Kyle, 55, was spotted in front of the Bravo cameras at Sutton Stracke's Surrealism Ball on Saturday, May 11. Kathy Hilton, Garcelle Beauvais, Erika Jayne and rumored newcomer Bozoma Saint John were among the familiar ladies filming RHOBH at Sutton's home for the event, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the surrealist movement.
"Let's do this
Kyle Richards Returns for 'RHOBH' Season 14 — And She's Already Filming," Richards captioned photos of herself via Instagram on Sunday, May 12, in her black Alexandre Vauthier gown with antlers and flowers in her hair. Several attendees posted on social media to show the cameras filming Richards alongside the other women as they watched YellaCatt perform.
Kyle is the only RHOBH cast member who has starred on the show since season 1 premiered in 2010. Her fellow OGs, Taylor Armstrong, Camille Grammer, Adrienne Maloof, Kim Richards and Lisa Vanderpump, have all left the show behind, making Kyle RHOBH's sole through line.
However, not every cast member from last season is back. Crystal Kung Minkoffconfirmed her departure from the franchise via Instagram video on April 15. Along with Kyle and Crystal, 41, season 13 starred Erika, Garcelle, Sutton, Dorit Kemsley and Annemarie Wiley.
Speculation about Kyle's possible departure came after a challenging year for the Bravolebrity. Season 13 of RHOBH, which premiered in October 2023, focused heavily on Kyle's martial woes with Mauricio Umansky. After facing criticism from her costars about her desire to keep her relationship strife private, news of Kyle's separation from Mauricio, 53, came to light during the season finale. (Us Weekly confirmed in July 2023 that Kyle and Mauricio had split after 27 years of marriage.)
Kyle has spoken openly about the emotional toll that season 13 took on her. During a March appearance on the "Let's Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa" podcast, she slammed the way her costars treated her while filming the latest installment of RHOBH.
"I mean, my friends were my therapists, but the way they came at me, it was not from a loving place or a friend that said, 'Do you need someone? Are you OK? Is everything OK? Do you need anything?'" Kyle said. "It was unbelievable, honestly. It felt inhumane. … I was like, 'Can you not give me some grace?'"
Kyle also said during a March appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen that it's "nobody's f—king business" why she and Mauricio called it quits.
"With any marriage, there's issues that you have. They come up. You get busy, you've got kids," she explained. "Some of the issues never went away, they were never worked on. Something, like I said in my interview, happened where I did lose my trust."
While season 13 was a uniquely difficult one for Kyle, the actress told Extra last month that whether or not she signs on for another season is "always something I decide last-minute." However, she also admitted that she's feeling the weight of her reality TV fame more than ever.
"I think this season, particularly, because I had been so under the microscope, not just with the cast but in the public eye, it's been very challenging to navigate through that when I'm just trying to figure out my life myself," she said.
Kyle and Mauricio share daughters Alexia, 27, Sophia, 24, and Portia, 16. Kyle also shares daughter Farrah, 35, with ex-husband Guraish Aldjufrie.
And Just Like That has since gotten viewers talking for a multitude of reasons. From killing Mr. Big (Chris Noth) off in the series premiere to Samantha's absence and Miranda and Steve's split, Sex and the City fans haven't been thrilled about all the changes taking place on screen.
Showrunner Michael Patrick King, meanwhile, has stood by the Max show's decision to take big swings.
"We did something that was hard to do, which is we took something familiar and did make it new," King told Variety in February 2022. "For better and for worse."
King weighed in on some of the reactions he saw on social media, adding, "I monitor in macro, not micro. I monitor in the drum beats: 'This is the best thing I've ever seen! This is the worst thing I've ever seen. They should all be killed! I can't live without them. The clothes are terrible, the clothes are great.' I'm not into the minutia of anything."
Keep scrolling for everything we know about the third season of And Just Like That:
When Will the Show Return?
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3Craig Blankenhorn/HBO
Despite being renewed for a third season in August 2023, viewers will have a bit of a wait for more episodes. The decision came after the WGA and SAG-AFTRA both went on strike amid individual labor disputes with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3Craig Blankenhorn/Max
During the second season finale, which aired in August 2023, Carrie and Aidan (John Corbett) parted ways after rekindling their romance for a third time. It remained up in the air whether Carrie and Aidan would reunite after his sons were all grown up. Regardless of the split, Carrie moved out of her iconic apartment into a new space with a cat.
Miranda, meanwhile, made amends with Steve (David Eigenberg) and they agreed to be friends following their divorce. She later crossed paths with recent ex Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez) and the former couple got to a better place as well.
As for Anthony (Mario Cantone), he struggled to make a commitment with boyfriend Giuseppe (Sebastiano Pigazzi). After Anthony found out that his ex-husband, Stanford (Willie Garson), became a Shinto monk, he was able to move forward with his own life and with Giuseppe.
Nya (Karen Pittman), for her part, found out she was elected to the American Law Institute, but it was her personal life that needed more attention. At the end of the episode, Nya crossed paths with the Michelin chef (Toussaint Feldman) again, which hinted at a possible romance.
Meanwhile, Lisa Todd Wexley (Nicole Ari Parker) revealed that she miscarried her child and attempted to deal with the loss.
Seema's (Sarita Choudhury) journey wrapped up with her deciding not to travel with her director boyfriend, Ravi (Armin Amiri), to Egypt. Instead, she agreed to wait for him while he spent five months shooting a movie.
Will There Be Character Departures in Season 3?
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3Craig Blankenhorn/HBO
In January 2024, Daily Mail reported that Ramirez was dropped from And Just Like That because her character was unlikable. Ramirez didn't address the news at the time, but they did take to social media to call out the film and television industry for punishing actors who have spoken out in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
In the post, Ramirez used the past tense while discussing their role as Che on AJLT. Max has yet to confirm Ramirez's exit or return.
In March 2024, Max confirmed that Karen Pittman would not return as Nya Wallace due to her commitments to Apple TV+'s The Morning Show and Netflix's Forever.
"It has been a joy to have Karen Pittman play the smart and stunning Professor Nya Wallace on the first two seasons of And Just Like That…," Max said in a statement. "As we have thoroughly enjoyed working with this dynamic actress, so too have others. Due to her commitments to two other streamer series, it has become apparent that filming three shows at once isn't possible. Due to the production realities, we are disappointed to announce that scheduling conflicts will not allow us to continue with this character as part of season 3 of And Just Like That… Karen and Nya will be missed, and her Max family and fans will all be cheering her on in her other endeavors."
Can Fans Expect Aidan to Return in Season 3?
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3Craig Blankenhorn/HBO
After his highly anticipated return, viewers were shocked to find out that Aidan wouldn't be a consistent presence on the hit Max series. In the season 2 finale, Aidan returned home to Virginia, where he lived with his three teenage sons, after his youngest child got into a car accident. Aidan asked Carrie to wait for him to make his permanent move back to New York — in five years.
"Aidan believes now that bad things happen when he's not there," King said during an August 2024 episode of AJLT's companion podcast. "He admits to [Carrie] that he's really the home for these three boys — and that's who he's always been."
Aidan and Carrie spent the night together before his departure but it is unclear what their future will look like in future seasons.
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3Courtesy of Max
After appearing in six seasons of Sex and the City and two movies, Cattrall opted out of the Max series due to a falling out between her and Parker. Cattrall said she had no plans to reprise her role as Samantha but she ultimately filmed a cameo for season 2.
According to multiple outlets, Cattrall didn't interact with Parker or King on set and taped the scene by herself. This presumably means Cattrall's onscreen appearance was likely a one-time situation.
What Is the Vision for Season 3?
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3Craig Blankenhorn/HBO
"I knew it was going to end before anything that Carrie and Seema would be sitting on a beach in Greece looking out at the horizon, that it would not end with Carrie and Aidan," he said on AJLT's companion podcast in August 2023. "Our only little tip to you, the audience [and] the people who are watching and wondering what we're thinking."
King continued: "There's a little, tiny thread of what we're thinking at the end, which is Seema says, 'Well we ran at love, and where did that get us?' And she goes, 'I'm waiting five months and you're waiting five years.' And Carrie goes, 'Well, I may get some time off for good behavior.' You would only say that if you're already going, 'It's not gonna be five years.' She's very cute, but she does go on to say, 'There will be others.'"
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3Craig Blankenhorn/HBO
In December 2023, Nicole Ari said she would like to see Lisa's relationship with her husband get more screen time, telling PureWow, "I think we'll see more of LTW, hopefully with Chris Jackson, who plays Herbert."
When Does Filming Begin?
Ari Parker revealed to Entertainment Tonight in February 2024 that she and the cast "go back to work in May." While the actress remained tight-lipped about casting for season 3, she teased that she had been "sworn to secrecy" about the upcoming story lines.
Are There New Characters for Season 3?
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3Courtesy of Rosie O'Donnell/Instagram
Rosie O'Donnell announced in May 2024 that she is joining the cast. The actress teased her role as "Mary" by sharing a photo of the season 3, episode 1 script with her name on the top. "Here comes Mary," she captioned the post, which also included a selfie from what appeared to be the first table read.
When Did Filming Start?
See Sarah Jessica Parker Begin Filming 'AJLT' Season 3James Devaney/GC Images
Parker began filming season 3 in May 2024, stepping out for a scene at Lincoln Center in a pink flared skirt with a mint blouse.
Summer House's Ciara Miller: Inside a Day in My Life | 1SIMA32 | 2024-05-12 18:08:01
Summer House star Ciara Miller sees her fair share of drama on the Bravo reality series, but when she's not filming, her daily routine is actually pretty chill.
Miller, 28, takes Us Weekly exclusively through a day in her life — from photo shoots to dirty martinis — in the latest issue of the magazine, on newsstands now.
The NYC-based TV personality — who joined the cast of Summer House during season 5 — gave Us a sneak peek at season 8 of the reality show ahead of its February 2024 premiere.
"We had a lot of laughs this summer. I got my own room. We made our themed parties even more epic than previous summers," she said. "Overall, it was a fun summer. High: we took it up a notch with our parties. Low: Anytime the roommates are fighting."
Miller's castmate Lindsay Hubbard also shared insight into her and Miller's blossoming friendship. "[We] really connected this season," Hubbard, 37, told Us. "I think it will be fun for viewers to see our friendship develop and grow."
Keep scrolling for an inside look at a typical day in Miller's life:
Summer House airs on Bravo on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
Summer House's Ciara Miller: Inside a Day in My Life9:00 a.m. Miller kicks off her morning with a delicious breakfast spread. "I get up and make my homemade chai tea latte," she tells Us. As for food? "I've been loving my smooth toast and applesauce lineup lately," she adds. Courtesy of Ciara Miller
Summer House's Ciara Miller: Inside a Day in My Life11:30 a.m. Get ready with me! Miller flexes her social media skills by sharing her morning prep routine with her followers. "This typically consists of me talking about my morning and recent skin prep product favorites," Miller says. Courtesy of Ciara Miller
Summer House's Ciara Miller: Inside a Day in My Life12:30 p.m. The model takes advantage of natural lighting in the car by snapping a quick selfie en route to her Express Body Contour campaign. "I'm heading over to the studio to shoot the Express campaign," she tells Us. Courtesy of Ciara Miller
Summer House's Ciara Miller: Inside a Day in My Life2:00 p.m. Next up: a Bravo-verse photoshoot. Miller is joined by Southern Charm star Madison LeCroy as she strikes a pose for the camera. "I love being on set with Madison and my team," Miller says. Courtesy of Ciara Miller
Summer House's Ciara Miller: Inside a Day in My Life6:00 p.m. "Of course we had to celebrate a long day of hard work with martinis and caviar," the reality star tells Us, noting that one of her favorite haunts is Fouquet's New York. Courtesy of Ciara Miller
Summer House's Ciara Miller: Inside a Day in My Life11:30 p.m. Just like Us, Miller needs time to recharge after a long day. Miller grabs a late-night snack — "My go-tos are Lunchables and fruit cups," she says — before hopping into bed "with my iPad and the water I never drink — good night!" Courtesy of Ciara Miller
'Are the computers on lunch break?' blasts Walmart customer as self-checkout shakeup makes shopping 'infuriating' | 3V98ZFG | 2024-05-12 17:08:01
A WALMART shopper is fed up over frequently closed self-checkout lanes and is confused as to why they would not always be available.
The shopper argued Walmart self-checkouts should always be available to use since they are machines.
'Are the computers on lunch break?' blasts Walmart customer as self-checkout shakeup makes shopping 'infuriating'GettyWalmart customers made sarcastic jokes about its self-checkout consistently being closed down[/caption]
A user on X, formerly Twitter, explained their frustration with the closed self-checkouts.
"It drives me nuts when you go to a place like Walmart or anywhere with self-checkout and half of the stations are closed," Tony (@cardinalfan9633) said on X.
"Are the self-checkout computers on their lunch breaks?"
Another Walmart shopper made a sarcastic comment about the store's checkout process.
"Shopping at Walmart is usually easy until you have to checkout," they replied to Tony's tweet.
"Can be infuriating!"
SELF-CHECKOUT WOES
Many shoppers are unhappy with the number of self-checkouts kept open throughout the day at their Walmart store.
Walmart shopper Colleen shared a post on Facebook to explain her self-checkout troubles and how there were "rarely any lanes open."
"Walmart I have a huge bone to pick with you," Colleen said.
"You have removed the option to self-checkout unless you are a Walmart member."
"I am still waiting on my paycheck for working there every single time I have to use self-checkout," another Walmart customer said on X.
Someone else said, "I am going to start to bill you for my time if you can't solve these service issues."
Some Walmart stores have even started to limit who can use self-checkout.
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This is due to certain self-checkouts being reserved for Walmart+ subscribers.
A Walmart+ membership costs $98 annually.
"We continually look at ways to provide our customers with the best shopping experience and that includes adjusting the checkout area in stores," Walmart spokesperson Josh Havens told Business Insider.
'Delicious and nutritious,' praise Denny's fans over new menu item as chain brings back all-day meal deal | 3V98ZFG | 2024-05-12 17:08:01
DENNY'S has introduced a new wallet-friendly menu that has foodies excited to stop by.
The diner restaurant chain announced all-day deals that start at just $5.99 and shared some new menu items.
'Delicious and nutritious,' praise Denny's fans over new menu item as chain brings back all-day meal dealGettyDenny's has brought back new deals and introduced new menu items[/caption]
'Delicious and nutritious,' praise Denny's fans over new menu item as chain brings back all-day meal dealDenny'sFans can enjoy several breakfast classics and some dinner options for as low as $5.99[/caption]
'Delicious and nutritious,' praise Denny's fans over new menu item as chain brings back all-day meal dealDenny'sThe super slam breakfast is affordable and comes with buttermilk pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, and hash browns[/caption]
The Denny's All Day Diner Deals Value Menu is perfect for consumers who want to enjoy a diner-style breakfast on a budget.
No coupons are required to secure the savings, and the menu includes a diverse list of delicious offerings.
Plus, the menu items are available all day long, which is a huge win for those who prefer breakfast items for dinner.
The first classic meal to be added to the menu is the scrambled eggs & cheddar breakfast.
This includes eggs, buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, and two sausage links.
Breakfast lovers can also order the everyday value slam for an affordable price.
This meal includes a choice of pancakes, brioche french toast, or biscuit and gravy, and also comes with eggs and bacon or sausage.
The Super Slam breakfast has everything found in a classic diner meal but includes delicious skillet hash browns.
For those stopping by for dinner, the quarter-pound cheeseburger meal may be the right choice.
This meal comes with wavy-cut fries and is sure to be a hit with diners.
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And Denny's fans can also get the country-fried steak dinner with two sides for an affordable price.
The prices of these menu items vary depending on the location, but the restaurant chain stressed that each meal would be affordable.
'Delicious and nutritious,' praise Denny's fans over new menu item as chain brings back all-day meal dealTwitter/DennysDiner
The new berry waffle slam is made of two Liège-style waffles with seasonal berries[/caption]
NEW MENU ITEMS
Denny's has also introduced a few new menu items.
For a limited time, diners can try the berry waffle slam, the BBQ bacon chicken sandwich, the brownie sundae with Oreo pieces, and the cinnamon sugar pancake puppies.
The berry waffle slam is made of two Liège-style waffles with seasonal berries and sea salt caramel on top.
The chicken sandwich is a grilled chicken breast covered in barbecue sauce and topped with bacon, aged white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
The sundae includes a warm chocolate brown with vanilla ice cream, Oreo pieces, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
And the cinnamon pancakes are bite-sized fried pancakes with cinnamon sugar and cream cheese icing.
Fans have voiced their excitement toward the deals and can't wait to try out the new menu.
"Looks delicious and nutritious," one fan wrote about the berry waffle slam on X.
Another fan who tried the new waffles said they were "fantastic."
"Best waffle they've ever done," the diner said.
"They put some kind of sugar or syrup on the waffle while cooking so it's got this sweet crunchiness to the outside and then waffle softness on the inside.
"With the fruit and whipped cream on top it was just chef's kiss."
'Fix this' Target shoppers demand over self-checkout issue that leaves store 'looking like Walmart' | 3V98ZFG | 2024-05-12 17:08:01
TARGET shoppers are being tested as they stand in long checkout lines to purchase a few items.
Ranting on social media about shopping trips gone wrong, some compared the checkout experience to long wait times at Walmart.
'Fix this' Target shoppers demand over self-checkout issue that leaves store 'looking like Walmart'Target shoppers say they're stuck in long lines after self-checkout was shutteredGetty
Lengthy checkout lines with few workers available have set off Target shoppers across the US.
Despite complaints about self-checkout, some customers are even yearning for the kiosks back.
"Why is the self-checkout lane closed?" questioned one user on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
"These lines [are] looking like Walmart. Girl fix this. I have three items," he continued.
The shopper said his five-minute trip turned into a 25-minute one because there were only two lanes open, with lines extending into the women's section.
Target responded to the post and said it's "prioritizing full-service check lanes to support [its] guests during the entire day and intends to open Express Self-Checkout to support busier times."
But many customers would classify their trips as happening in busy times, with another describing a 35-minute wait in line.
Posting from Jansen Beach in Portland, Oregon, another user described a line that was 26 people deep "with only one checkout person."
"You decided you didn't want people going through self-checkout," he continued. "And you are confused when people just walk out with stuff."
Meanwhile, a Target shopper in El Cajon, Californiaposted a picture of the scene at their store.
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"Once again. 10-15 people in every open line and self-checkout closed," he said.
The customer described self-checkout as "four lanes that move faster than any manned station" but "closed every single time and in no seemingly logical time frame either."
Target once again responded to the shopper, explaining that self-checkouts are open during busiest times, but that these times "might not be convenient for everyone."
The U.S. Sun reached out to Target in a request for comment.
SHIFTS AT THE SELF-CHECKOUT
Complaints are flying amid recent changes by the big box retailer to curb theft and prevent long lines at the self-checkout.
'Game changer,' rave Sur La Table shoppers over deeply discounted popular cookware selling for $38 – comes in 6 colorsFans are calling a baker on a bargain "a game-changer"Getty Images - Getty
'Game changer,' rave Sur La Table shoppers over deeply discounted popular cookware selling for $38 – comes in 6 colorsFunctionality combines with sophistication in the design of this baker, featuring handles crafted for enhanced comfort, balance, and effortless lifting.Sur La Table
Known for its impeccable quality and timeless designs, Le Creuset has once again left an indelible mark with its Heritage Square Baker, a culinary gem that promises to elevate your cooking experience to new heights.
Crafted from durable stoneware featuring an industry-leading enamel interior, this square baker is a versatile powerhouse, perfectly suited for entrees, side dishes, desserts, and beyond.
Its robust construction not only withstands the rigors of everyday use but also delivers consistent, amazing results every time.
One of the hallmarks of Le Creuset's stoneware is its virtually non-porous nature, which ensures that each dish remains pristine, resisting odors, stains, and flavor absorption.
Whether you're baking a savory casserole or a delicate dessert, you can trust that the flavors will remain pure and unadulterated.
But it's not just about functionality; the Heritage Square Baker is a testament to Le Creuset's commitment to exquisite craftsmanship.
Available in a dazzling array of vibrant colors, each piece is a work of art, meticulously crafted using time-honored techniques that have been perfected over generations.
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What truly sets this square baker apart, however, is its unparalleled durability.
Fired at high temperatures for increased strength, the enamel finish resists chips, cracks, and stains, ensuring that your investment will withstand the test of time.
Practicality meets elegance in the design of this baker, with handles designed for added comfort, balance, and ease of lifting – all in six colors, including:
Pêche
White
Caribbean
Marseille
Meringue
Azure Blue (an exclusive color)
The baker makes it effortless to go from freezer to oven to table, transforming it from a functional cooking vessel to a handsome serving dish.
For added peace of mind, the Heritage Square Baker comes backed by Le Creuset's renowned 5-year warranty, ensuring that your investment is protected for years to come.
This baker is sure to become an indispensable part of your kitchen arsenal.
'GAME-CHANGER'
One satisfied customer raves, "After making dinner with my beloved new Le Creuset Heritage Square Baker on 3 or 4 or 5 occasions, I cannot believe there was ever a time when I used anything else.
"It is perfection. A game-changer. (No pun intended.) Poultry emerges with a pleasing crispness. Potatoes, shrooms, likewise ahhhhhhh….
"I do sometimes wish it had a lid when it comes to refrigerating leftovers.
"As far as baking, it is a joy — vastly superior to any other baker dish I have ever used in all my born daze."
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In other shopping news, a Walmart air fryer is currently discounted by more than 20%, and it's available for online purchase rather than in-store.
And explore The U.S. Sun's report on Amazon's air fryer, touted as a "best friend," which saw its price drop from $150 to $99.
'Hurting not helping,' says Kroger shopper as he rails against self-checkout policy – a change is 'warranted' now | 3V98ZFG | 2024-05-12 17:08:01
SELF-CHECKOUTS are once again a hot topic after a Kroger shopper urged the retailer to make a change.
Retailers are struggling to find the balance between keeping operational costs low, protecting inventory, and giving customers the option of self-service.
'Hurting not helping,' says Kroger shopper as he rails against self-checkout policy – a change is 'warranted' nowGettyKroger has been urged to make a change after one shopper said a regular issue has gone on for too long (stock image)[/caption]
'Hurting not helping,' says Kroger shopper as he rails against self-checkout policy – a change is 'warranted' nowGettyThe retailer has been accused of allowing long lines to build up unnecessarily by reducing its self-checkouts (stock image)[/caption]
As a result, a number of stores have launched trials and made changes to their self-checkout areas which have been identified as a problem area for theft.
According to a recent survey by LendingTree, 69% of people questioned believe that the self-service machines make theft easier with 15% saying they have committed theft.
More shockingly, 44% of them said they would do so again.
Now, a Kroger store in Indiana has come under fire after it reduced the availability of self-checkout registers.
"@kroger I think your store should really consider opening both self-checkout areas during peak hours at 10679 N Michigan Rd," one shopper said on X, formerly Twitter.
"You're trying your best but I think a change is warranted at this point.
"The new system unfortunately is hurting not helping."
Kroger responded thanking the customer for his feedback saying it would be forwarded to the leadership team.
After experiencing long lines at the checkout, the shopper threatened the retailer with the competition of a rival store that had just opened in the area.
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"The new competition from Edwards Food Giant doesn't seem to have sunk in," the shopper said on X.
In a picture accompanying the post, two rows of self-checkouts had been closed off.
Kroger apologized for the frustrating lines at the store but fellow customers shared their own experiences with one having lines to the back of the store.
'Had to get two extra,' cries Costco shopper after learning meaning of asterisk on price sign – you'll want to stock up | 3V98ZFG | 2024-05-12 17:08:01
A COSTCO shopper knew they had to stock up on their favorite item when they spotted an asterisk next to the price inside a store.
The symbol is sometimes referred to as a "death star" by die-hard fans of the big box store but this customer had just learned what it means for the first time.
'Had to get two extra,' cries Costco shopper after learning meaning of asterisk on price sign – you'll want to stock upReddit/mh1357_0On Costco shopper bought two extra of their favorite product after finding out it could soon be going out of stock[/caption]
'Had to get two extra,' cries Costco shopper after learning meaning of asterisk on price sign – you'll want to stock upGoogle MapsThe customer got worried after spotting a 'death star' on the price sign inside a store[/caption]
"Found out the asterisk on the price signs means that's their last pallet and they probably are discontinuing the item," the shopper wrote on Reddit after their-instore experience.
"So I had to get two extra jars of the 505 Hatch chilies."
Attached to the post was a picture of the two jars that they bought.
Nearly 100 people commented on the Reddit thread sharing their knowledge about what the asterisk means.
One user simply wrote, "Death Star! = Stock Up."
"Asterisks are also used for 'seasonal' items that are available for a limited time but won't be restocked anytime soon but may come back next year or at a later date," another Costco shopper replied.
A third user posted a differing explanation of why you might see the star on the sign.
"The asterisk is also used when an item is getting repackaging. Like the pacific foods red pepper soup recently went through," they wrote.
Other commenters were just as shocked to find out the information about the asterisk, except one who shared their frustrating Costco story.
"Once my favorite chicken nuggets had an asterisk and I panicked and bought 6 bags," the shopper wrote.
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"A month later they came back in a new bag design and a dollar cheaper. Same amount of chicken nuggets."
Other Reddit users flooded the post with raving reviews of the 505 product.
"This is a seasonal item, I buy a few jars every time they are released," one wrote.
"It's not being discontinued just they bottle these after the August – November season and have a limited amount of them each Spring/Summer."
A second added, "505 is the real deal! They have this at my Walmart too."
PRICE TAG CLUES
Looking at the price tag won't only give you a clue as to whether your product will be discontinued, but it could also apparently let you know if your product has been returned or not.
Prices ending with .88 or .00 are commonly on products that have been returned or display items with a special discount, Best Life reported.
An item ending with .97 on the price tag means that it's been marked down from its original price, according to the outlet.
Regularly priced items, on the other hand, typically end in .49, .79, .89 or .99.
Costco Club insiders also recommend customers shop the store from back to front for bigger savings.
However, the real savings supposedly lie in the center of the wholesale store.
The Costco Center Court, as it is referred to by its members, is the center of the store where the best deals usually are.
Despite the fact that the best discounts are in the middle of the store, it may be better to avoid the center court if you're trying to have a quick shopping trip.
By placing a variety of discounted products in the center of the store, Costco hopes that customers will leave with more items than they originally intended on buying.
Also, if you're looking to save more money, don't be fooled by Costco's free samples.
No matter how tempting those samples may look, one financial expert on TikTokposted about the psychological effects of free samples.
"In one study free samples helped [Costco] sell more frozen pizzas at one warehouse by over 600%," the advisor said.
'I buy all things,' says Costco shopper who got refund on discontinued washer & dryer – but claims they've earned it | 3V98ZFG | 2024-05-12 17:08:01
A COSTCO shopper explained how they were refunded $2,000 after returning a washer and dryer set after nearly a year.
Costco's famous 100% satisfaction guarantee policy does have a few exceptions.
'I buy all things,' says Costco shopper who got refund on discontinued washer & dryer – but claims they've earned itGettyCostco has a famously generous return policy (stock image)[/caption]
'I buy all things,' says Costco shopper who got refund on discontinued washer & dryer – but claims they've earned itGettyA Costco shopper explained how they were able to return an old washer and dryer (stock image)[/caption]
Most electronics have a 90-day return limit, but one shopper explained how they were able to take back a washer and dryer after almost a year of use.
In a thread on Reddit, the Costco member said returning the items was their last choice.
"A store manager let me return a Costco.com washer/dryer set once, $2k, that was really junk, that really I had five service calls on over my 11 months of ownership," they wrote.
"I buy all things that I can buy from Costco. We have an executive membership and I'm sure we spend $60k there a year between all cardholders."
The executive membership is the top tier at Costco and costs $120 annually but includes a free household card for family members.
Another shopper had a similar story about an expensive vacuum they bought.
"I had the Tineco wet vacuum that would keep dying with the battery within minutes a few months in. Tineco warrantied the first and then the second unit had the same issue two months in," they wrote.
"Costco came to the rescue a year after purchase. Gotta love it – if you buy something that's crap, you don't have to worry."
AN EARLY WARNING
While these shoppers had no issue returning items, that isn't always the case.
Costco keeps a close eye on how many returns shoppers make to ensure they aren't taking advantage of the lenient policy.
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But some people still push their luck.
In another Reddit thread, a shopper explained that an employee warned them about how many returns they made.
"I'm one of those frequent returners that doesn't give a f**k," they wrote in the post.
"My brother-in-law told me all the stories about people returning things years later, and he even returned his Traeger [grill] two years after he bought it."
They had returned a three-year-old beard trimmer missing some pieces and a $150 electric toothbrush in a short time span.
"Fast forward to today's return. The lady was like, 'Take this how you want, but out of the 20 things you've bought in my department, 12 have been returned,'" they wrote.
"She was nice about it, basically giving me a heads up that someone could think that was sketchy.
"I don't feel bad because I'm using the product, and if it breaks or stops working, I return it and buy another."
'I can make my own,' say Starbucks customers turning their back on chain – as ex-CEO calls for 3 changes to address rut | 3V98ZFG | 2024-05-12 17:08:01
STARBUCKS customers have revealed how the cafe chain's star has lost its shine in the face of falling profits and more competition from rivals.
Now Howard Schultz, who served as Starbucks CEO for 24 years in three different spells, has broken his silence on the coffee giant's money woes.
'I can make my own,' say Starbucks customers turning their back on chain – as ex-CEO calls for 3 changes to address rutGettyStarbucks has seen a downward trend in profits in recent years[/caption]
'I can make my own,' say Starbucks customers turning their back on chain – as ex-CEO calls for 3 changes to address rutGettyThe coffee giant has been hit by union disputes and other financial woes[/caption]
'I can make my own,' say Starbucks customers turning their back on chain – as ex-CEO calls for 3 changes to address rutAP:Associated PressFormer CEO, Howard Schultz, took to LinkedIn to offer the chain advice[/caption]
Posting on LinkedIn this week, Schultz wrote that Starbucks' stores, which have been hit by labor disputes, accusations of illegal union-busting, and declining sales globally, need to establish a "maniacal focus on the customer experience, through the eyes of a merchant."
The answer to their problems, he says, "does not lie in data, but in the stores."
Starbucks, which has over 17,000 stores in the U.S., recently experienced its first drop in quarterly revenue since 2020, with sales in North America declining by 3% in this year's second quarter, according to the chain's financial reports.
The reason behind the revenue drop, according to Starbucks' leadership, is the rise of the "cautious customer."
As inflation is running rampant in the country, consumers are forced to be more aware of where they spend their hard-earned cash.
While corporate profits now account for the highest share of national income in more than 10 years, according to the National Bureau of Economic Analysis, consumers are feeling the strain more than ever in their lifetimes.
A majority of Americans are worse off financially now than compared to before the start of the pandemic, according to Yahoo! Finance.
"Money changed," Jacqueline Phillips, a New Yorker and daily coffee drinker, told the U.S. Sun as she explained why she stopped frequenting the chain.
"The price of everything going up leaves little extra for the spoils," Phillips said. "Starbucks has become more of a treat than an everyday necessity. I can make my own latte now at 7-11 for $2 as opposed to $6 at Starbucks. Does it taste as good? Eh, but it's good enough and I can afford it."
Phillips also details how changes to how the chain gives customers rewards, now having to earn twice as many points to earn a free cup of hot coffee, turned her off from the brand.
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But it isn't just points and finances that are pushing customers away from the coffee giant.
For customers like Morgan Bissett-Tessier, a 31-year-old law school student and part-time school administrator in New York, reports about mistreatment of Starbucks employees, union-busting, and not being allowed to wear Black Lives Matter attire, despite that policy being reversed, ruined the brand for her.
"Starbucks was never a regular thing for me because it was expensive, so it was a treat," Bissett-Tessier told CBS Money Watch. "Now it doesn't feel worth it."
Last year, the National Labor Relations Board found that Starbucks violated federal labor law over 270 times since the campaign to unionize started in Buffalo, New York two years ago.
This makes Starbucks "one of the worst violators of labor law in modern U.S. history," said Clara Wheatley-Schaller, the political director for Workers United, the union representing Starbucks workers.
But despite these roadblocks causing customers to look elsewhere, Schultz believes Starbucks will recover from their recent downturn.
"Of that, I am certain," he added.
"Senior leaders — including board members — need to spend more time with those who wear the green apron," he went on.
Schultz also advises the chain to "reinvent the mobile ordering and payment platform," to "make it the uplifting experience it was designed to be."
He also says the chain's go-to-market strategy needs to be overhauled and elevated with "coffee-forward innovation that inspires partners and creates differentiation in the marketplace," saying the brand needs to "focus on being experiential, not transactional."
"We always appreciate Howard's perspective. The challenges and opportunities he highlights are the ones we are focused on," a Starbucks spokesperson said in response to Schultz's remarks.
"And like Howard, we are confident in Starbucks' long-term success," they concluded.
But is that enough to win customers back?
Diane Cantave, an activist with Long Island Jobs for Justice who helped unionize seven Starbucks locations on Long Island, including two in Hempstead – the most populated town in the country, isn't so sure.
She believes that if Starbucks were to treat their workers fairly and stop creating a name for themselves that is synonymous with illegal labor practices, maybe more customers would be willing to support their business.
