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DPC Dash-Domino’s Pizza China Successfully Completes 2025 Full-Year Store Expansion with Outstanding Performance and Innovation

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HONG KONG, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DPC Dash – Domino’s Pizza China (“DPC Dash” or the “Company”) (1405.HK), the exclusive master franchisee for Domino’s Pizza in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR, continued its strong growth momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025, further strengthening consumer loyalty through expansion of its store network, core product innovation and upgrades, and breakthrough seasonal marketing. The Company successfully achieved its full-year store opening targets and continuously strengthened its leading position in China’s pizza market.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, DPC Dash continued to execute its “go broader, go deeper” store expansion strategy. According to the Fourth Quarter 2025 Investor Fact Sheet (“Investor Fact Sheet”), as of December 31, 2025, the Company achieved outstanding full-year operational results: the total number of stores reached 1,315, representing 307 net new stores; DPC Dash entered 21 new cities throughout 2025, further expanding store coverage to 60 cities in the Chinese Mainland, reflecting a steady and efficient expansion pace. On January 1, 2026, DPC Dash has opened 62 new stores across 46 cities, continuing the strong momentum of store network expansion.

Positive same-store sales growth (SSSG) remained in Tier-1 cities during the fourth quarter of 2025. After excluding the impact of new stores in new markets entered after December 2022, group-level SSSG maintained positive in the second half of 2025 and fiscal year 2025 highlighting the brand’s strong resilience and competitiveness.

The strong performance of newly opened stores fully demonstrate DPC Dash’s brand influence. During the 2026 New Year holiday, new stores opened in multiple newly entered cities delivered strong performance. Notably, the first store in Dalian generated sales close to RMB 700,000 for the grand opening day. This once again confirmed the Company’s mature store operation system and strong regional market penetration capabilities, injecting strong momentum into overall growth.

Amid upgraded consumer demand and intensified market competition, DPC Dash has built a stable and developing consumer community through data-driven strategy implementation, with brand recognition and user loyalty continuously improving. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s loyalty program reached 35.6 million members, compared to 24.5 million as of December 31, 2024, representing substantial year-over-year growth. Over the past 12 months, 15.4 million customers placed their first orders, through both proprietary and third-party channels.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, DPC Dash focused on the dual-engine drive of “product upgrades + scenario marketing,” continuously enhancing user consumption experiences. The Company further concentrated on core pizza categories, launching two entirely new pizzas: the new Sicilian-Inspired Beef & Bamboo Shoot Pizza, featuring premium South American beef and fresh winter bamboo shoots, combined with authentic Sicilian-style sauce; and the Madrid-Inspired Beef and Shrimp Pizza with slow-cooked imported beef brisket and crispy fresh shrimp. Additionally, the Company upgraded two popular pizzas with additional toppings at the same price. With richer ingredient combinations and more intense flavor profiles, these offerings satisfy consumer demands for high-quality pizza while strengthening core brand recognition for delicious pizza at value.

At the same time, DPC Dash leveraged seasonal opportunities to launch limited-time marketing campaigns. To align with fourth-quarter consumption occasions, the Company introduced Halloween treats and combos with limited-time promotional activities, matching the holiday atmosphere while providing consumers with high-value choices. The fourth quarter saw the return of the classic “Mega Week” promotion, further providing consumers with value options. Additionally, the Company collaborated with popular Sanrio character Kuromi to launch limited-edition keychains, reaching younger consumers.

Throughout 2025, DPC Dash earned multiple authoritative industry awards for outstanding performance, covering food quality and safety, brand marketing, digitalization, investor relations, talent recognition and social responsibility. Notably, the Company received its fifth win at the “Annual Seven-Star Awards for Outstanding Contribution in Food Safety & Public Health” and secured the “Phenomenal Product Impact Award” in the inaugural food and beverage consumer influence rankings, demonstrating the Company’s industry-leading achievements in food safety, quality and sustainability, and its ability to create phenomenal hit products.

In innovation, digital operation and brand influence, DPC Dash also won the Brand Digitalization Award at the 16th Tiger Roar Awards, the 2025 Top 10 High-Quality Consumer Brand from Southern Metropolis Daily and the Top 20 Digitalized Enterprise at China Digital Innovation Expo (CDIE) 2025. In talent management, DPC Dash has been recognized as a 2025 Star Employer by Mercer. Building on its fourth consecutive year as a Best Employer, DPC Dash secured the coveted Star Employer recognition for the first time.

Looking ahead, DPC Dash will continue to deepen its 4D strategy of Development, Delicious Pizza at Value, Delivery, and Digital, exploring China market consumption potential and further optimizing operational efficiency. The Company will maintain innovation and sustainable operations, providing Chinese consumers with exceptional value and deliciousness.

About DPC Dash

DPC Dash is Domino’s Pizza’s exclusive master franchisee in the Chinese Mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China. Domino’s Pizza, Inc., DPC Dash’s global franchisor, is one of the most widely-recognized global consumer brands and the world’s largest pizza company. Led by a seasoned and visionary management team, DPC Dash is a market leader that differentiates from competitors with, among others, a continually innovated and localized pizza-focused menu, unique expertise and leadership in delivery, technology focus and scalable and replicable store economic model. DPC Dash operates 1,315 stores in 60 cities in the Chinese Mainland as of December 31, 2025.

For more information, please visit www.dpcdash.com
For official company announcements, please visit www.hkexnews.hk 

Contacts

DPC Dash Ltd Investor Relations:

DPC Dash Ltd
IR@dominos.com.cn

ICR, LLC
dpcdashIR@icrinc.com 

DPC Dash Ltd Media Relations:

ICR, LLC
dpcdashPR@icrinc.com

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Collector car market being reshaped by new generation as online auctions surge

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The collector car market is evolving, with recent trends reshaping how enthusiasts buy and sell classic cars.

Purchasing habits, auction formats, even the types of cars commanding top prices are shifting, recent data shows.

New analysis by Michigan-based automotive data and insurance company Hagerty examined auction sales, buyer demographics and high-end transactions across global markets over the past year.

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Online auctions extended their advantage in 2025, selling more than 50,000 collector vehicles, up 6% from a year earlier. 

Live auction volume remained flat, at roughly 21,000 vehicles, the same analysis said.

Vintage Ferrari race car displayed on stage at a live automotive auction with a large audience in attendance.

The collector car market is shifting, with online auctions growing last year, while live auction sales remained flat, according to Hagerty data. (Hagerty)

The highest-priced transaction in the United States involved a 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 at $26 million, followed by a 1961 Ferrari 250 California SWB at $25.3 million.

The shift goes beyond where cars are sold; it also reflects those who are buying them.

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Kenneth Ahn, president of Hagerty Marketplace, told Fox News Digital the collector car world is undergoing a generational handoff as younger buyers enter the market.

White McLaren F1 supercar parked outdoors, front three-quarter view with headlights on.

Record-setting transactions reflect a broader generational shift in the U.S. collector car market, according to new analysis.  (Hagerty)

“While the overall global collector car auction market — live and online combined — has remained relatively flat in terms of total transaction value since 2022, we have been closely following several interesting changes occurring within that market,” Ahn said.

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One of the biggest changes, he said, is the growing demand for newer collectible vehicles, particularly modern supercars and so-called “youngtimer” models from the 1980s through early 2000s.

That trend is increasingly visible in top sales, with newer supercars taking more high-dollar spots than before.

Car buyer shaking hands with a dealership sales representative inside a modern car showroom.

The global collector car market has leveled off, but newer vehicles are increasingly driving top sales, according to Hagerty. (iStock)

Models like the Ferrari F40 and F50, the Maserati MC12 and the Pagani Huayra are among the modern-era vehicles drawing strong interest from collectors.

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Hagerty data shows that while modern cars are gaining momentum, top-tier classic cars continue to command strong prices when rarity and condition align.

There is growing demand for newer collectible vehicles. 

“Over the past five years, the average age of seven-figure ($1M+) cars sold at auction has become nearly 12 years newer,” Ahn said.

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Looking ahead, long-term shifts in ownership and wealth expected to unfold through 2048 are likely to shape the next era of collector cars, Ahn said.

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Esports World Cup Foundation Introduces National Team Representation Framework for the Esports Nations Cup 2026

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Applications are now open for official National Team Partners to help build the foundation for a credible and sustainable nation-based esports competition

EWCF to establish $20 million ENC Development Fund to support the long-term growth of nation-based ecosystems

[Media Kit]

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today introduced the national team representation framework for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November, by opening the application process for official National Team Partners.

The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced the framework for national team representation for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2026.
The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced the framework for national team representation for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2026.

The Esports Nations Cup introduces national team representation to the global esports calendar in a structured, recurring format. It complements the Club-based Esports World Cup by enabling players to compete under their national flag and offering fans an opportunity to connect with elite esports through national identity.

National Team Partners will serve as the official national counterparts for the ENC 2026, within their respective countries and territories, with the responsibility of building and representing their national esports teams on the global stage. In partnership with the EWCF, they will coordinate team representation for the ENC, oversee and support national team coaches per game title, and coordinate with game partners and Clubs within the ENC framework.

Beyond competition, National Team Partners will shape their national team identity through marketing, communications, and community engagement, and collaborate with creators, media, and public institutions to mobilize their local communities to build national fandom for their teams.

While National Team Partners are responsible for the organization and representation of national teams, the competitive integrity and player eligibility remain governed by ENC rules and game partner-aligned processes.

Each selected National Team Partner will nominate a National Team Manager who will serve as the public lead and primary representative of the national team. They will act as the primary contact between the EWCF and the local ecosystem team, supporting coordination, representation and activation at the country and territory level, and are formally confirmed by the EWCF.

To support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EWCF will establish the ENC Development Fund, committing at least $20 million annually beginning with ENC 2026. The Fund will support national team programs by covering travel and logistics for participation in the Esports Nations Cup, and by enabling promotional and fan-facing activities that build relevance, awareness, and engagement around national teams beyond the main competition, supported by the commercial, marketing, and operational capabilities required to deliver these activities consistently over time.

This includes support for training camps and bootcamps with structured fan access, exhibition matches and showcase events, official watch parties, national team tours, and appearances at major gaming and sports events.

Further details on scope, eligibility, and implementation will be shared with selected National Team Partners as part of the onboarding process.

“The purpose of the Esports World Cup Foundation is to elevate esports and make it sustainable,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “The Esports Nations Cup is a natural next step in that journey. By opening this application process, we are inviting trusted National Team Partners to help define the framework for how countries and territories are represented in esports with clear roles, aligned governance, and a system that works for players, game partners, and fans alike.” 

Eligible applicants include esports organizations, Clubs, agencies, NGOs, national esports and sport federations and associations, recognized government-mandated entities, content creators, and experienced esports professionals with strong national ecosystem ties.

Applications are now open at esportsnationscup.com and will close on January 31, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed through a multi-stage evaluation process assessing governance standards, ecosystem standing, operational capability, community reach, and alignment with game partners’ requirements.

The first cohort of approved National Team Partners will be announced in early 2026.

Hosted in Riyadh in November 2026 before moving to a rotating city model, the ENC will be held every two years to provide a dependable structure for players and esports organizations, encouraging long-term investment in national team programs.

Additional information about the Esports Nations Cup will be released in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, visit esportsnationscup.com, and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

About the Esports Nations Cup

The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is a biennial global esports competition created by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) that brings national pride to the world stage. Launching in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026, the ENC will feature the world’s best players competing not for their clubs, but for their countries and territories, across a lineup of leading esports titles. Built in collaboration with game partners, clubs, and esports organizations, the ENC establishes the first recurring, large-scale platform for national teams in esports. Beyond competition, it aims to fuel fandom, inspire heroes, and provide sustainable pathways for nations, players, and partners to grow within the global esports ecosystem. esportsnationscup.com

About Esports World Cup Foundation

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing and professionalizing the global esports industry. Through the annual Esports World Cup (EWC) and the biennial Esports Nations Cup (ENC), EWCF brings together the world’s top players, leading clubs, and millions of fans for the biggest stages in competitive gaming. Beyond hosting tournaments, the Foundation works year-round to grow the esports ecosystem, support talent development, and create lasting opportunities for players, teams, and partners worldwide.

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STARTRADER Begins 2026 as Official Partner of the NBA

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DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reflecting its strategic business direction, STARTRADER seals a deal with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and becomes the league’s Official Partner, which marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and expansion.

STARTRADER Begins 2026 as Official Partner of the NBA
STARTRADER Begins 2026 as Official Partner of the NBA

Fans will see STARTRADER’s brand integrated across key NBA touchpoints. From in-arena backdrops to broadcast-visible placements and select league media platforms, STARTRADER will benefit from high-impact visibility as audiences experience year-round storytelling across digital, broadcast, and select live events. These activations strengthen the brand’s global presence and reinforce its innovative narrative, in addition to joint Social Impact initiatives between the NBA and STARTRADER.

“This collaboration reflects the direction STARTRADER is taking as a global brand,” said Mr. Peter Karsten, CEO of STARTRADER. “Aligning with the NBA reinforces the trust placed in our brand and supports our vision of operating on an international stage alongside institutions that share a commitment to long-term growth.”

“We look forward to working closely with STARTRADER as we continue to grow basketball and the NBA’s presence across the Middle East,” said NBA Head of Middle East Strategy & Development, David Watts. “The region is a key priority for the league, and this cooperation reflects our ambition to work with brands that share our commitment to engaging fans using the latest technological innovations.”

The collaboration aligns with STARTRADER’s repositioning, ‘Built on Trust, Driven by Growth.’ It reflects the growth that the brand has achieved as it continues to cooperate with global-level institutions that carry long-standing influence across cultures and markets.

At the core of this direction is STARTRADER’s focus on making global trading accessible and trusted, and empowering principles that mirror the NBA’s role in connecting hundreds of millions of fans worldwide around the game of basketball. Through transparent access, advanced tools, and trusted support, STARTRADER builds a trading environment that enables traders and partners to grow with confidence.

As the NBA celebrates its 80th season, STARTRADER remains committed to the strong foundations it has built over the years to support long-term growth in an evolving financial landscape. The collaboration signals STARTRADER’s continued evolution as a global brand operating on the world stage.

ABOUT STARTRADER

As a globally leading broker, STARTRADER provides a transparent trading environment and exceptional services to clients in over 200 regions worldwide. We offer a wide range of trading products, including forex, precious metals, stocks, indices, commodities, and ETFs, along with diverse platforms. Additionally, we showcase our comprehensive service capabilities by providing tailored liquidity solutions for institutional clients, securing a unique position in the industry. STARTRADER is regulated by five top-tier authorities—SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, and FSC—ensuring the highest standards of security and trust for our clients. https://www.startrader.com/

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Vacations can be stressful—here are 3 ways to fully unwind, according to a psychologist

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Monica Virga, a 38-year-old entrepreneur based in Norway, found it unsettling to go from a period of working 20 hours a day to almost zero while on holiday, she said.

“I would… end up popping into my emails again and checking up on things with work that I didn’t need to be in,” she said. “I would end up coming home realizing I didn’t even feel like I went on a vacation because I was doing all these unhealthy kind of habits.”

But now, that’s changed.

Ahead of a trip to Morocco in October two years ago, Virga began her preparation.

Monica Virga and her daughter camel riding in Marrakech, Morocco.

Source: Monica Virga Alberno

“At the end of August, I started doing a little extra work once a week for a couple hours,” she said. She also packs her belongings three to four weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Her approach echoes advice from American psychologist, Guy Winch, a member of the American Psychological Association, who told CNBC Travel that planning ahead is key. He shared three tips to fully rest and recharge on holidays.

1. Slowing down before the trip

It can take days — sometimes weeks — for people to slow down after being in a constant state of busyness, Winch said.

“What usually happens is that people try and get ahead at work before they leave for the vacation,” he said. “Before they leave the house … they’re already stressed out and tired.”

That’s why, on short getaways, travelers may only find themselves settling into the rhythm of a vacation just as the trip is ending.

The solution isn’t to stop everything, but to ease into a slower rhythm.

“So you’re not in your fifth gear, you’re in your third gear,” he said. “It’s a little bit easier and quicker to go down to first.”

2. Follow your own pace

Vacations are relaxing when the activities are planned according to one’s physical and mental capacity. One way to do this is to focus on experiences, said Winch.

When Virga, who is a mother of two young children, goes on trips, she no longer crams it with activities. Instead, she searches for calming experiences for the family.

That includes “some childcare component, where I could go get a massage, or I could go do some yoga, and my kids are being looked after,” she said.

It’s no longer about ticking off the perfect bucket list, but to do activities that interest them, she said.

“I’m a very big believer now that traditional vacation is not built for parents, like that idea of going on a cruise ship … even an all-inclusive resort,” she said. “Kids are eating all this food that’s really bad for them, there’s just so much overstimulation.”

Managing expectations is also a huge part of making vacations a relaxing experience. Marissa Goldstein, a mother of four, believes that the moment parents start chasing the perfect holiday, they’re setting themselves up for failure, she said.

“They’re going to end up … either feeling like I’m a horrible parent, my kids are terrible,” she said. “[Or thinking] ‘Why can’t we travel like everyone else that I see on Instagram?'”

Her family travels with no fixed plan.

“We just figure it out … get lost for the day and we have no expectations,” said Goldstein.

Marissa Goldstein with her family in South Korea.

Source: Marissa Goldstein, @twinsonthegox2

To keep her children engaged, she uses ChatGPT to create scavenger hunts about the destination while ensuring that it is suitable for the young.

“Our best experiences is when it’s hands-on — when we’re getting dirty, when we’re like having fun, and it’s not the expensive, luxurious stuff,” she said.

Although she does enjoy luxurious vacations, it’s not one to do with children, she added.

3. Detach from ‘work self’

Vacations are only restorative when we psychologically detach from work, said psychologist Winch.

That’s because taking a vacation is not just about traveling to a different destination, but it’s also about taking a mental break, he added.

However, mentally checking out from work can be difficult, and for independent business owners like Goldstein, that might seem nearly impossible.

“When you work for yourself, it’s really hard to detach yourself from work,” said Goldstein. One way she’s found to navigate around this is to take alternating work shifts with her husband while traveling.

Winch says he takes a similar approach. “I can’t entirely detach … I do have to respond once in a while,” he said, but “in a very specific time that doesn’t interrupt with other things.”

He stresses the importance of responding to work when it is convenient instead of promising at a certain time. “Schedule it for when it’s good for you,” he said.

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Sky Labs Secures CE-MDR for ‘CART PLATFORM,’ Accelerating Its Global Market Entry

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– ‘CART,’ the blood pressure ring, recognized in Europe for its advanced vital sign monitoring technology
– Targeting the global healthcare market beyond Europe through CE-MDR certification

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sky Labs (CEO Jack Byunghwan Lee) announced on the 8th that its ring-type blood pressure monitor, ‘CART PLATFORM,’ recently obtained the European Union’s Medical Device Regulation (CE-MDR) certification.

‘CART’ Ring and Charging Cradle
‘CART’ Ring and Charging Cradle

This certification was granted for the entire ‘CART PLATFORM,’ centered on the ring-type medical device equipped with photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, and encompassing the mobile app, server, and the web viewer for medical professionals.

With blood pressure measurement at its core, the CART PLATFORM provides various vital sign monitoring functions, including irregular pulse detection. When a patient wears the ring-type medical device equipped with a PPG sensor, vital signs are measured; the collected data is then provided to the patient through a mobile app, while medical staff can monitor it through a web-based viewer.

This is expected to replace or complement the uncomfortable conventional 24-hour cuff-based monitoring methods, enhancing patient convenience while enabling efficient blood pressure management.

These benefits have already been proven in the Korean medical field. Since obtaining insurance reimbursement in 2024, ‘CART BP pro’ has been utilized in approximately 1,700 hospitals and clinics across Korea.

With this CE-MDR certification as a starting point, Sky Labs plans to expand its domestic-oriented business structure into European and global markets.

Europe, with a population of approximately 520 million, is a market more than ten times larger than Korea, with a steadily increasing demand for managing chronic diseases such as hypertension.

In particular, CE-MDR serves as a crucial benchmark for medical device licensing not only in Europe but also in various regions worldwide, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America.

“Securing the CE-MDR certification is more than a mere technical validation; it signifies that we have earned global-level trust by meeting the stringent regulations of the European medical market,” said Jack Byunghwan Lee, CEO of Sky Labs. “Based on our unrivaled technology that allows cuffless blood pressure monitoring in daily life, we will continue to expand our footprint in the global healthcare market.”

About Sky Labs https://skylabs.io/en/

Founded in September 2015, Sky Labs is a leading healthcare startup that has developed CART (Cardio Tracker), a ring-shaped medical device designed for disease monitoring using heart signals collected through optical sensors. Following this, the company developed CART BP, a cuffless, ring-shaped device that enables continuous 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, providing valuable treatment information and making a groundbreaking contribution to improving the quality of life for hypertension patients. Sky Labs has signed an exclusive domestic distribution agreement for CART BP with South Korea’s Daewoong Pharmaceutical and is preparing for nationwide sales to hospitals, clinics, and general consumers.

Media Inquiries
Inok Jung inok.jung@skylabs.io
Bomi Lee bomi.lee@skylabs.io

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Best sofa bed for small spaces: Eva’s award-winning design tranforms from sofa to bed in seconds

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If you’ve got a spare bedroom, chances are it’s being dominated by a bed that’s only used two or three times a year.

That’s why more and more Aussies are ditching traditional bed frames altogether, opting instead for sofas that transform into a comfy bed in a matter of minutes.

While brands like Koala and Lounge Lovers have been leading the way with a range of popular models, there’s a new best-seller on the block.

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Eva’s newly launched Slideaway Sofa Bed has quickly become a crowd favourite, thanks to its luxurious look and feel — something shoppers are already raving about.

“I’ve been looking for a sofa bed for quite some time, and this one ticks all the boxes,” writes one shopper.

“It’s easy to put together and super comfortable as well. I’m glad I took the plunge and bought one.”

Replace your unused bed frame for a sleek, modern sofa bed from Eva.
Replace your unused bed frame for a sleek, modern sofa bed from Eva. Credit: Eva

Available in four different fabrics and colourways, Eva’s Slideaway Sofa Bed is a three-seater that converts into a double bed, making it ideal for both living rooms and spare spaces.

It can be used in three modes: as a sofa, a daybed, or a full bed for sleeping — and it’s quick to prepare for guests.

Simply pull out the base to convert it into a double bed in seconds.

“It is so comfortable to sit and lie on, and it is SO easy to pull out and prepare for guests to sleep on it,” writes one shopper.

It’s even won awards for its elegant, contemporary design.

“The wooden frame is really beautiful, and the cushion covers can be washed and replaced. I love how sustainable it is.”

It converts from a sofa to a daybed in seconds.
It converts from a sofa to a daybed in seconds. Credit: Eva

Aussies who have got their hands on the Slideaway say it strikes the perfect balance between style and practicality.

“The Slideaway sofa is amazing for what I need — a place for me to chill out and for visitors to stay,” writes one shopper.

“The quality of the fabric is exceptional, and the comfort factor is right up there. I put it together myself quite easily, and it’s bringing me joy.”

Best of all, the covers are machine washable — so you can simply toss them in the wash when needed.

You can even chuck the covers in a machine wash.
You can even chuck the covers in a machine wash. Credit: Eva

7You’s Audience Editor, Jess, jumped at the chance to try out the award-winning sofa bed from Eva as a much-needed addition to her 1930s cottage, which has minimal space.

She says the biggest selling point is that it’s essentially “three pieces of furniture in one”, praising both its stylish look and versatility.

As a household with multiple cats, she also appreciates the sofa’s durability, noting that it withstands claws — and can be easily popped in the wash.

Slideaway Sofa Bed makes the most of any space, perfect for relaxing or hosting guests without the fuss.

Ready to upgrade your lounge or spare room? Discover more about the best-selling sofa bed on the Eva website here.

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Alaska Airlines to buy more than 100 Boeing jets in carrier’s biggest order ever

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Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci on $17B Boeing order

Alaska Airlines is ordering more than 100 Boeing jets, a purchase that the carrier’s fleet chief said will ensure it has locked in sought-after order slots through the middle of the next decade to expand.

The order, Alaska’s largest ever, which was announced Wednesday, includes 105 yet-to-be-certified Boeing 737 Max 10 jets. Alaska is also buying five 787-10 Dreamliners, using its previous purchase options for those long-haul jets as it charts an international expansion with nonstops to Italy, South Korea and elsewhere.

Shane Jones, who oversees Alaska Airlines’ fleet, revenue products and real estate, told CNBC that the airline expects FAA certification of the Max 10 this year, with deliveries beginning in 2027.

Alaska, which acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, said it has 413 aircraft in its fleet and plans to grow that to 475 in 2030 and 550 by 2035, with this and previous orders.

Read more CNBC airline news

The new order includes options for 35 more 737 Max 10s. Fifty-three of the planes in Wednesday’s order are new, and 52 are from options the airline is exercising.

Boeing has more than 6,000 aircraft on backorder, but Alaska’s purchase plans are a vote of confidence in airplane maker, whose 737 factory 10 miles away from the carrier’s headquarters handed Alaska a 737 Max 9 two years ago without key bolts installed in a door plug. That panel blew out of the plane on Jan. 5, 2024, as it climbed out of Portland, Oregon, stunning travelers, though there were no serious physical injuries.

The accident briefly grounded the 737 Max 9 and set Boeing back in production as it waded through another safety crisis during what was supposed to be its turnaround year in the wake of two deadly Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft with Alaska Airlines’ new aircraft livery during a media event at the Boeing Delivery Center in Seattle, Washington, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

M. Scott Brauer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Under Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who replaced insider Dave Calhoun months after the accident, the manufacturer has improved its production rate and quality, airline executives have said. It plans to ramp up production this year. The FAA must approve Boeing’s Max production increases, a requirement following the door plug accident.

Alaska’s Jones told CNBC Wednesday’s order is a sign of “our confidence in the Max 10 certification” as well as “our confidence in Boeing and their turnaround and their ability to produce quality aircraft on time.”

The 737 Max 10 has a shorter range than some other models but it can fit more passengers than smaller variants, which can improve unit costs on high-demand flights and allows them to fly more customers in and out of congested airports where adding flights is challenging.

The Max 10 is years behind schedule and is still awaiting FAA approval. Jones said he expects certification this year with the first deliveries of the variant in the first half of 2027.

Jones said about half of the new aircraft orders are for replacement, with the rest for growth. He declined to disclose how much the airline paid for the aircraft. Manufacturers often share list prices, though big customers generally receive discounts for large orders.

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Avelo Airlines to end ICE deportation charters as it cuts commercial flights, jobs

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The inaugural flight of an Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-800 takes off from the Los Angeles-area Hollywood Burbank Airport, April 28, 2021.

Patrick T. Fallon | AFP | Getty Images

Avelo Airlines will stop flying deportation flights for the U.S. government and will also cut commercial routes and reduce headcount, its chief executive told staff.

The airline, which debuted in 2021 with a focus on connecting smaller cities, last year exited a host of destinations on the West Coast and also turned to flying deportees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which sparked protests and backlash from some politicians.

“We moved a portion of our fleet into a government program which promised more financial stability but placed us in the center of a political controversy,” CEO Andrew Levy said in an email to employees late Tuesday, which was seen by CNBC.

“The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs,” Levy wrote.

Avelo said it would close its base in Mesa, Arizona, as ICE flights end. ICE didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read more CNBC airline news

The airline also agreed to return six of its Boeing 737-700 airplanes and said it will close bases at North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wilmington International Airport, though it will continue to serve those cities.

Those closures will lead to job cuts, Levy said.

“Some transfer opportunities will be available, but we will need to reduce the number of positions due to our smaller fleet and network,” Levy wrote.

The airline will instead focus on bases Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut; Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida, which sits between Tampa and Orlando; Delaware’s Wilmington Airport; and Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. It will also open a base at McKinney National Airport near Dallas.

The union representing flight attendants for Avelo applauded the end of the ICE flights.

“The airline industry is constantly changing, but we’ve faced far too much change at our airline including operating certain flights we didn’t originally sign up for,” the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the flight attendants’ union, said in a statement to members. “We’re hopeful that with the end of the ICE flying and new financing the future is more stable for Flight Attendants at Avelo.”

Avelo said that the near-term schedule changes “will impact many Customer itineraries” and said it would reach out via text and email to affected travelers.

Levy told staff that the carrier raised “a substantial amount of new capital” at the end of the year and that the financial position of the carrier “has never been stronger.”

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Kelly Ripa thought ‘naked flying’ meant something else before she learned the truth

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Television host Kelly Ripa recently discovered she had misunderstood an internet travel trend.

During a recent episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, chatted about the viral phrase “naked flying” — a term that’s recently gained traction on social media.

Ripa initially believed it referred to a far more personal aspect of airplane attire.

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“I don’t wear a bra on an airplane,” she said on the show. “I just refuse. I feel like life is hard. What’s the point?”

After realizing that “naked flying” referred instead to traveling without luggage — not clothing — Ripa said this may be the year she tries the trend herself.

Kelly Ripa in a gold and black dress at an award show.

Kelly Ripa said she thought she was already engaging in “naked flying” because she doesn’t wear a bra during airplane trips. (Adela Loconte/Variety)

She said the practice involves boarding a flight with no bags and relying only on items that fit in pockets, such as a phone and wallet.

Consuelos raised questions about how travelers manage once they arrive at their destination without any bags.

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Fox News Digital previously reported on the eyebrow-raising trend — citing social media posts that described how travelers handle clothing and other necessities on the other end of their trips. 

Kelly Ripa on the red carpet

Ripa said she might finally try the actual “naked flying” trend this year. (Getty Images)

Some say they rely on washing clothes in hotel sinks or showers during their trip.

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Others say they shop or thrift-shop for clothing at their destination — then buy a suitcase or bag to bring their purchases home or ship the items back. 

Passenger walks down the aisle of a commercial airplane cabin during a flight.

The viral trend involves boarding a flight without any bags — and relying only on pocket-sized essentials such as a phone and wallet. (iStock)

In some cases, the strategy can cost more than checking a bag.

While some travelers praise the trend for reducing stress and avoiding baggage fees, others say flying without bags is unrealistic for longer trips or work travel.

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Brandon Blewett, a weekly traveler based in Texas and the author of the book “How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes,” told Fox News Digital that most work travelers still need at least a small bag for essentials like a laptop or charger.

Airport security officer inspects a passenger’s belongings during baggage screening at a security checkpoint.

Social media users who “travel naked” have said they either buy clothes upon arriving at their destination — or ship their outfits ahead of time. (iStock)

Blewett said traveling with a small bag that fits under the seat can offer many of the same benefits, including faster exits, no baggage fees and less stress while deplaning.

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“The sweet spot isn’t flying naked,” he declared. “It’s flying light.”

Sydney Borchers contributed reporting. 

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