4 days agoSouth TvComments Off on Final days before iconic clothing store closes popular location after 27 years – but diehard fans get another option
A POPULAR women’s clothing store will be closing its doors, marking the end of an era after 27 years at the same location.
The Talbots store has been a fixture at The Summit shopping center in Birmingham, Alabama, since its opening in 1997.
Talbots is a popular clothing chain and Gap competitor[/caption]
Talbots at The Summit will close on October 26 after 27 years[/caption]
Customers were redirected to the website and a stand alone store in Montgomery[/caption]
A sign posted in-store confirmed the closure at the end of October, stating, “This location is closing, but this isn’t goodbye.”
It directs loyal customers to another location in Montgomery and encourages them to shop online.
The news was first shared on the Friends of HWY 280 Facebook page, where many long-time customers expressed their disappointment.
One person commented: “So terribly disappointed. This store served a huge community for such a long time… Sad day for women of the community.”
Another said, “I’m heartbroken. That location is a beautiful store. I often visit.”
Several customers voiced frustration, speculating that the closure is linked to the upcoming arrival of a Lululemon store at The Summit.
“So disappointed in The Summit for pushing this move for Lululemon. I guess money talks,” one post read.
The closure doesn’t mean the end for dedicated fans, as the store’s Montgomery location remains open, and shoppers can continue to buy online.
The Summit, meanwhile, has been busy with other new openings, including stores like American Eagle, Mizzen + Main, and Gorjana Jewelry.
Luxury brand BOSS is also set to open by the end of 2024.
RETAIL APOCALYPSE
With a raft of brick-and-mortar stores shuttering across the nation, retail experts say many chains are in financial strife due to increased borrowing costs and consumers tightening their wallets.
According to analysis by retail data provider CoreSight, there has been a 24% increase in store closures in 2024 alone.
Several retailers across the United States have undergone mass closures after bankruptcy filings this year.
Big Lots recently confirmed its Chapter 11 filing after weeks of speculation and detailed plans for around 545 store shutdowns.
LL Flooring will also close half of its over 400 locations after a quiet bankruptcy filing and revert to an old name under its new ownership.
Some clothing retailers also took similar actions.
Express filed for bankruptcy in April and confirmed nearly 100 locations would shutter for good.
Rue21 also submitted another bankruptcy filing after one in the early 2000s and confirmed it would shut down all of its remaining stores.
Shawn Mendes paused his concert in Brooklyn to pay tribute to the late Liam Payne[/caption]
He told how ‘the world was crying’ for the One Direction hitmaker, who passed away aged 31[/caption]
Liam, left, fell from the third floor balcony of his hotel[/caption]
Senorita singer Shawn told how he had met Liam ‘a couple of times’[/caption]
Shawn, 26, told how he had met the X Factor alum “a couple of times” and addressed how “the world was now crying” for the Little Things singer.
The Canadian, who wore a white top and dark trousers, with a guitar slung around his body, took the mic in his hand as he addressed the crowd.
He said: “I got to meet Liam a couple of times, and he was a beautiful soul and his eyes gleamed, it was beautiful.
“It’s about grieving those we miss with tears and it’s also about celebrating them and who they were and what they left in this world and I just want to take a second to send so much love to him wherever he is up there.
“Liam, we love you.
“The world is crying for you, brother, and we’re all praying for your son and your family.
“I miss you. This one’s for you tonight, Liam, from all of us.”
Shawn then went on to perform his unreleased track Heart Of Gold in a dedication.
He has treated fans to a rendition of the tune before, yet it hasn’t hit the charts as yet.
In the chorus he chanted out: “You had a heart of gold/You left too soon, it was out of your control/Underneath your skin and bone/You had a heart of gold.”
Girls Aloud singer Cheryl shared a touching photograph of him with baby Bear next to a heartbreak emoji.
She added a statement on Instagram that said: “As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son.
“A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
Cheryl went on: “Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.
“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”
4 days agoSouth TvComments Off on Cruz Beckham, 19, says he LOVES girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, after five months of dating as they kiss in LA
CRUZ Beckham has declared his love for his much older girlfriend Jackie Apostel publicly as they were spotted kissing in Beverly Hills.
David and Victoria Beckham’s youngest son took to social media to make his feelings towards his new beau known on her 29th birthday on Friday.
In an Instagram story to mark the occasion, Cruz showed Jackie sitting in front of a large cake, waiting to blow out the candles.
He captioned it: “Happy Birthday xx I love you,”
Jackie reposted the cute pics, telling her followers: “Was sobbing.”
Jackie also posted to her Instagram sharing a mirror selfie with her boyfriend alongside some kiss emojis.
Cruz has been with the Brazilian singer since April.
The couple were then spotted publicly together at Glastonbury in June.
They have since become known for their very PDA approach to one another and were most recently seen looking loved-up as they strolled around Beverly Hills arm-in-arm on Tuesday.
Cruz was pictured wearing a Beatles t-shirt, baggy trousers and a blue cap, while the singer opted for a stylish black satin midi dress with a gold belt and black ballet flats.
The couple were pictured looking very cosy together, kissing outside an Italian eatery.
His new love has also been pictured with the Beckham family and was sat front row at Victoria’s latest Paris Fashion Week show wearing one of her designs.
Previously part of the Brazilian girl band Schutz, she gained more than one million plays on her first EP – Reformation a side – a trip on the Relationship.
She now makes a living through songwriting.
They got together following the breakdown of Cruz’s relationship with the Norwegian music artist Bby Ivy, Viktoria Reitan.
He was accused of cheating on her after the singer posted a video to TikTok, which was cryptically reshared by another romantic interest, Issey Moloney.
He had been linked to Issey prior to his relationship with Bby Ivy.
He has also been linked to actress and dancer Skye Ladell, and Tana Holding, 19, who he split with in October 2023.
4 days agoSouth TvComments Off on Liam Payne’s devastated sister Ruth breaks silence in emotional statement as she posts unseen photos of late star
LIAM Payne’s sister has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her “best friend” following his tragic death.
The One Direction singer’s sibling Ruth posted a lengthy testimonial to her Instagram page, including a message directly addressing the Little Things singer where she said: “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.”
Ruth recalled their happy memories together in the message, before uploading a bittersweet series of images showing their strong bond.
In her emotional message – which came after Liam, 31, passed in Argentina – she wrote: “I don’t believe this is happening. Many times have I poured my heart out publicly with pride about Liam but never much about life as his sister.
“Liam is my best friend, no one could ever make me laugh as much as him, doing his impressions always had me creasing and he loved seeing how much of a laugh he could get.
“He moved out when he was 17 to chase his dreams, its this that forced me to finally pass my driving test during the factor live show weeks because I couldn’t stand the thought of not being able to get to him.
“I would regularly drive to have tea with him after I finished work, just to sit around. One month the hotel was right by a Wagamamas and I swear he had it morning, noon and night!”
Speaking after his X Factor heyday Ruth continued: “I used to love picking him up from work when it all started, especially after concerts, speeding us away from venues or appearances, Liam plugging in his phone to show me the new songs for albums.
“Liam loved 1D, he loved his brothers and we talked about it so much. He would just play song after song that had been recorded but never used and we’d sit having a mini 1D concert.
“Liam knew he could call me anytime, any day and I would pick up or that I would always fetch him if he needed to just come home. Our calls would often result in me laughing at his ideas and next adventure, talking through his plans and working through his issues but it would always end with ‘love you miss you’ “love you ru.’
“Liam was born with music in his veins, it was clear from a very young age he just had that quality that would make him a star. I could sit and listen to him sing all day, which is a good job really because he never bloody stopped!
“I will never tire of the look he gives when showing new songs, ‘listen loud’ he’d say and just grin with pride of his work.”
In a very personal, poignant moment, Ruth shared with her followers a list of “notes on my phone with things to tell Liam.”
She then followed this by penning a heart-wrenching tribute to her youngest sibling.
In a direct open letter to Liam, who fell from the third floor balcony of his hotel room, she wrote: “Liam. My brain is struggling to catch up with what’s happening and I don’t understand where you’ve gone.
“I just want to drive to your house and walk in to music blasting and find you sat there writing a song or walk in to your art phases and sit with you whilst you draw or craft.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallaghersaid he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer,Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedwardalso took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
What I love most about you is your ability to make me laugh, I never chuckle as much as I do when I’m with you with anyone else.
I’m always in awe of your talent, it should be illegal to be so talented and just have the ability to not only be good at things but be bloody great at everything you attempt, without even knowing you’re absolutely smashing it each time.
I love your kindness and how proud I am to call you my brother and my best friend. You also make a great Sunday dinner too! I don’t feel this world was good enough or kind enough to you, and quite often over the last few years, you’ve had to really try hard to overcome all that was being aimed at you.
“You just wanted to be loved and to make people happy with your music. You never believed you were good enough, I hope you can now see this outpouring of love that you never received in your time.”
Ruth, who is sister to Nicola as well as Liam, candidly added: “Thank you for changing my life, thank you for the incredible memories, thank you for being the best brother and friend I’ll ever have!
“We’ll take care of Bear and he will always know how incredible his Dad is and how much you idolise him.”
In a hugely emotional final paragraph, she added: “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.
“Love you, oh how my heart misses you,
“One last time I need you to know, I’m here if you need anything, I’d drive to the end of the universe to bring you back.”
4 days agoSouth TvComments Off on Mark Cuban insists there’s no ‘quick fix’ for America’s retail apocalypse & warns ‘communities die’ if action not taken
BILLIONAIRE investor Mark Cuban has warned that American communities will “die” if policymakers and business owners don’t act to prevent further closures of brick-and-mortar stores.
It comes amid growing concern over the nation’s so-called retail apocalypse, which has seen hundreds of store closures in recent years.
Mark Cuban sat down for an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun[/caption]
In an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun, the Shark Tank judge and minority Dallas Mavericks owner said vulnerable people in communities across the country are being impacted by the closure of brick-and-mortar stores.
Calling it “a big problem to solve,” the entrepreneur said all levels of government should work with entrepreneurs to prevent a growing number of food and pharmaceutical deserts.
“If you just say, just let the market take care of it, we see what happens, communities die,” Cuban warned.
“And so we have to be open-minded. The way I look at it personally, there’s a problem to solve.
“The big question is, when it’s the only outlet for produce or food or pharmacy, or medical services, it becomes a question of, are you willing to let that community die? And who’s responsible for making those decisions?”
Cuban warned against a “laissez-faire” approach, arguing that an economic mindset is much more expensive in the long run.
“How do we get a hospital…how do we get a doctor there? I’m not opposed to bringing the government in and saying, you know what? It’s going to be a lot cheaper to bring in a service than to have people who aren’t getting healthcare, who get sicker and then have to be sent to a hospital 40 miles away,” he added.
CLOSING TIME
The calls come amid ongoing public concern for the closure of brick-and-mortar stores across the country.
A number of major retailers are suffering as the sector grapples with changing consumer behavior, the rise of e-commerce, and inflationary pressures sparked by the pandemic.
With a raft of chains, including Walmart, winding back their retail footprint, experts say retailers are in financial strife due to increased borrowing costs and consumers tightening their wallets amid ongoing cost of living pressures.
According to analysis by retail data provider CoreSight, there has been a 24% increase in store closures in 2024 alone.
Amid growing concern over pharmacy deserts, CVS announced it had replaced CEO Karen Lync with company veteran David Joyner and withdrew its 2024 profit forecast amid growing investor pressure.
Earlier in the week the pharmacy giant said it was laying off nearly 3,000 employees, with the company struggling to drive higher profits and better stock performance.
A pharmacy tech in Ohio told USA Today she now had to drive 22 miles to Fort Wayne, Indiana in order to get her monthly prescriptions after the one pharmacy in town closed in Antwerp.
Customers are increasingly frustrated at the state of US pharmacies, with empty shelves, locked up products and long queues.
Satisfaction with brick and mortar pharmacies dropped 10 points in 2024 alone, according to a study by J.D. Power.
Department stores, including Macy’s, are closing about 150 underperforming stores, blaming competition from big box retailers and a shift to online shopping.
Discount retailer Big Lots has also announced the closure of more than 340 of its 1400 shops across the country after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September.
Shopping mall space has begun to shrink in two stages, first from 2009 to 2016, and then again during the pandemic.
MARK CUBAN BIO
Former and current minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team
Outgoing judge on Shark Tank
Investor and entrepreneur
Backing Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential bid
Cuban branded the closure of retailers as “creative destruction” and said he believed consumers would always want access to both online and in-store shopping.
In economic theory, creative destruction is the process of innovations replacing existing ones, which can destroy industries, jobs, and companies.
Cuban said shoppers should not worry too much about their favorite stores closing, but seeing communities go without their favorite locations was “a problem.”
“People want to go shopping, they want that tactile experience, and that’s changed. Now people want a combination of both, so you may not get as many physical brick-and-mortar locations, but that doesn’t mean those large companies have to go out of business,” Cuban said.
“You see Walmart, their online business is growing, and maybe their brick and mortar business isn’t growing as quickly, but what matters is how things are happening together.”
But Cuban forecasted new businesses will crop up from the dust of empty retail stores, especially as the Federal Reserve continues to cut interest rates after they were high during the pandemic.
“Now with interest rates so high, landlords are trying to protect themselves even more,” Cuban said.
“I think once we get through high interest rates, you’ll see a lot more creativity in how those spaces are being used, and new types of businesses will pop up.”
COST PLUS
Passionate about solving problems like pharmaceutical deserts, Cuban is investing his time and money into a new venture called Cost Plus Drugs.
Built on the idea that all Americans should have access to safe, affordable medicines even without insurance, the company aims to disrupt the drug industry and reduce the price of everyday medications.
The company works directly with drug manufacturers to bypass middlemen and lower prices.
It also transparently displays what it pays for medicine.
Through his pharmaceutical venture, Cuban said he has seen many small independent pharmacies go out of business, leaving “pharmacy deserts.”
While acknowledging it is a difficult problem to solve, Cuban said business people and local communities could collaborate to solve it.
“I don’t know that there is a quick fix, but it’s something we all have to pay attention to and I think working with entrepreneurs in communities hopefully can lead to a solution.”
4 days agoSouth TvComments Off on MotoGP star rushed to hospital by air ambulance after terrifying crash with rival as 120mph collision is investigated
MOTO GP star Marco Bezzecchi has been airlifted to hospital after a horror collision in today’s Australian GP.
Bezzecchi collided with Maverick Vinales on the first corner at Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
A luckless incident late on
Thankfully, Maverick has been declared fit and Bez has no fractures but he has gone to the hospital in Melbourne for a full check up
A huge crash saw two riders come off their bikes during the Australian Grand Prix[/caption]
Maverick Vinales and Marco Bezzecchi were involved in the crash[/caption]
Bezzecchi got caught in Vinales’ slipstream and collided into his rear[/caption]
The pair immediately flew off their bikes[/caption]
They hit the deck and were moving at speed[/caption]
They both rolled into the gravel trap on the side of the track[/caption]
The pair both flew off their bikes in what was described as a “massive crash” by the commentary team for the GP.
It’s believed that both riders were travelling at around 120MPH during the time of impact.
Fortunately Vinales has been declared fit after the incident, while Bezzecchi was airlifted to a hospital in Melbourne for a full checkup.
It’s understood that Bezzecchi has not suffered any fractures or serious injuries at this time.
The pair made contact while entering Doohan corner, which is known to be one of the most intimidating corners on the MotoGP calendar.
Bezzecchi appeared to be dragged into Vinales’ slipstream and the collision saw both riders slam to the floor and dismount from their bikes in nasty fashion.
Vinales was treated for an elbow in jury after the fall, while Bezzechi took the brunt of the crash.
The Italian was left face down and motionless for 10 seconds in the gravel trap before being treated.
Vinales was able to get up and get on the back of a Steward’s bike[/caption]
Bezzecchi had to be stretchered away[/caption]
He was later checked over for any fractures or serious injuries before being airlifted to hospital for further examination.
Vinales was able to get on the back of a Stewards bike to be removed from the track after getting up quickly, while Bezzecchi required a stretcher.
The incident is still under investigation by the Stewards.
Fellow rider, and Bezzecchi’s teammate, Fabio Di Giannantonio saw the crash unfold in front of him and even got hit by debris from the incident.
Speaking about the terrifying moment, he said: “For sure, I saw the crash, it was a scary moment – believe me, it was a really scary moment.
“Because when you are arriving there, you have to control your bike, and you see two bikes in front of you exploding – literally – it’s scary.
“Also, because some pieces from their bikes hit me. I got a titanium plate on racing suit completely destroyed; also on the helmet and the screen.
“It was a scary one. Luckily everybody seems to be okay, but it was a tough one.”
Fabio di Giannantonio described what it was like to be behind the crash[/caption]
4 days agoSouth TvComments Off on BetMGM Bonus Code NYP1500DM unlocks a 20% deposit match or $1,500 first bet for any Saturday event, including Alabama-Tennessee
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