Latest Consumer News: Santa Impersonators, Coffee Prices, Virgin Media Outage, and More
Santa impersonator James Lovell works shifts in his grotto from 9:30am to 6pm, with appearance rates starting at £225 for long contracts and exceeding twice that for one-off events. A successful holiday season typically yields £10,000–£15,000. Lovell also runs a Santa school and has freelanced in entertainment for years. Bookings generally decline after Boxing Day, although entertainment and events work continue year-round.
Global coffee prices have risen sharply, with raw Arabica up more than 20% this year following a 70% increase in 2024. Adverse weather conditions in Brazil and Vietnam have driven these increases, while Fairtrade minimum prices support producers. Climate change risks threaten to halve global coffee production by 2050, as about 50% of current growing land could become unsuitable. Currently, less than 10% of the $200 billion coffee industry remains in producing countries. UK roasters like James Sweeting and Simon Herring manage price volatility through stockpiling and cash flow management, expecting prices to remain high through June next year if Brazil’s crop improves.
In Manchester, a Virgin Media outage may entitle customers to compensation if disruptions last two working days or more. The average offline cost per household is approximately £46.40, and nearly half of adults rely on home Wi-Fi for work.
Meanwhile, 90 Unite members at a Belfast Diageo packaging site are on an eight-day strike seeking pay parity with workers in Runcorn. Diageo has stated there will be no disruption to Christmas supply and remains open to dialogue.
HSBC has pledged to keep all 327 high street branches open until at least 2027, with 825,000 customers visiting monthly. The bank plans to invest £55.8 million in refurbishments next year.
Additionally, NHS staff with an NHS email can claim two £10 Uber rides to and from work on December 24 and 25, plus £10 off a Uber Eats order via linked account.
