Why Shady American Candy Stores are Taking Over the UK
Oxford Street in London has seen a big increase in American candy stores, which many people find strange because these shops often seem empty but are in expensive locations. People wonder how they make enough money. It turns out that many of these stores might be involved in tax dodging, similar to souvenir shops that were investigated before. Westminster Council, which manages the area, believes these businesses are not paying taxes properly and may be used for other illegal activities. They are losing millions of pounds in unpaid business taxes because these companies often close down and reopen quickly, making it hard to track them. It seems many of these shops are connected, and their owners are uncooperative with authorities.
Key Vocabulary
The part of a store that faces the street, typically including display windows and the entrance, designed to attract customers.
Examples:
- The new bakery's storefront featured an inviting display of fresh pastries and artisanal bread.
- Many small businesses rely on an attractive storefront to draw in foot traffic.
- The old building was renovated, and its storefronts were updated with modern glass and signage.
The process of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.
Examples:
- The financial investigation uncovered a complex scheme of money laundering involving several offshore accounts.
- Authorities suspected that the seemingly legitimate business was actually a front for laundering illicit funds.
- New regulations were introduced to combat money laundering in the real estate sector.
Making a loud, harsh, or strident sound.
Examples:
- The car stereo was blaring heavy metal music, shaking the windows of nearby buildings.
- A blaring siren signaled the approach of an emergency vehicle.
- Despite the late hour, music was still blaring from the club across the street.
An old-fashioned term for a record player, a device used for playing sound recordings.
Examples:
- My grandmother still has an antique gramophone in her living room, though it no longer works.
- The crackling sound of the old jazz record played on the gramophone filled the room with nostalgia.
- Collectors often seek out rare records to play on their vintage gramophones.
Not willing to help others or work with them.
Examples:
- The witness remained uncooperative, refusing to answer any questions from the investigators.
- The team's progress was hampered by an uncooperative member who wouldn't share their ideas.
- Despite repeated requests, the company remained uncooperative in providing the necessary documents.
No longer valid, typically because the period of time for which it was valid has passed.
Examples:
- The milk in the refrigerator had expired, so I had to throw it out.
- His driver's license expired last month, so he needs to renew it before driving again.
- Many coupons have an expiration date, and they cannot be used once they have expired.
Agreements by which a tenant leases a rental property to another tenant.
Examples:
- The original tenant found a new job in another city and decided to sublease their apartment.
- Many commercial properties involve complex chains of leases and subleases.
- Before entering into a sublease agreement, it's important to understand the terms and conditions set by the original landlord.
Interrupting or interspersing (an activity or event) at intervals.
Examples:
- Loud bursts of laughter were punctuating the otherwise serious meeting.
- The long silence was only punctuated by the distant sound of church bells.
- His speech was punctuated with dramatic pauses, adding emphasis to his points.
Happy and cheerful; full of fun and good humor.
Examples:
- The children were in a jolly mood, playing games and telling jokes.
- He had a jolly laugh that always brightened up the room.
- The festive decorations and lively music created a jolly atmosphere at the party.
A large tank or tub used for holding liquids, especially in industrial processes.
Examples:
- The winery used enormous vats to ferment the grapes into wine.
- The factory had several large vats filled with chemicals for the manufacturing process.
- After the cheese was made, it was pressed in a large vat to remove excess liquid.
Distributed something differently or again, especially in a way that creates a new pattern of distribution.
Examples:
- After the company restructuring, responsibilities were redistributed among the remaining employees.
- The government program aimed to redistribute resources to underserved communities.
- The profits from the sale were redistributed equally among all the shareholders.
Worn and shabby; in poor condition.
Examples:
- He wore a tatty old coat that looked like it had seen better days.
- The once-grand curtains were now tatty and faded from years of sunlight.
- The tatty carpet in the hallway needed to be replaced soon.
A short break from activity, especially one taken by a child as a punishment for misbehavior.
Examples:
- The coach called a timeout to discuss strategy with the basketball team.
- After arguing with his sister, the child was sent to his room for a timeout.
- The project manager decided to call a timeout to allow everyone to regroup and rethink their approach.
Avoiding (something, especially a blow or a difficult question) by a sudden quick movement.
Examples:
- The boxer was expertly dodging his opponent's punches.
- He was known for skillfully dodging questions about his past.
- The driver swerved, barely dodging the deer that had run into the road.
A district in central London, England, known as the seat of the UK government and home to many iconic landmarks.
Examples:
- The Houses of Parliament are located in Westminster, a historic area of London.
- Many tourists visit Westminster Abbey, a famous church in the heart of London.
- Westminster Council is responsible for local governance in that part of London.
A house or building, together with its land and outbuildings, occupied by a business or considered as a single unit.
Examples:
- The company decided to expand its operations and acquire larger premises.
- Security cameras were installed throughout the premises to deter theft.
- Customers are not allowed behind the counter, as it is considered a private area of the business premises.
Coming near or nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time.
Examples:
- The train was rapidly approaching the station, so passengers gathered their belongings.
- As the deadline was approaching, the team worked late into the night to finish the report.
- A storm was approaching, and the sky grew dark with heavy clouds.
Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
Examples:
- The proliferation of smartphones has changed the way people communicate.
- Concerns were raised about the proliferation of fake news on social media platforms.
- The sudden proliferation of new businesses in the area led to increased competition.
A friend or companion (informal British English).
Examples:
- Fancy a pint down the pub, mate?
- I'm going to the football match with my mates this weekend.
- He's a good mate; he always helps me out when I'm in a bind.
Illegal acts; crimes (British English spelling).
Examples:
- Parking offences are common in the city center.
- The court heard a long list of minor offences committed by the defendant.
- Serious offences can result in lengthy prison sentences.