Shoppers slam supermarkets after Easter Eggs go on sale in stores across the UK - just days after Christmas By EDD DRACOTT Published: 00:54 GMT, 30 December 2024 | Updated: 01:28 GMT, 30 December 2024 e-mail View comments Christmas is only just over and the bells on New Year haven’t even tolled yet. Yet supermarkets are already stocking up for Easter - to the bemusement of shoppers. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 next year, customers shared their confusion on social media after finding chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already for sale in shops including Morrisons , Co-op, Tesco and Asda . They’ve also been put out on the shelves in the Co-op in Beith, Ayrshire and in Morrisons in Witham, Essex One user, @Jingle1991, shared an image of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve and pointed out: ‘Jesus hasn’t even been born yet. Meanwhile, Gary Evans from Margate shared a shot of Creme Eggs on display in Morrisons in Margate on Boxing Day. ‘I just think its crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it,’ the 66-year-old said. Joseph Robinson found Easter confectionery including Cadbury Mini Eggs, and themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening. Easter eggs on sale at a Morrisons supermarket in Witham, Essex. Stores are already readying for Easter, before the bell has tolled for the New Year Boxes of Malteser eggs stocked up ready for Easter 2025 in Morrisons in Witham, Essex Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter eggs already on sale in Witham. One user described the frenzy as 'meaninglessly commercial' Easter chocolates on sale on Boxing Day in Morrisons, Stoke-on-Trent ‘It’s funny as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter,’ the 35-year-old admin support said. ‘I wish that Supermarkets weren’t so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period.’ Asked if he was tempted to make a purchase, Mr Robinson added: ‘As a vegan it holds no appeal to me.’ Mike Chalmers, a devout Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, was slightly less critical after spotting a display titled Celebrate This Easter With Cadbury. ‘Christmas and Easter are the two centre-points of the Christian good news story so it’s no bad thing to see the connections,’ the 44-year-old said. ‘It’s about more than shapes of chocolate though.’ Marketing consultant Andrew Wallis admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, but added it also illustrates ‘forward-thinking’ from big businesses. Some consumers wish stores would give people time to 'decompress' after Christmas before starting on the next batch of seasonal merchandise Others suggested that the early anticipation of Easter sales was not offensive religiously given the connection between the spring festival and Christmas Lindt and Cadbury Easter bunnies on sale at a Morrisons store in Margate Read More Outrage as Tesco and Co-op start stacking the shelves with EASTER EGGS on Boxing Day ‘It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early,’ said the 54-year-old from the Isle of Man, who provides marketing advice to the fitness industry. ‘My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. ‘Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. ‘Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy.' Tesco Morrisons ASDA Cadbury Chinese New Year Share or comment on this article: Shoppers slam supermarkets after Easter Eggs go on sale in stores across the UK - just days after Christmas e-mail Add comment
— BIRTH NAME: James Earl Carter, Jr. — BORN: Oct. 1, 1924, at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He would become the first president to live for an entire century . — EDUCATION: Plains High School, Plains, Georgia, 1939-1941; Georgia Southwestern College, Americus, Georgia, 1941-1942; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 1942-1943; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, 1943-1946 (class of 1947); Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1952-1953. — PRESIDENCY: Sworn-in as 39th president of the United States at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 20 days on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. — POST-PRESIDENCY: Launched The Carter Center in 1982. Began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Taught for 37 years at Emory University, where he was granted tenure in 2019, at age 94. — OTHER ELECTED OFFICES: Georgia state senator, 1963-1967; Georgia governor, 1971-1975. — OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Served in U.S. Navy, achieved rank of lieutenant, 1946-53; Farmer, warehouseman, Plains, Georgia, 1953-77. — FAMILY: Wife, Rosalynn Smith Carter , married July 7, 1946 until her death Nov. 19, 2023. They had three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); a daughter, Amy Lynn; and 11 living grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. ___ Source: Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
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Manchester United New manager Ruben Amorim has warned the Red Devils fans that the team would suffer for long period. Amorim took charge of his first game as United Boss in their 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town at the weekend. Despite taking an early lead through Marcus Rashford, United were pegged back by the newly promoted club. “I know it is frustrating for the fans but we are changing so much in this moment with a lot of games,” Amorim said “We are going to suffer for a long period and we will try to win games. This will take time. “These guys had two days in trainings...”Doing business gets harder for gas, power shortage
For 2024 (till December 27), FIIs sold equity for Rs 119,277 crore through the exchanges. New Delhi: Despite stock market volatility amid geo-political uncertainties, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net investors in India so far this year, as the country’s economy showed tremendous resilience, market watchers said on Saturday. For 2024 (till December 27), FIIs sold equity for Rs 119,277 crore through the exchanges. In contrast to this selling trend, they invested Rs 120,932 crore through the primary market, said experts, citing data from the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). “This means FIIs are net investors in India so far this year. The selling through exchanges is mainly due to the high valuations and investing through the primary market is mainly due to the fair valuations,” said Dr V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services. The selling spree by FIIs seen in October and November declined in December. There has been occasional buying by FIIs in early December but they turned sellers again, though not on a sustained basis like in October and November. “An important characteristic about FII investment is that they have been consistent investors of equity through the primary market. In December through 27th, FIIs invested Rs 17,331 crore through the primary market,” said Kumar. This trend of selling through the exchanges and buying through the primary market is discernible in the year-long trend in 2024. In the debt market, FIIs have invested Rs 112,409 crores so far this year, as per the NSDL data. According to market experts, FIIs may again turn sellers into equity in early 2025 since the dollar has been appreciating (dollar index is above 108) and the US 10-year bond yields are attractive at around 4.4 per cent. “FIIs will turn buyers in India when there are indications of growth and earnings recovery,” they added. Manoj Purohit, Partner and Leader, Financial Services Tax, Tax and Regulatory Services, BDO India, said that after a couple of months of continuing hefty burnouts, the capital markets witnessed a comeback from the foreign fraternity this month. The feather in the cap is the record-breaking investments via the FDI route thereby crossing the $1 trillion mark. “The return of foreign participants to India market can be attributed to various factors. Primarily, on the macro front, the recent policy announcements in the US impacting the peer countries, settling geopolitical situation among Middle East countries, the well-controlled inflation, and interest rate check,” Purohit explained. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.Pep Guardiola’s side avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions and looked on course for a welcome victory thanks to a double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. Arsenal delivered the statement Champions League win Mikel Arteta had demanded as they swept aside Sporting Lisbon 5-1. Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials, and goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. Paris St Germain were left in serious of danger of failing to progress in the Champions League as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Kim Min-jae’s header late in the first half was enough to send PSG to a third defeat in the competition this season, leaving them six points off the automatic qualification places for the last 16 with three games to play. Luis Enrique’s side, who had Ousmane Dembele sent off, were deservedly beaten by Bayern who dominated chances and possession. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid were 6-0 winners away to Sparta Prague, Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa each scoring twice whilst there were also goals from Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona ended tournament debutants Brest’s unbeaten start with a 3-0 victory courtesy of two goals from Robert Lewandowski – one a penalty – and Dani Olmo. Lewandowski’s first was his 100th Champions League goal, only the third man to reach the mark after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A Castello Lukeba own goal saw Inter Milan go top of the standings with a narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at San Siro, whilst Bayer Leverkusen were emphatic victors against Red Bull Salzburg, Florian Wirtz scoring twice to move Xabi Alonso’s side into the automatic qualification places. Atalanta continued their strong start, albeit whilst conceding a first goal in Europe this season in a 6-1 win away to Young Boys, whilst Tammy Abraham scored the decisive goal as AC Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2.
Legendary Entertainment and Mondo Celebrate 10th Anniversary of the Monsterverse With Exclusive CollectionJimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, Gallup
Almost three quarters of Scottish businesses are confident about their prospects next year, a survey has suggested. The Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.” We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.Former National Party Minister Nikki Kaye has died at the age of 44, after a long battle with cancer. Colleagues have praised Kaye, who was involved with National from 1999 and was deputy leader under Todd Muller, for her "caring heart", "ferocious energy" and ability to reach across the political aisle. Kaye had openly spoken about her health before retiring from Parliament. Follow the reactions here :WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has urged the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban in order to allow time for a negotiated solution, according to a legal document filed Friday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The document was filed by John Sauer, whom Trump nominated to serve as Solicitor General, a position typically responsible for representing the U.S. government in appellate courts such as the Supreme Court. The document states that Trump opposes the immediate ban of TikTok in the United States and hopes to resolve the issue through political means after taking office. And Trump is skilled in negotiation and has the political will to reach a solution through talks, one that would address the government’s national security concerns while saving the platform. Trump has recently suggested that he may allow TikTok to continue operations in the United States. At an event hosted by the conservative organization Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, Trump said that the popular video-sharing app may have helped reach some key voters in the presidential election, and expressed the possibility of keeping TikTok around “for a little while.” In April, U.S. President Joe Biden enacted the law that gives ByteDance only 270 days to sell TikTok, citing unfounded national security concerns. If the company fails to comply, the law will require app store operators such as Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their platforms. In May, TikTok sued the U.S. government to block the potential ban, which has drawn widespread criticism. In early December, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. dismissed TikTok’s claim that the ban is unconstitutional. On Dec. 16, TikTok and its parent company ByteDance asked the Supreme Court to temporarily pause the law. TikTok argued that the potential ban would shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration, and “silence the speech of Applicants and the many Americans who use the platform to communicate about politics, commerce, arts, and other matters of public concern.” On Dec. 18, the Supreme Court agreed to review a request from TikTok and ByteDance to block the law. 0 SHARES Share Tweet