Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard missed third-quarter revenue estimates on Tuesday, hurt by sluggish demand in its convenience stores and fuel businesses amid rising inflationary pressures. Analysts had estimated a quarterly revenue rise of 8% to $21.19 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Its same-store road transportation fuel volumes fell 3% in the United States, impacted by unusual winter conditions and lower traffic. It had dipped 0.8% a year ago. 20,000 locations, potentially making it the biggest foreign buyout in Japanese history. A successful deal between these two leading players in the U.S. Japanese firm cooperates. Couche-Tard also said it remained confident about overcoming antitrust concerns. On an adjusted basis, its quarterly profit of 68 cents per share was in line with estimates. However, its adjusted net income of $641 million for the quarter ended February 2 beat estimates of $622.3 million, driven by higher road transportation fuel gross margins as well as contributions from acquisitions. The Canadian company, which has shown an unwavering commitment to buy Japan’s Seven & i Holdings, saw its quarterly revenue rise 6.5% to $20.90 billion from a year ago. Consumers facing financial strain have increasingly scaled back on expensive as well as non-essential purchases, prompting growing concern among retailers including Circle-K owner Couche-Tard. U.S. retail giants such as Walmart and Target warned of a demand slowdown owing to muted spending as they braced for the impact from import tariffs proposed and implemented by President Donald Trump. Increasing consumer prices and higher interest rates have resulted in low-to-middle income consumers being hesitant about making travel plans, leading to a reduction in fuel consumption, further pressuring demand at companies such as Couche-Tard.

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day.

So she decided to make her own.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. So she decided to make her own. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time.

Mens Sterling Silver Wedding Band

It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams.