A CINEMA group with more than 40 locations will close one of its locations just two months after opening.

Omniplex Cinemas in Ipswich, Suffolk, has informed its employees in a letter that they are “at risk of being made redundant” after the “difficult decision”.

1

The Irish cinema chain only acquired the Buttermarket location from Empire Cinema in December, but has already begun a consultation process with staff.

The letter sent to employees this week states that Omniplex has failed to reach an agreement on the transfer of the leasehold with the landlord.

This means that the cinema will close on or before Sunday, March 24, the newspaper said Ipswich staralthough the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

An anonymous employee at the movie theater told the outlet that about 30 employees are at risk of losing their jobs, including all team members and managers.

The news comes just weeks after Omiplex took over from previous tenants Empire in December.

Empire first opened in the Buttermarket in 2017 and was the first all-laser projection system in Suffolk and the second in the UK.

But after entering administration last summer, administrators had no choice but to sell.

In addition to the Ipswich location, Ireland’s largest cinema chain also opened four other locations in Great Britain last year.

Omniplex Cinemas can also be found in Birmingham, Sutton, High Wycombe and Clydebank, Scotland.

But the impending closure in Suffolk was “only a matter of time” according to disgruntled locals, as a Cineworld had already been set up elsewhere in the city.

“It was so clear in 2017 that this cinema would not survive when Cineworld was already in town,” said a local resident. “It was always a matter of time.”

A second added: “I went to Omniplex for the first time since it changed last week and it was dreary. Barely anyone there, few empty shelves, I said last week this wouldn’t stay open much longer.”

However, some admitted that they would be sad to see the site disappear.

“Such a shame when this goes, great cinema with friendly staff and better programming than Cineworld,” one person claimed.

“Another big blow to our dying city and a loss for cinema buffs and people who want to visit the city center in the evening for something other than drinking,” said another.

In November, a beloved cinema chain closed its curtains for the last time after twenty years.

Cineworld left loyal customers and staff devastated after it closed the doors of its branch in Runcorn, Cheshire, on November 26.

The closure of another popular Cineworld branch soon followed to make way for a new residential area.

Cineworld in Hengrove Leisure Park, South Bristol, was the last surviving cinema in the area and left locals devastated.

SHOPPERS have complained there are ‘so many closures’ as a bargain retailer with 350 locations is set to close a popular store.

Shoppers feared the worst after the Antrim branch of Poundstretcher at Antrim Castle Mall announced a closure sale on Monday.

2

2

Locals expressed their disappointment on social media. One said on Facebook: “There are so many closures in Antrim – Ulster Bank and Post Office.”

Another wrote: “That store has been closed so many times now.”

Local newspaper Antrim Guardian reported that the shopping center where the Poundstretcher store operates has been earmarked for demolition. There are reports that social housing will be built on the site.

Last year the discount chain unveiled a series of closures in the UK.

• Kilmarnock, Scotland
• Romford, England
• Ammanford, Wales
• Leyland, England
• Grantham, England
• St Austell, England
• Penzance, England
• Hinckley, England
• Grimsby, England
• Hatch Warren, England
• Ebbw Vale, Wales
• Cotterridge, England
• Harrow, England

However, the budget chain is also behind ambitious plans to expand across Britain.

The new stores are expected to create 2,000 jobs over the next five years.

The discount chain will open 30 locations in 2022 and has 350 stores nationwide.

It comes as Poundstretcher has also announced it will also give staff a 10% pay rise this year.

The increase applies to everyone who has worked there for more than a year or to approximately 70% of the staff.

In November 2022, Poundstretcher announced that they had exited a two-year CVA (Compulsory Voluntary Arrangement) after repaying creditors at a rate of 12 cents per pound.

The chain entered into a legal settlement in July 2020 to find a way to offload high-rent stores and has now paid off around £13 million of what it owed.

A BELOVED bargain store is set to close one of its branches after less than two years.

The Chinese giant – which competes with the popular Flying Tiger – has 23 stores in Britain, but will now lose its Solihull branch.

3

3

The store specializes in household and consumer goods, including cosmetics, stationery, toys and kitchenware.

It recently had a closing sale as it prepares to make way for the area's first Oliver Bonas, which will replace it.

News of Oliver Bonas' planned arrival received mixed reactions; some were sad about MINISO's departure and others were excited about its replacement.

One person on Facebook seemed disappointed, writing: “Is Miniso closed yet? My daughter loves the store!”

While another welcomed the change, saying: “Delighted to have Oliver Bonas in Solihull!”

“Very excited for Oliver Bonas!” added a third.

A spokesperson for MINISO in Solihull said the closure is “part of a strategic optimization effort”.

They added: “While the Solihull store is closing, this decision safeguards our continued commitment to providing our customers with an enhanced and tailored shopping experience.

“We appreciate their continued support, and we are excited to share that MINISO will be expanding its footprint with many new stores opening across the UK this year.”

Although Solihull will be saying goodbye to MINISOs, this is not the end for the store as there are plans to open new branches.

It has signed a five-year lease on its new 1,000-metre flagship store at 100 Oxford Street and has also opened the doors to its largest ever UK store on Camden High Street.

It comes as Costa announces the closure of several of its stores.

The chain has already closed the doors of dozens of branches in recent months.

Costa says it regularly reviews its stores in the UK to ensure it is suitable for its communities and teams.

This includes the closure or renovation of existing stores, or the opening of new stores.

3

Ted star Alanna Ubach knows how to have a good time – and she did We weekly for an exclusive day in the life while filming on location.

Ubach, 48, is currently in London for a new project that has not yet been completed. When shooting across the pond, the actress believes it is essential to take advantage of all the hotel's amenities.

“I recommend making a strong cup of coffee, jumping in the bath and pretending to be a high-ranking politician making important calls,” she says. Us. “It will give you life!”

After you've taken care of some work commitments, like a hair and makeup camera test, it's time to explore the city's best local hotspots. Exploring London's West End and Chinatown is a must, then head to the popular Japanese restaurant Dozo Soho for dinner and a visit to the exhibition focusing on British street artist Banksy. “Who wouldn't want to come back in their next life as a controversial graffiti artist?” Ubach jokes.

The day isn't over until Ubach, who shares son Thomas Rodolfo, 6, with husband Thomas Russo, gets a present for her little one. “I bought a book of poems from Edward Lear for my best and crazy six-year-old son,” she says after stopping by Alice Through the Looking Glass Cecil Court for souvenirs.

Ubach may be gearing up for a new secret project, but season 1 of her hit show Ted premiered last month. The sitcom is set in the 1990s and was written by Seth McFarlane and serves as a prequel to the hit franchise. Ubach plays Susan Bennett, the mother of 16-year-old Matty – a clumsy but lovable teenager whose best friend is the foul-mouthed bear Ted.

Season 1 of Ted currently streaming on Peacock. Keep scrolling for a deeper insight into a day in Ubach's life:

08:30

Ubach makes full use of the hotel amenities while on location. “I recommend making a strong cup of coffee, jumping in the bath and pretending to be a high-ranking politician making important phone calls,” the spokesperson said. Euphoria star tells Us. “It will give you life!”

10:00

Then, “I get dressed, get in a cab, and go to makeup and hair for a camera test,” she explains. (The project she's filming is still under wraps.) A few hours later, the actress is ready for the spotlight!

1:30 p.m

Ubach's itinerary includes a visit to London's hotspots including the West End and Chinatown. “Chinatown is a feast for the eyes for the heart and soul and centers me when I'm feeling homesick,” the California native explains. “It reminds me of downtown LA”

03:00

Ubach stops at Alice Through the Looking Glass Cecil Court to buy souvenirs. “I bought a book of poems by Edward Lear for my dear and crazy six-year-old son.”

4:00 in the afternoon

Ubach goes to the popular Japanese restaurant Dozo Soho for dinner. “Savory ramen noodles are perfect on a cold day,” she says. She then visits the exhibition focusing on the British street artist Banksy: “Who wouldn't want to return in their next life as a controversial graffiti artist?

9:00 am

Early to bed, early to rise: with a call time of 5 a.m., Ubach gets ready to hit the hay. “It's cold, [so] I have thick socks on and a knitted hat on standby,” says the actress Us. I'll get to the chickens and whale watchers faster than you can see. 'Sweet Dreams!''

A major coffee chain with more than 2,000 branches is about to close one of their beloved stores for the last time ever in just a few hours.

Costa Coffee on Bruntsfield Place in Edinburgh will grind its last bean when the store officially closes tomorrow on Valentine's Day.

2

2

The sad closure was confirmed by Costa in December, but reality is finally sinking in as residents count down the hours until the shutters are finally battened down for good.

A Costa spokesperson told The Sun: “We can confirm that our Costa Coffee store on Bruntsfield Place will close its doors to trading on September 14.^e from February 2024.

“We apologize for the inconvenience.

“Customers can continue to enjoy their favorite Costa coffee in our nearby store on Morningside Road.”

Locals took to social media to express their distressed reactions to the closure.

One person said: “God Almighty, so many businesses are losing in Edinburgh, the council needs to fix the rates so this doesn't keep happening.”

Another added: “Bit of a shame, we love Costa and it's always busy when we've been there.”

While some others weren't too disappointed with the closure and saw it as a positive step for other independent coffee shops.

“We have too many coffee chains in this city! Let independent businesses flourish again,” one person added.

While another said: “Means more sales for independent cafes.”

Closures for food and drinks

Food and drink chains in general have also suffered in recent months as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending money on eating out.

Businesses struggled to recover after the pandemic but were hit by rising energy bills and inflation.

Several chains have been affected, causing major brands such as Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's to close branches.

In early 2023, hamburger chain Byron Burger collapsed, resulting in the loss of more than 200 jobs.

Italian chain Prezzo also announced plans last year to close 46 restaurants due to rising energy and food costs, putting 810 jobs at risk.

Lidl will pull down the shutters on its Thornaby site later this month.

The bargain retailer has confirmed that its Stockton-on-Tees locations will close on February 29.

What else is happening on the shopping street?

Earlier today, hundreds of jobs were put at risk when the UK arm of Body Shop went into administration.

FRP Advisory has been brought in to restructure the beauty and cosmetics company, which has around 200 stores in the UK.

A statement from Body Shop said: “Administrators will now consider all options to find a way forward for the company and will notify creditors and employees in due course.”

Retailers have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as shoppers cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.

High energy costs and the move to online shopping after the pandemic are also taking their toll, with many high street stores struggling to continue.

The high street has seen a slew of closures in the past year and more are in the pipeline.

Sales volumes fell 3.2% in December, data showed the office as National Statistics suggests, down from a 1.4% increase a month earlier.

Numerous major brands have been banned in the past twelve months, including the major discounter Wilko.

But it has since returned to the high street under The Range's ownership, and Wilko brand items are stocked in The Range stores.

Both M&Co and Joules are among the well-known brands that went bankrupt in 2022.

Paperchase then fell into administration at the end of January last year and all 106 stores later closed for good.

The good news

Fortunately, some stores are bucking the trend and opening new locations.

Primark said it will open five new stores, with one coming within weeks.

B&M will open six new locations in early 2024, including in former Wilko stores that it took over.

Beauty retailer Sephora is opening its third location in Manchester this year.

Another skincare and makeup icon, Avon, plans to open stores in Britain for the first time in its more than 100-year history.

Costco plans to open 14 new locations in Britain over the summer next one two years, while Greggs will add 160 branches this year.

See the full list of stores opening on the high street in our overview.

SHOPPERS are in mourning after a major department store closed one of its most popular branches today.

The iconic Fenwick store on New Bond Street is set to close after the property was sold to developers for £430 million.

1

Fenwick announced they would be closing their central London store on Facebook, much to the dismay of many shoppers.

Many customers and former employees are mourning the loss of another giant store that will close its doors this year.

One person said: “So sad.”

Another added: “I worked there 23 years ago. I worked there for a long time and worked with some fantastic people on most floors. Unfortunately we didn't keep in touch as there was no Facebook or anything like that, goodbye Bond Street, it was Awesome.

And another user wrote: “What's happening in London.

“All the wonderful shops are closing and now Fenwick.”

Fenwick's website launched an 'archive sale' exclusively for the Bond Street location, with discounts of up to 70 per cent.

Rosie Grant, 62, a costume designer, said she visited the store to say “a final, sad goodbye” to it.

“I'm devastated that it's closing,” she said The guard.

“It just has an elegance that you don't find in other stores.

“It's more subdued, it's classic; it has things you really need.”

Fenwick began trading in 1882 and opened his shop in Bond Street in 1891.

The store went up for sale in 2022 and was sold for more than £400 million to Lazari Investments, a property development company founded by now Cyprus-born British billionaire Chris Lazari.

Parts of the store will be temporarily used for charity pop-ups.

From February 9, five charities will occupy the former bags and accessories department.

The new multi-charity store will open for two weeks and will host various events with DJs on the weekends.

It comes after major retailers including Boots and Costa announced they will close their stores this month.

A MAN has revealed he went to Britain's top-rated Wetherspoons.

Callum Ryan, a content creator and presenter who previously appeared on Rich Kids Go Skint, was left stunned in the pub, which was in a crazy location in Tunbridge Wells.

7

7

7

Posting on social media about his experiences at the Wetherspoons chain, Callum said: “The best rated Wetherspoons in the UK! Who would go here?!”

He then filmed outside the large venue, saying: “Have you ever gone to the top-rated Wetherspoons in Britain?

“Well, today I did just that.

“Near Royal Tunbridge Wells you will find Wetherspoons in an old opera house theater. I mean, look how cool it looks!”

The Wetherspoons venue, also known as the Opera House, is located on Mount Pleasant Road, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, in Kent, and was originally built as an opera house.

It opened in 1902 and then became a cinema in 1931.

Then, almost forty years later, it made the transition to a bingo hall and eventually to a Wetherspoons pub.

As Callum showed his followers around the epic pub, which also has a licensed outdoor area, he continued: “It has all the original seats and booths that were used in the past.”

However, Callum was slightly disappointed with the prices, adding: “The only downside is that the food is exactly the same as all the other Spoons around the country.

“£7 for a quick curry and then I went straight to the toilet.

“On the way there I saw this sign that said they still do an opera show once a year, which is honestly pretty sick.

“The journey was 10 times faster than any other Spoons I've been to, so this gets a big thumbs up from me.”

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @datonecalhas clearly left many with their mouths open as it has racked up a whopping 142,300 likes.

Social media users were impressed by Callum's Wetherspoons trip and many took to the comments to express this.

One person said: “Actually my dream.”

Another added: “I've walked past here many times and never been inside. It actually looks like this Nice.”

A third commented: “I'm out.”

At the same time, many Wetherspoons fans tagged their friends and loved ones in the comments, letting them know about the epic location.

One user tagged a friend and wrote: “We have to go.”

Another asked a loved one, “Can we go?”

While someone else warned a TikToker, writing: “Please take me.”

Meanwhile, many other food fans took to the comments to share their favorite Wetherspoons branch.

One user advised: “Try the Folkestone one mate.”

A second chimed in: “Cardiff same. And IOW is a church.”

And another recommended: “Llandudno spoons of Palladium is similar to this.”

Fabulous pays for your exclusive stories. Just email fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and put EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

7

7

7

7

FAST food fanatics are 'gutted' and alarmed after a major restaurant closed its premises.

Customers feared the worst when they saw their beloved branch closed, but the restaurant has warned them not to panic.

1

Nando's on Marine Parade, Southport, has released a statement in an attempt to reassure disgruntled locals.

Customers flocked to social media to share their concerns.

One person loved a 'cheeky Nando's' so much that after discovering the branch was closed, they drove an extra 25 minutes to chase down the meal.

The wrote: “I drove to the local shop in Southport and found it was closed for a re-Ferb so ended up driving to Aintree.

“A truly wonderful experience double chicken wrap with cheese extra hot spicy rice Peri Peri chips chicken wings extra hot ooooooooof always a pleasure never a chore.”

Another went elsewhere to get their chicken feast, writing, “We drove there and were gutted so we resorted to a hickory's.”

A third was equally disappointed, saying: “Delighted! I was meant to go there on Monday for my daughter's birthday x.”

A Nando's spokesperson said: “Our Southport restaurant is currently closed for construction. But don't worry, we'll be firing up the grills and welcoming customers in mid-February.

“The restaurant will continue the No Chuckin' Our Chicken food donation program with local charity Live To Learn.”

It comes as it has been revealed that a major fashion brand could close branches due to problems on the high street.

Superdry is said to be considering a “radical” restructuring, including job cuts, after reports of poor Christmas sales.

The designer chain is investigating the options for restructuring and has approached financial advisor PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), said Sky News.

She is said to be considering entering into a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), a form of insolvency.

A CVA is a way for a company to restructure but still continue to trade, but usually also involves closing stores and reducing rental costs.

Part of the restructuring could include a “substantial” number of store closures and job losses.

A KEY location at a chain used by millions of drivers across the UK has closed today.

Customers were left devastated when Halfords closed shop at its branch at The Merry Hill Centre, in Brierley Hill, Dudley.

2

2

The store specialized in automotive and bicycle products and services.

Eagle-eyed shoppers spotted a sign in the window confirming the closure.

The sign read: 'This store is now closing, but we are still local.

“Our Merry Hill store closes on January 26th, but don't worry!

“Birchfield Road, Warley, Oldbury, B69 1DT and Springvale Retail Park, Springvale Way, Bilston, WV14 0QL.”

Halfords confirmed the closure in a statement to The Sun.

A spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that the Halfords store in Merry Hill is closing and that staff are aware of the closure.

“Customers can still make purchases at Halfords.com.

“We are working hard to support all those affected.”

Many customers have now taken to social media to share their disappointment with the decision.

One person said: “I get the kids' bikes there and always have my lights turned on. It's really a shame.”

A second complained: “Halfords today don't come close to the Halfords of the 1960s or 1970s.”

Another third wrote: “No way! Another bites the dust.”

“That's too bad. It was one of the first shops in Merry Hill in the 80's. I have used it a lot over the years, but not much these days.

“Was really handy when I needed stuff urgently, but there rarely seemed to be much when I went lately,” a fourth commented.

Another said: 'Halfords are great to help, they have helped me many times.

“I wish people would stop buying online and shop local”

It comes after Halfords closed a series of branches last year, including branches in Cambridge, Lincoln and Gloucestershire.

Permanently closed locations include:

• Meadowlands Retail Park, Cambridge – February 2023
• Halfords Autocentre, Bellman's Close, Largs – February 2023
• East Road Retail Park, Irvine – March 2023
• Stroud, Gloucestershire – August 2023
• Wragby Road, Lincoln – November 2023

In July 2020, Halford reserved 60 shops and garages for closure following a drop in turnover due to the coronavirus.

At the time it operated more than 445 stores and more than 370 garages in the UK.

Halfords currently has more than 400 stores and more than 300 garages.