Latest news with #Londis
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tesco plans to open new shop in town - are residents happy?
Residents and readers have reacted to news Trowbridge is to welcome a new Tesco to the town. As previously reported, it has been confirmed that following a short closure the Budgens Trowbridge store, on Hackett Place, will re-open as a Tesco Express store later this year. It is understood that employees will have the choice to transfer to the new Tesco store, and there will be a consultation about what the changes mean for them in the coming weeks. Tesco bought Booker, the parent company of Budgens and Londis in 2017 for a deal reported to be around £3.7 billion, according to Guardian reports at the time. It is also understood there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of these changes. The news has sparked reaction from Wiltshire Times readers who feel there is already a sufficient number of Tesco branches in the town centre. According to Google Maps, there are currently four Tesco branches in the town. Suggested reading: Police ramp up bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in town Tesco plans to open new shop in town Police respond to 'disturbance in toilets' of town's shopping centre Responding to the Wiltshire Times's Facebook post of the story announcing the new branch, Eve Everson wrote: 'What another one, that will be 5, why do we need 5 Tesco's? Paul Raymond commented: 'Truly disappointed. Budgens shop at Hacketts is a very special place, staffed by some amazing people. Now it's just going to be another bland Tesco shed. Gutted.' Other readers appeared to take a more light-hearted approach to the announcement, with Matt Livings posted: 'We can now rename Trowbridge as TESCOBRIDGE. it will be happening at the next town council meeting.' Some comments indicated that residents don't not mind the change provided the staff stay. Joanne Gifford said: 'I was told and am sad as love Budgens. However they are keeping the post office and staff are keeping their jobs too.' Claire Motion-Obrien seconded Ms Gifford's support for the staff: 'I don't mind the change as long as they keep the staff especially Michael.' Lizzie Lamb joined in the chorus of praise for the staff, writing: 'Oh they need to keep the staff. They are such a lovely bunch. Always so friendly and happy to help.'
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Inside the high-tech AI fight against shoplifting epidemic as corner stores set for instant alerts
Now they're looking at AI security measures too SMILE, YOU'RE ON CCTV Inside the high-tech AI fight against shoplifting epidemic as corner stores set for instant alerts A SHOP owner has called on the Scottish Government to fund security systems of the future — to ensure local stores don't become a thing of the past. Crime stats reveal shoplifting exploded in 2024/25 — with a 16 per cent year-on-year rise and a 57 per cent jump since 2015. 4 Natalie and Martin Lightfoot who own the Londis in Bailleston, Glasgow. Credit: Supplied, 4 Corner shops and convenience stores are facing a theft epidemic Credit: Getty 4 Figures show there's been a 57 per cent rise in shoplifting since 2015 Credit: Alamy Meanwhile, figures released earlier this year by the Scottish Retail Consortium show one in six Scots have witnessed verbal or physical abuse of shop staff in the last 12 months. Natalie Lightfoot, 42, has run the Londis Solo Convenience in Baillieston, Glasgow, for 19 years. And she and hubby Martin have recently been forced to fork out on headsets and CCTV. Now they're looking at AI security measures too — after lobbying in the Scottish Parliament for increased protection via government grants for every independent shop. The businesswoman, who scooped £5,000 and a National Winners gong at Allwyn's first ever Local Retail Champions awards, said: 'I wanted to highlight that we can't keep going like this. It has been this way for years and we've endured a lot, but it's getting worse. 'I've been called names, people have threatened my life and I was broken into twice in 20 days when pregnant and ended up losing the baby. 'The thing is that 95 per cent of customers are wonderful. But I feel for people who don't have a bigger network of support around them. That's why I feel lucky to have got this award because otherwise I wouldn't be able to make these decisions that change our lives. 'I know people who have left the business because they can no longer keep going with the rise in crime. 'The Scottish Government has helped out with money before with grants for environmentally friendly refrigeration. 'But a contribution or percentage towards security would be key right now as it's a decision for a lot of people as to whether they want to keep running their stores.' THREE TIPS FOR CURBING LOSSES 1. MEET AND GREET Shoplifters assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by staff. It's 'the three-to-five second rule'. Greeting customers as they enter premises can put off shoplifters because it sends out a message you and staff are paying attention. 2. KEEP IT TIDY A clean and tidy outlet with clear visibility tells a thief that everything is shipshape – and that surveillance is also probably first class. Keep things security friendly, with uncluttered, wide aisles where possible, thereby making it extremely difficult for them to steal unnoticed. Ensure the exterior, grounds and building are also well maintained and clean. 3. DON'T BE ALONE Thieves target stores where there is only one worker. More eyes in the store means you're more likely to spot a thief. Natalie received the funding after being nominated for the award by customers for community work, such as organising fundraising events, litter-picking activities and providing home delivery for those in need. She used the money to get better CCTV and bought headsets for staff so they can communicate with each other when they spot shoplifters. AI is the next consideration. The £4,000 technology automatically warns thieves over a tannoy if it detects them stealing. As well as saving money by stopping shoplifters, Natalie thinks it's important that people realise the toll the abuse takes. 4 AI is the next step in the fightback against shoplifting Credit: Getty She said: 'As soon as a customer gets products — usually alcohol — in their hands, it's harder to get it off them. 'Technology allows us to intervene sooner. Shoplifters are ruthless and often it feeds into an addiction. But it's the abuse that comes alongside shoplifting. Recently over a weekend to Tuesday, we had shoplifting every day. 'We had somebody walk in, pick up a ten-pack of beer and try to walk out. Our staff had to physically block the door. 'I'm at the lower end of the shoplifting scale but am losing about £150 a week in retail value. We're at our wits end and money is literally walking out the door. It's about weighing up the cost of security versus what we lose. 'It's a conflict situation which makes staff anxious and they don't feel safe at work so I turnover staff more often. 'But if the security is better they feel safe and it's a better experience for our customers.' Natalie is working with community police officers, has been lobbying with the Scottish Grocers Federation and attended a cross-party group to talk about her experiences in retail crime — and urge more support. When someone steals, owners can email police the details and hope the suspect is caught. But she'd much rather the Holyrood Government stepped up to ensure local shops can afford the deterrents they need to keep staff safe and stores open. She said: 'We wish they would look at it from the perspective that everybody needs this help so they can benefit their area and be a community store in their own right.' Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: 'The Scottish Government is concerned by the significant harm and disruption caused by retail crime, which is why £3million has been made available this year for police to work with the retail sector to help tackle this issue.'
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Lotto reveal where winning €250k ticket sold as players urged to check slips for life-changing prize
A LUCKY player is celebrating after bagging an eye-watering €250k prize in last night's Lotto - with bosses revealing where the winning ticket was sold. The 1 One lucky punter has bagged a life-changing €250,000 Credit: Getty And they bought their Quick Pick ticket the day before the draw at Londis in Castlebridge. The winning numbers for the Those lucky numbers for the main Lotto draw were 6, 8, 11, 21, 40, 41 and the bonus was 17. There was no winner of the Lotto jackpot worth €5,386,328. READ MORE IN MONEY Spokesperson for the National Lottery Emma Monaghan said it's a fantastic win for the Wexford player. She said: 'What a fantastic win for our Wexford player! Snagging €250,000 on a Wednesday night is sure to turn an ordinary week into an unforgettable one. "We can't wait to hear how they'll celebrate!' Over 65,000 players won prizes in the Lotto and Lotto Plus draws. MOST READ IN MONEY There was also no winner of the Lotto Plus 1 top prize worth €1,000,000. We run 'world's luckiest shop' & have sold 3 winning lotto tickets in 6 months The lucky numbers for the The winning raffle number is 9691. There were also 58 winners of the raffle prize each receiving €500 each. The winner has now been urged to check their clips carefully, sign them immediately and keep them safe if it's the winning ticket. They have been urged to make contact with the prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@ And arrangements will be made for them to claim their top prize in Meanwhile, a lucky winner has told how it "still doesn't feel real" after collecting a The player bought his ticket at Moloney's Daybreak in Carrigkerry, Athea, Co ANOTHER BIG WIN He said: 'I was just grabbing a few bits for the family when I asked the shop assistant if I was too late for a EuroMillions ticket. "She told me I was just in the nick of time, and that ticket turned out to be the big one!' His partner shared a laugh in the winners' room, saying: 'It's funny because all weekend he kept joking, asking if I thought he might have the winning ticket. "We heard it was won in Limerick, but he kept putting off checking it!' FAMILY HOME DREAM Now €255,000 richer, the couple are fast-tracking their dream of building a new family home. They said: 'It's been a long journey, but this win means we can finally move things along. "We're over the moon, and it still doesn't feel real!'
Irish Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Lotto bosses reveal location of shop that sold jackpot-winning ticket
Lotto players are being urged to check their tickets this morning after one lucky punter scooped the Lotto Plus 2 jackpot in Wednesday night's draw. While there was no winner of last night's main Lotto jackpot worth a jaw-dropping €5,386,328, in total, over 65,000 players won prizes in Wednesday's Lotto and Lotto Plus draws. The biggest winner on the night was a lucky Wexford player who matched all six numbers plus the bonus in the Lotto Plus 2 draw to bag the €250,000 top prize. The winning numbers for Wednesday night's Lotto Plus 2 were: 3, 11, 20, 42, 43, 46 and the bonus was 32. The National Lottery has confirmed that the jackpot winner purchased their all-important Quick Pick ticket on Tuesday at Londis in Castlebridge, Co Wexford. Lotto bosses are now urging all players in the Wexford area to check their tickets carefully and if you're holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@ to arrange the collection of your prize. National Lottery spokesperson, Emma Monaghan, said: 'What a fantastic win for our Wexford player! Snagging €250,000 on a Wednesday night is sure to turn an ordinary week into an unforgettable one. We can't wait to hear how they'll celebrate!' For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @IrishMirror - the official Irish Mirror Twitter account - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook/irishmirror - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Irish Daily Mirror, Irish Sunday Mirror and
Sunday World
10-05-2025
- Sunday World
Mum of two breaks down in tears after avoiding jail for stealing €8k from employer
'I don't know why I did it.' A MOTHER OF TWO broke down in tears as she was given a suspended sentence for stealing thousands of euro from a local shop after she had been promoted to supervisor. Jordan Gantley (30), from Rosconnell Square in Newbridge said she was ashamed and didn't want her children to be disappointed in her after she admitted stealing €8,640 from the Londis on New Street in Rathangan. 'I don't know why I did it. It spiralled out of control,' she said when questioned over the thefts which took place in June and July 2021. Jordan Gantley (30) from Rosconnell Square Newbridge. Judge Terence O'Sullivan handed down a three month suspended sentence at Nass Circuit Court noting that Gantley was remorseful, lost her job and made full admissions. He said the thefts were 'opportunistic' and 'not a case of a professional thief.' Gantley, who the court heard has had two children since carrying out the thefts and sees herself as a role mode, cried when Judge O'Sullivan handed down the suspended sentence. Garda Helen McDermott told the court that the shop launched an internal investigation after becoming aware of irregularities. She said Gantley, who had been working in the shop for three years and had been promoted in that time, was using gift cards to top up prepaid Swirl credit cards and overwriting transactions. The court was told she was 'topping up one card with another'. She was confronted by her bosses when they noticed the missing money and was caught on CCTV carrying out one of the thefts. She emailed the owner of the shop and admitted carrying out the thefts stating: 'I'm sorry I never planned to do it. I want to apologise.' She also said she didn't want her children to be disappointed in her and was 'ashamed' of her actions. She was fully cooperative with gardai and admitted carrying out the thefts when interviews saying she transferred money from gift cards to the prepaid credit card. 'It spiralled out of control I don't know why I did it. I had to pay off loans and used money to get groceries.' Her defence barrister said the offences happened in 2021 during the Covid pandemic when Gantley was isolated and cut off from family. The court heard Gantley had not paid back any of the money to the shop but had brought €900 to the sentence hearing as a token of remorse. He said if she had the money she would have paid back the full sum but was not in a position to do so. He added that she sees herself and a role model to her children and felt her crimes left a stain on her character. Judge O'Sullivan said the crime was opportunistic and at the higher end of low range or lower range of mid range. He said the headline sentence was one of 18 months but due to a number of mitigating factors including her admissions, guilty plea, genuine remorse and losing her job as a result of her actions he was handing down a three month sentence but was suspending it in full for a period of three months.
