals, beauty enthusiasts and more, it’s no wonder everyone is eagerly awaiting what the brand will offer this year.

Keep reading on to find out exactly what you should expect from this year’s Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday sale and how to go about getting the best offers.

When is Black Friday 2023?

Black Friday falls on November 24 this year , the day after Thanksgiving in the US which is always the fourth Thursday in November.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to avoid Black Friday promotions in the run-up to the big day, but to avoid missing out – mark the date down in your diary!

Is Charlotte Tilbury taking part in Black Friday this year?

The Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday sale is among one of the coveted sales for beauty lovers.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but with previous events in mind, we assume that they are taking part again this year.

Last year in 2022 was considered the ‘biggest event ever’ by the brand, so we’re hoping the brand is keen to beat its own record for 2023.

• Charlotte Tilbury deals – shop here

What to expect from Charlotte Tilbury’s Black Friday sale 2023

In previous years, the brand has offered shoppers up to half-price off gift sets and discounts on cult faves, as well as higher discounts for higher purchases.

It’s not uncommon for Charlotte Tilbury to pump more deals throughout the course of the Cyber Weekend, so it’s definitely worth checking back.

We’ll be updating this page with some of our favourite deals from the sale.

What was in Charlotte Tilbury’s sale last year?

Last year, Charlotte Tilbury shoppers were treated to Magic Offers, using magic codes at the discount enabled savings depending on how much was spent. These deals included:

• Save £15 when you spend £80 or more using code MAGIC1
• Save £30 when you spend £120 or more using code MAGIC2
• Save £75 when you spend £250 or more using code MAGIC3

These were some of the highlights from 2022:

• Flawless, Poreless Skin Secrets, £57.60 (was: £72) – buy here
• Pillow Talk lipstick duo, £41.60 (was: £52) – buy here
• Bronzed, Blushing Beauty kit, £64.80 (was: £81) – buy here
• Science-Powered Complexion Perfection kit, £85 (was: £100) – buy here
• Sofia’s confidence-boosting makeup kit, £141.60 (was: £177) – buy here
• Morning Magic skin kit, £139.50 (was: £155) – buy here

When is Cyber Monday 2023 and is Charlotte Tilbury taking part?

Cyber Monday is always the Monday after Black Friday, making it the 27th this year.

In recent years many brands and retailers have extended their deals beyond Cyber Monday and sometimes into December – giving shoppers a chance to grab a saving on Christmas gifts.

Is Charlotte Tilbury cruelty-free?

Yes! Cruelty-Free International has given Charlotte Tilbury Beauty the Leaping Bunny seal of approval.

The Leaping Bunny, developed by Cruelty-Free International, is the worldwide recognised gold standard in cruelty-free beauty, and it is given to brands that meet stringent global requirements.

Since its inception in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has maintained a cruelty-free commitment, and the Leaping Bunny accreditation now provides official evidence of its cruelty-free status.

• Charlotte Tilbury deals – shop here

Who is Charlotte Tilbury?

Charlotte Tilbury is a British makeup artist and has established herself as a real creative visionary and innovator with over 28 years of expertise.

She has revolutionised the worldwide beauty industry by using her experience in transformative makeup tips and equipment that are simple to use, choose and purchase for people of all ages and skin tones.

Is Charlotte Tilbury worth it?

Charlotte Tilbury products might be pricey – but we think they are definitely worth the hype and price point.

There is a reason why most of Charlotte Tilbury’s products are cult beauty products, for example, the iconic Pillow Talk line, the Airbrush flawless foundation and Charlotte’s Magic Cream are hard to replace once you’ve tried them.

The brand also has a cult following which includes celebrities, influencers and beauty professionals alike.

• Charlotte Tilbury deals – shop here

How much does Charlotte Tilbury delivery cost?

Delivery is free on orders over £49, with standard delivery costing £2.95. You can expect to receive your order within 2-5 working days.

Express Delivery is £5.95 or free on orders over £200.

There’s also the option of adding gift wrapping or, if you’re a loyalty member, you’ll be entitled to free delivery and extras on some orders.

For more delivery options, including international shipping, see here .

Does Charlotte Tilbury offer any other discounts?

How does 10% off your order sound? All you have to do is sign up for the Charlotte Tilbury newsletter, and you’ll receive a discount on your next order.

Students also get 15% off with Unidays and NHS workers will benefit from 20% off using Health Service Discounts .

And if you happen to be a makeup artist, you can apply to the Pro Program and enjoy benefits including 30% off makeup and skincare.

• Charlotte Tilbury deals – shop here

Find more information in our when is Black Friday explainer with all the tips and tricks to know ahead of time.

You’ll also be able to keep up to date with Black Friday news and deals as they come in our pick of the best Black Friday deals .

SEARCHING for the perfect outfit at a discount? High-street favourite & Other Stories will likely have plenty of deals this November.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about & Other Stories Black Friday deals and what to expect from the smash sale.

• & Other Stories deals – shop here

Whether it’s a party outfit for the festive season or some cosy winter knits to see you through the colder months, there’ll likely be a lot to choose from in the & Other Stories Black Friday sale.

The late-November sale is, of course, the biggest deal event of the year, and we’re confident that this fashion favourite will be taking party,

Keep reading on to find out everything you’ll need to about & Other Stories Black Friday deals and what to expect from this year’s sale.

When is Black Friday 2023?

Black Friday falls on November 24 this year. The annual shopping event always comes the day after Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday in November.

The shopping holiday was once considered a US tradition but has recently become a globally celebrated event, with deals available from a range of brands and retailers all over the globe.

• & Other Stories deals – shop here

Is & Other Stories taking part in Black Friday this year?

We expect & Other Stories will be taking part in this year’s Black Friday sale because it has done so in the past.

It’s too early to say exactly what deals will be on offer, but it’s highly likely the retailer will be taking part in the end-of-November sales.

We’ll keep be keeping this page updated with all the latest news we hear, so if you’re a firm fan of the brand, make sure you bookmark this article and check in again.

• & Other Stories deals – shop here

What to expect from & Other Stories’ Black Friday sale 2023

& Other Stories is considered a premium high-street brand, offering a one-stop shop for all your fashion needs with a touch of luxe.

The normal higher price point of the brand means Black Friday is a great time to snap up some discounts on key pieces and seasonal statement items.

The annual sales bonanza is a fantastic opportunity to discover & Other Stories Black Friday deals . Here are some categories worth keeping an eye on when deals are announced in November:

• Party pieces: & Other Stories is one of our favourite places to snap up luxurious looking evening wear. Expect on-trend glam party looks with plenty of velvet, sequins and satin.
• Suits: You can never go wrong with a sharp looking suit. & Other Stories has a wide variety of options, ranging from Prince of Wales check daytime looks to satin tuxedo styles that are ideal for nights out or a wedding.
• Big brands: You can also pick up coveted brands like Veja, Nike and Adidas at & Other Stories too. Why not grab some discounted trainers in the sale?
• Knitwear: Stock up on chic yet warming layers from the brand to keep you looking stylish as the colder weather sets in.
• Footwear: There is an extensive range of footwear designs available from & Other Stories. Always first for picking up on trends, you can find great deals on trainers, boots and heels for the season.
• Bags: Want to invest in a luxe looking handbag without breaking the bank? & Other Stories has a great range of leather bags and accessories that will pull together your outfit. Black Friday is perfect for snapping up some bargain priced arm candy.
• Beauty: The brand is famous for its own-brand beauty and makeup ranges, which includes popular body scrubs, lip paints, shower gels and shampoo. The brand also sells skincare and makeup items from popular low-cost brand The Ordinary too.

You can browse the retailer’s current ranges by heading to stories.com .

What was in & Other Stories’ sale last year?

Last year customers were treated to 20% off everything on the website with a £60 spend.

Other items were discounted in a separate sale, giving you more than one way to save, here are some of our highlights from the sale:

• Voluminous Belted Wool Coat, £162.98, was £205 – buy here
• Heart Embroidered Mock Neck Jumper, £67.58, was £85 – buy here
• Treasure Cut Jeans, £59.63, was £75 – buy here
• Open Back Self-Tie Dress, £75.53, was £95 – buy here
• Favourite Cut Jeans, £59.63, was £75 – buy here
• Oversized Shearling Jacket, £107.33, was £135 – buy here

When is Cyber Monday 2023 and is & Other Stories taking part?

Cyber Monday is seen as the last day of the Cyber Weekend of deals. This year, that date falls on November 27.

We say the last day of deals loosely: in recent years, many retailers and brands have chosen to extend their offers beyond Cyber Monday.

In some cases, like 2022, most of the offers lasted well into December ahead of the Christmas holiday.

It’s too early for us to say if & Other Stories will keep its deals beyond Cyber Monday or not, but keep an eye on this page because we’ll be updating you as soon as we find out more.

Does & Other Stories offer any other discounts?

Yes, if you’re a UK student with a Student Beans card then you’ll be able to get 10% off year round. To redeem your 10% off just follow these steps below:

1. Go to this website: other-stories.connect.studentbeans.com
2. Login to verify that you’re a student
3. Collect your discount code
4. Use the code at checkout on the & Other Stories website

Plus, while you wait for November to roll around, & Other Stories is encouraging shoppers to sign up for its newsletter in order to stay in the loop and get early access to any promotions.

If it’s your first time shopping with the brand, sometimes you’ll get money off of your first order by signing up for the & Other Stories newsletter .

How much does & Other Stories delivery cost?

The brand offers a number of options including standard home delivery, standard pick-up and express home delivery if you need your items in a hurry.

Standard pick-up normally takes between two to three working days and costs £4, or free on orders over £80.

Standard home delivery also takes between two to three working days and costs £4. However, if you spend £80 or more it is free.

Express home delivery costs £10 and faster shipping means you can expect your items to arrive within one to two working days.

Find all delivery options (including international deliveries) here .

Is & Other Stories sustainable?

& Other Stories has made a start on improving sustainability across its ranges, releasing special collections that focus on sustainably sourced materials.

The chain also now uses 100% sustainably sourced cotton.

& Other Stories also launched its first-ever vegan shoes made of VEGEA material, which is partly made from the by-products of wine-making and bottles made from recycled plastic.

The mission statement on the website reads: “With creativity and inspiration at heart, we approach every part of our process with a sustainable mindset.

“Committed to caring for both the present and the future, we share stories of diversity and empowerment, unfolding a long-lasting tale chapter after chapter. As part of the H&M Group, we follow the same commitments which you can read more about here. ”

If you’re keen to find out more information about Black Friday and what to expect for 2023, we’ve detailed it all in our when is Black Friday explainer.

• & Other Stories deals – shop here

We’ll be keeping you in the loop with the latest deals and offers as they come in at our Black Friday hub.

For Cyber Monday news, offers and everything else you’ll need to know, we’ve outlined all the information in our pick of the best Black Friday deals .

I t’s the end of the month. Very soon the landlord will be knocking on your front door, demanding the rent.

You also probably survive on a very insipid dhabba and long eagerly for a home-cooked meal.

Sounds familiar? These are part and parcel of having to live away from your family.

To address your concerns, we offered Top survival mantras for living alone .

We now feature your stories about living alone — your raves, your rants, your advice…

• Living alone? Share your experiences

S ince I was a girl, my parents were not too sure about my staying in Hyderabad for work. I knew I could handle it, but an unknown place can sometimes get to you. The loneliness was not easy to handle. I had a roommate initially, but she developed her own circle of friends and got married in a year’s time.

I was working for a top MNC and realised there are not many single women you will find in your firm; those who are there tend to get married in a year or so.

Eventually, I had no choice but to actually stay alone. My two cents for people planning to stay alone:

~ Stay in a good locality. Do not, under any circumstance, compromise on that.

~ Get organised. Make a list of things you need to do at the beginning of the month, like paying rent, maintenance, electricity bills, phone bills.

Also, write down the phone numbers you might need in one place: the gas agency, tailor, electrician, plumber, dhobi, hospitals, police, etc.

~ Do not go to unsafe/ unknown areas late in the evening. Remember, accidents do not happen everyday!

~ Save, save, save — I cannot emphasise it enough. No matter how good a friends’ circle you have, money can always cause bitterness. M ake sure you don’t have to ask people for it.

~ Some days get depressing and boring; for such days, you should know what brings you back to your cheerful self (maybe music, watching television, surfing on the Net, shopping, chatting with family and friends) and do it. Take control of your life.

If you have a hobby, develop it, or develop new ones. Having a hobby helps when there is no one is around to entertain you. — Rupali Shah, 24, senior software engineer, MNC, Hyderabad

I lived away from my family when I worked in Hyderabad in a reputed firm. So I thought I figured it all out — eating places, cousins to spend weekends with, favourite haunts, managing chores and finances.

But nothing prepared me for the change when I moved to the US for an MBA. Searching a apartment to rent was in itself a daunting task.

Initially, I lived with two other students at a youth hostel for a whole semester in an area with one of the highest crime rates in the US.

Later, thankfully, I found a nice apartment in a safe area and have been living here since.

Here are some common woes you face in the US:

~ Where does one find Indian groceries??

~ For vegetarians: Don’t be fooled by a cheeseburger, it has much more than cheese.

~ There’s no bai here. You must cook, clean, wash, etc, on your own.

~ You better learn how to pay your bills, the rent, etc.

~ The temperatures fall below zero, so wear that silly-looking coat even if it makes you look like a monster.

And you have to do all this while you are supposed to be studying, keeping your grades up, acclimatising and working on campus. It’s quite an experience!

— Kamachi, 28, student, New Jersey, USA

L iving on your own could not be as tough as people make it out to be, or so I thought. After all, I had a job that paid well and came with a semi-furnished company accommodation in Mumbai.

But the last seven months have added to my perspective. I can now vouch that living on your own is not at all that easy. Here are some of the reasons:

~ Support system: The complete lack of one, emotional or otherwise, can get to the most unemotional of people; you start realising just how important your family and friends back home are to you.

~ Health: Taking care of yourself, visiting the doctor when you fall sick, arranging for medicines and fending for yourself is an experience in itself.

~ Finance: I never imagined money would become such an issue, until it did, when I went broke and the next salary payment was still a week away. Learning to budget and avoiding over-spending and buying unnecessary stuff are some of the things I have learnt the hard way.

~ Making friends: In a big city like Mumbai, making new friends is a challenge for a working professional like me; time, work pressure and inclination all work against you. No matter how hard you try, your circle will not expand beyond colleagues/ business partners, etc, who are not much fun anyway.

The list can go on and on but, in the midst of all this, I realised living alone makes you a complete human being; you may not be confident about yourself but you know that, by hanging in there, you will find answers to everything that life has to offer.

The essence of freedom is responsibilities.

— Suraj Saraf, 24, manager-distribution, Dimensional Securities, Mumbai

A t the ripe old age of 29, I was single, footloose and fancy free. I decided it was time to cut the umbilical cord, move out on my own and experience what ‘taking care of my own home’ would be like.

A woman my age would normally be married and taking care of her home, but seeing that marriage is a long way off, I decided it was time I looked for my own home anyway.

Oh yeah, I got the whole ‘we did so much for you’ from the folks. But — he, he — nothing was gonna change my mind!

In between working and making sure I had the water tanks filled during the time the municipal arrived through the taps, cooking, washing clothes and cleaning the house, the last thing I need is to go to a crowded discotheque and shake a leg. And I was someone who partied religiously at least twice a week. This frequency reduced to once in two months and finally tapered down to not at all!

The funny thing is, I don’t miss it at all! Friends ) type — I became obsessed with cleanliness! I remember the first time I had some gal pals over — I was literally following them around with a mop to wipe up any dropped ash or drink rings. It was really quite funny. Now I have them over a lot, even for sleepovers, and no, I don’t walk around with the mop anymore. — Anisha Fernandes, 29, creative consultant, Mumbai

DON’T MISS!

• More smart survival mantras

Do you currently live alone?

Was is tough locating a house? How do you manage money every month? Are the neighbours nosy?

What advice do you have for those who are planning to live on their own?

The trials, the tribulations, the bouquets and the brickbats, we want to hear it all . Don’t forget to mention your name, age and what you do for a living.