Beloved music store Sam Ash 'to close all 44 locations' after 100 years as ex-employee says news 'came out of nowhere' | EZU9S7B | 2024-05-04 17:08:01
A FAMOUS music and instrument chain is reportedly set to close all its stores.
Rumors from apparent employees have speculated that Sam Ash could leave the retail scene for good.
Beloved music store Sam Ash 'to close all 44 locations' after 100 years as ex-employee says news 'came out of nowhere'GettySam Ash is reportedly set to shut all of its locations[/caption]
Beloved music store Sam Ash 'to close all 44 locations' after 100 years as ex-employee says news 'came out of nowhere'GettyEmployees at the family-owned music store chain have speculated about the company's future (stock image)[/caption]
The family-owned chain announced in March that it would close 18 of its 44 branches, according to Guitar.com.
An employee, at the time, in the company's famous Clearwater, Florida, store said the news "literally came out of nowhere," according to Patch.
Workers reportedly put up signs for in-store sales in March.
The member of staff said they were unaware of the timeline for the closure.
New reports online, from members of staff, have suggested they were told all 44 stores were now set to shut.
Sam Ash has not yet confirmed these reports.
These reports suggest the company, founded in 1924, could vanish unless a buyer is found.
The 100-year-old company was known as a spot where people could buy a range of instruments like guitars and drums or other equipment like speakers and microphones.
Social media reports from employees have suggested the leadership team at Sam Ash was aware of the planned closures.
The family-owned business lost its COO Sammy Ash in September 2023 to cancer.
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Ash family involvement in the business has still been strong as the company's president and CEO, since 1995, is Richard Ash.
Fans of the store shared their thoughts on the reports in the comments of a social media post.
"That's just a shame," one person said.
"The use to be the best," another commenter wrote.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Sam Ash for comment.
RETAIL APOCALYPSE
The U.S. Sun has previously reported on troubled retailers that have to react by shutting their retail spaces.
Burger King confirms it's adding $300 million for 'modern' change to 90% of restaurants – and fans can expect new tech | EZU9S7B | 2024-05-04 17:08:01
BURGER KING has confirmed that it's continuing to make major updates.
The fast food chain announced earlier this week that it would invest heavily in updating the look and feel at most of its over 6,600 restaurants in the United States in the coming years.
Burger King confirms it's adding $300 million for 'modern' change to 90% of restaurants – and fans can expect new techBurger KingBurger King is renovating most of its restaurants in a multi-year plan[/caption]
An effort is being made by executives at Burger King to "accelerate the modernization" of the brand, per a press release.
At least $300 million is being put into the changes, including a new "modern image" for the interior and exterior of Burger King location designs.
It's known as the Sizzle design, a "reimagined" layout and experience that allows for "flexibility" among team members and customers.
Sizzle focuses on digital and mobile ordering pickups more, along with the drive-thru experience rather than the dine-in area.
The dine-in area will still see updates though.
The Sizzle update and updated technology, along with fresh kitchen equipment, were also noted in what the brand calls the Royal Reset 2.0.
This is building off the original Royal Reset plan from 2022, and the Reclaim the Flame initiative, which saw $250 million and $500 million investments, respectively.
Both the first Royal Reset and Reclaim the Flame saw similar efforts to update and improve Burger King's restaurants.
In January, the chain also announced that it would acquire Carrols, its largest US franchisee.
The deal was worth an enterprise value of around $1 billion, and would further assist in the remodeling of at least 600 of 1,000 acquired Burger King locations.
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Using Carrols' portfolio, Burger King plans to fully modernize its operations by 2028.
MOTIVATED FOR MODERNITY
Royal Reset 2.0 also offers money incentives to top-performing Burger King locations for remodeling and updates.
The incentive seeks to make an additional 1,100 restaurant renovations possible by the 2028 goal.
By the end of the updates, Burger King says about 85% to 90% of its locations in and outside of America should be modernized.
The brand also confirmed it would not be investing in further remodels after the Royal Reset 2.0 plan is completed in the next few years.
Franchisees have until October 31 to opt-in to the incentive for Royal Reset 2.0.
CUSTOMERS FIRST
Tom Curtis, the president of Burger King North America, said they set out with the goal to "exceed expectations" for customers.
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"We are committed to giving our guests the very best experience in all our restaurants and that includes a modern, exciting restaurant image and digital experience that exceeds their expectations," Curtis said in the release.
"We are working in close partnership with our franchisees to transform our restaurant footprint across the country and reclaim our flame as a leader in the QSR industry."
For more related content, check out The U.S. Sun's coverage of the special way a former Burger King employee says the brand stores its patties.
Chain with 1k stores launches '90% off discount sale' as outlet to close in days – shoppers were met with a sudden note | EZU9S7B | 2024-05-04 17:08:01
BEAUTY retailer Ulta is set to exit a shopping mall in days as it launches a huge sale to clear stock.
The makeup store in the East Bay Bridge Center, San Francisco, will permanently close on Saturday.
Chain with 1k stores launches '90% off discount sale' as outlet to close in days – shoppers were met with a sudden noteGettyThe Ulta store in the East Bay Bridge Center in the San Francisco Bay Area is set to shutter in days[/caption]
Chain with 1k stores launches '90% off discount sale' as outlet to close in days – shoppers were met with a sudden noteGettyNo reason for the closure has yet been issued but one employee claims that the store is set to hold a closing-down sale with major discounts[/caption]
Customers were alerted to the sudden closure when signs were posed on the doors simply saying "We're closing this location on Saturday, May 4."
Images of the signs were first shared by @evilleeye on Instagram as the notices directed loyal customers to its two other nearby locations.
While the store has openly advertised the closure date, an employee who spoke anonymously to SF Gate revealed that the store will hold a sale of its stock.
"We're having a huge sale," she told the outlet, claiming that over the next few days, there will be products available with 90% off the price tag.
The employee also noted that the workers at the store "were taken care of."
They have reportedly been allowed to transfer to other Ulta stores nearby.
Customers of the shuttering store have mourned the sudden closure with some suggesting more Ulta locations will follow suit.
"Nooooo I love having an ulta so close," one customer said on the Instagram post by @evilleeye.
"We were just there on Saturday and had no idea. This sucks," another said.
"I heard other stores are closing throughout the state," a third warned Ulta fans.
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The Illinois-based company is the largest beauty retailer in the country with over 1,300 locations.
Despite fears of more Ulta closures, the latest report from the company regarding its financial results is reassuring.
Under its plans for the 2024 fiscal year, Ulta hopes to open between 60 and 65 new locations.
In addition to this, the company will look at remodeling and relocating 40 to 45 existing stores.
The beauty retailer is also looking to expand its operational footprint outside of the United States.
"International expansion represents an incremental, long-term opportunity for Ulta Beauty to extend our reach and leverage our differentiated value proposition," said Dave Kimbell, chief executive officer.
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"We have evaluated various operating models and partners, and geographies, and we are excited to announce the formation of a joint venture with Axo, a highly experienced operator of global brands, to launch and operate Ulta Beauty in Mexico in 2025."
The U.S. Sun has contacted Ulta for comment regarding the latest closure.
Final hours to grab $7,000 from Five Guys data breach settlement – but you must show proof from one of five documents | EZU9S7B | 2024-05-04 17:08:01
FIVE Guys has reached an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit stemming from a 2022 data breach.
This would resolve allegations against the fast food restaurant of inadequate protection of employee information.
Final hours to grab $7,000 from Five Guys data breach settlement – but you must show proof from one of five documentsThe suit claims that the burger joint failed to protect employee information during the breach (stock image)Getty
The settlement pertains to individuals who received notifications from Five Guys regarding the data breach disclosed in December 2022.
The settlement claims the breach occurred in September 2022.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit assert that Five Guys could have averted the breach by implementing reasonable cybersecurity measures.
While Five Guys has not admitted fault, it has consented to an undisclosed payout to resolve the class action lawsuit.
As part of the settlement, class members are entitled to reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the breach, capped at $400 for typical expenses such as bank fees, communication charges, and lost wages.
Additional compensation of up to $6,500 is available for those who suffered significant losses due to identity theft or fraud.
Alternatively, class members can opt for a one-time payment of $150 if they prefer not to claim documented losses.
California-based class members receive an extra $100 payment.
All class members are eligible for complimentary identity theft protection and credit monitoring services for two years.
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Payments may be adjusted proportionally if claims exceed the settlement fund's capacity.
The deadline for opting out or exclusion is May 6, 2024, with a final approval hearing scheduled for July 12, 2024.
People who were notified of a data breach by Five Guys regarding an incident the company disclosed in December 2022 are eligible for this award, potentially worth $7,000, per Top Class Actions.
Those who believe they are eligible must also provide one of the following as proof of purchase:
Receipts
Bank statements
Card statements
Invoices
Tax documents
MORE CASH
In other settlement news, a well-known Nevada casino has reached a settlement amounting to $675,000 in response to a data breach, offering potential payouts of up to $10,500.
Crystal Bay Casino, situated near Lake Tahoe in Nevada, includes a hotel in addition to the casino.
It has denied any culpability but opted for the settlement to conclude a 27-page class action lawsuit.
Reportedly affecting more than 86,000 individuals, the data breach in November 2022, as reported by ClassAction.org, compromised the personal details of employees and members of the Player's Club, including names, Social Security numbers, and identification numbers.
The lawsuit contends that the cyberattack was a direct consequence of the casino's alleged failure to enact adequate security protocols, a responsibility it was legally obliged to fulfill.
Class members who don't have proof of payment or wish to not claim any actual data breach-related losses can opt for cash payments between $25 and $50.
In other news, the deadline for another settlement regarding a data breach, which offers art students the opportunity to receive payments of up to $5,000, is rapidly approaching.
Final hours to grab $7,000 from Five Guys data breach settlement – but you must show proof from one of five documentsFive Guys denied any wrongdoing but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to resolve the lawsuitGetty
Final weeks until $50,000 Powerball jackpot expires for good – and the winner bought it at a pizza shop | EZU9S7B | 2024-05-04 17:08:01
TIME is running out for an Iowa lottery winner to claim their $50,000 Powerball prize.
The winnings came from the December 16 lottery drawing.
Final weeks until $50,000 Powerball jackpot expires for good – and the winner bought it at a pizza shopGettyA Powerball prize worth $50,000 is expiring early next month in Iowa (stock image)[/caption]
The Powerball ticket was bought at Casey's pizza shop and convenience store in Des Moines.
The winning numbers were 3-9-10-20-62, and the Powerball was 25.
Mikel Arteta was 'forced to stop training early' in final session before Arsenal's win over Bournemouth | OT2P022 | 2024-05-04 16:08:01
The Spaniard had to step in to calm things down (Picture: Getty Images)
Arsenal were so amped up before Saturday's 3-0 win over Bournemouth that manager Mikel Arteta was reportedly forced to step in and stop their final training session early.
The Gunners restored their four-point advantage at the top of the Premier League table thanks to a penalty from Bukayo Saka and second-half strikes from Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice, with Manchester City not in action until the day's evening kick-off against Wolves.
Arsenal enjoyed total domination over their opponents during the opening 45 minutes, racking up 16 shots while the visitors only mustered one.
The north Londoners also attempted 10 tackles, nine of which were successful, as they pressed and harried Bournemouth into submission and in truth they should have gone into the half-time break further ahead – even if there was some controversy over Kai Havertz's trailing leg for the penalty.
Bournemouth made much more of a game of it in the second half and had several good opportunities to equalise, though their momentum was halted when Trossard doubled the lead in the 70th minute.
There was another moment of controversy soon after when Bournemouth were denied a goal, with Dominic Solanke rather harshly adjudged to have impeded David Raya, and the Gunners were able to see out the win and bank three more precious points with Rice adding a third late on.
During Arsenal's blistering first-half display, TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher revealed that the Gunners were so fired up going into the match that Arteta actually had to halt Friday's final training session early because the players were bringing so much energy – and tenacity – to the session.
Arsenal flew out of the traps in Saturday's win (Picture: AP)
'They're really impressing early on here, Arsenal,' said Fletcher during the early stages of the match.
Co-commentator Lucy Ward replied: 'Yeah they're at it, Arsenal. They've started at a lot higher tempo than Bournemouth.'
Fletcher then revealed: 'It was whispered to me earlier this morning that the final training session yesterday was pretty high in tempo and physicality.
'So much so that Mikel Arteta felt the need just to calm it down a little bit, call an earlier halt than he would have liked to have done.
Arteta had to calm things down in Friday's training session (Picture: Getty)
'But very, very pleased with what he saw from his players and that aggression is what we're seeing here in the early moments.'
Speaking about Arsenal's first-half display, Rice said afterwards: 'I think you saw in the first half it was domination. We could have been four or five up if I'm being honest with you. I missed a sitter and I was fuming to be honest.'
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The result puts Arsenal on 83 points with two games left to play, while the 3-0 victory has also bolstered their goal difference even further – with the Gunners now +10 over Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's side are four points further back with two games in hand, the first of which comes on Saturday evening at home to Wolves.
After that, City face back-to-back away trips to London to face Fulham and Tottenham before hosting West Ham on the final day, while Arsenal have a mouth-watering trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United next weekend followed by a home clash with Everton.
Ronnie O'Sullivan names 'best ref in the world' after complaining about officials | OT2P022 | 2024-05-04 16:08:01
Ronnie O'Sullivan has high praise for one referee (Picture: Getty Images)
Ronnie O'Sullivan may have claimed that some referees have got it in for him, but clearly not Tatiana Woollaston, who he believes is the 'best ref in the world by a mile'.
Woollaston has long been one of the best referees on the circuit, first officiating on television back in 2011, making her Crucible debut in 2020 and taking charge of finals at the Welsh Open and British Open.
She is refereeing the World Championship semi-final between Dave Gilbert and Kyren Wilson this year in Sheffield, a first experience of the one-table set-up at the Crucible, where she is excelling once again.
The Rocket is certainly impressed, saying: 'Best ref in the world mate. By a mile. All day long for me. She should do this year's final.'
12-time women's world champion Reanne Evans said: 'She's a top ref, top, top ref. I really rate her, she's a great girl as well.
'She deserves the final. She's top class and I hope she does get the final next year.'
It certainly seems only a matter of time before Woollaston gets to take charge of the biggest match in the sport, with the widely-respected ref so highly thought of throughout the game.
Tatiana Woollaston has long been one of the best in the business (Picture: Getty Images)
Paul Collier is refereeing this year's Crucible final, the fourth time he will take charge of the World Championship showpiece before retiring from the role to focus on his position as Tournament Director on the World Snooker Tour.
The strange scenario saw the referee re-spot the black after O'Sullivan potted it, but the ball slightly rock on a small indentation on the baize and a nearby red become impossible to pot.
The Rocket asked the referee to re-spot the black again and when she eventually managed to stop the ball rocking on the divet, the red was then pottable, but O'Sullivan chose not to pot it as he didn't feel comfortable gaining an advantage that way.
However, after the incident he told Eurosport: 'Some of the referees, I think they've got it in for me, so I wanted to prove to her she's got it wrong.
O'Sullivan clashed with Bozhilova in Sheffield (Picture: Getty Images)
'Then I didn't feel good about having to pot the ball after that. I just wanted to make the point and the point was made.
'I'm not that hungry to win in that way. I'm more of a principles person, so once the principle's been made, I can sleep at night.'
After the defeat he was asked about what happened and said: ''I won't be commenting on players or referees, it's not worth it.
'I'll keep silent on that sort of stuff. I won't comment on players and I won't comment on referees. I just leave it as it is. My life's too good and I don't need the hassle.'
