Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
SUPERMARKET chain Asda has said that all its stores are decked up with Eid delights as the festival is just around the corner.
Asda has food items in stock, including food packs, from brands including KTC, Laila, Rubicon, Cofresh, Elephant Atta, Tilda, East End, Kohinoor, TRS and more, a statement said.
"Eid is all about family, festivity and of course feasting. While there is much to prepare before the big celebration, Asda aims to make life easy and convenient for all its customers who celebrate Eid, by ensuring everything they need for their festivity is available at one location, at their local Asda store," the British supermarket chain said.
"Stop by your local Asda store and get everything you need under one roof."
From the World Foods section at Asda stores frozen products from around the globe will be available, which makes it quick and convenient for customers to create a variety of dishes for Eid feasts. This is a delight for those who like to experiment with fusion cooking, ASDA said.
Besides, Asda has confectionaries including chocolates from Maltesers, Ferrero Rocher, Cadbury and Toblerone for children.
"At Asda, you can find great deals on tableware and decor to get your house Eid ready. Asda has a special offer on flowers this season which is perfect for making your home ready for Eid and perfect for sending your relatives and friends. You can find great offers on a wide range of items to gift your loved ones this Eid and can find excellent choices for children’s Eid presents," the statement further said.
Shein’s UK sales hit £2.05bn in 2024, up 32.3 per cent year-on-year, driven by younger shoppers.
The retailer benefits from import tax loopholes unavailable to high street rivals.
Faces mounting criticism over labour practices and sustainability as it eyes a London listing.
Tax edge drives growth
Chinese fashion giant Shein is transforming Britain’s online clothing market, capturing a third of women aged 16 to 24 while benefiting from tax breaks unavailable to high street rivals.
The fast-fashion retailer’s UK sales surged 32.3 per cent to £2.05bn in 2024, according to company filings, with pre-tax profits rising to £38.3m from £24.4m the previous year. The growth comes as established players like Asos struggle in an increasingly competitive landscape where young consumers prioritise value above all else.
Shein has partly benefited from a tax break on import duty for goods worth less than £135 sent directly to consumers, The rule lets overseas sellers send low-value goods to the UK tax-free, disadvantaging local businesses.
“The growth of Shein and Temu is a huge factor,” said Tamara Sender Ceron, associate director of fashion retail research at Mintel told The Guardian. “It is particularly successful among younger shoppers. It is also a threat to other fashion retailers such as Primark and H&M because of its ultra-low price model that nobody can compete with. It’s changed the market.
"The market dynamics reflect broader shifts in consumer behaviour. Online fashion sales reached £34bn last year, up 3 per cent, according to Mintel, but shoppers have become more cautious as disposable incomes shrink, and fashion competes with holidays, festivals, and streaming services for wallet share.
Scrutiny builds
Despite its commercial success, Shein faces mounting scrutiny. The company filed initial paperwork last June for a potential London Stock Exchange listing, but critics question its labour practices and environmental impact.
"Regardless of whether Shein gets listed on the London Stock Exchange, no company doing business in the UK should be allowed to play fast and loose with human rights anywhere in their global supply chains,” said Peter Frankental, economic affairs programme director at Amnesty International UK to BBC.
The “de minimis” rule has drawn renewed attention after US President Donald Trump scrapped a similar measure during his trade war with China.
Shein’s UK operation now employs 91 people across offices in Kings Cross and Manchester, focusing primarily on local market expertise.
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