While some know this boutique for its selection of vintage and retro clothing, what’s less-known is that American Graffiti also specialises in fancy dress, accessories and wigs – making it the perfect Halloween destination!
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If you’re looking for something a bit outside of the box then the store’s quirky and kitsch selection is perfect for you.
Halloween isn’t just about dressing the part, you need to have the makeup to match.
MUOBU sells an exclusive range of cosmetic grade glitters, ‘Crazy Colour’ hair dye and spooky makeup that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you want to use face jewels to create a Día de los Muertos inspired skeleton or UV cosmetics to stand out from the crowd, this boutique is an essential visit.
Located in the Arndale, this family business has been selling its speciality costumes for 50 years – constantly moving with the times and updating their selection.
Hidden Corner has also worked alongside many local clubs and bars in creating themed nights, so chances are you’ve already seen their creations in action.
This is Manchester’s ‘one stop party shop’ – born from the owner Sharon’s love of planning and organising parties.
Not only does it have some of the best and most frightening Halloween costumes on the market, but it also offers venue dressing to take the stress out of your hands.
This is one of the oldest and most established fancy dress shops in Manchester, with customers including the BBC and the Royal Exchange, so you can guarantee they’ll be top tier.
No matter how obscure your Halloween desires are, Maskerade has got you covered, claiming ‘there is literally nothing we cannot do for you’!
The store has sadly announced its upcoming closure, which is a real shame, but make sure you head down for some last-minute deals before it’s too late.
Where to find them: 50 Long Street, Middleton, Manchester, M24 6UQ www.maskeradeuk.com
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Manchester United home kit for 2026/27 ‘leaked’ online in unboxing video
Danny Jones
Manchester United’s new home kit for the 2026/27 campaign has reportedly been leaked online in a YouTuber’s unboxing video ahead of next season.
We know fake shirts and dupes can be pretty accurate these days, but it looks very much like this could be the real deal.
Shared by dedicated football kit reviewer, ‘Retro Man‘, who has seemingly revealed the latest Man United jersey, this unveiling lines up with the previously rumoured designs circulated on social media.
A Red Devil himself, the creator has teased previous releases that turned out to be true in the past, so we’ll leave it up to all of you to decide how bona fide you think this supposed home strip is. Ever-reliable footy fashion peers, Footy Headlines, have also shared these images:
Uploaded to the channel on 25 April, Retro Man did a full overview of the United 26/27 home shirt, highlighting key features such as a red-forward collar with black and white accents.
That same trim is repeated on the ends of the sleeves – reminiscent of the 2011/12 iteration, only differing in the more crew neck style – and the back of the neck now simply reads “UNITED”.
It is worth noting that this is specifically the replica shirt that most fans will purchase.
Should it prove to be the genuine article, this will be the 11th Manchester United kit by adidas since they returned as manufacturers over a decade ago, a.k.a. the start of the Louis van Gaal era.
Retro Man has since posted another video showing off what he claims to be the ‘authentic’ version, too; you can check it out in more detail down below.
Looks pretty legit…
As you can see, the official player edition that will be worn on the pitch by actual United squad members (though they are still available to purchase by the public) appears to hold some key distinctions.
Besides some differences around the panelling and stitching, there is also a noticeable textured section along large sections of the interwoven fabric as part of the brand’s breathable and trademark ‘Climacool’ technology.
Elsewhere, the badge itself also looks to have a more embossed/raised finish. If this is the real deal, what do you make of it?
This isn’t the only United kit that’s caught some attention of late, either:
Featured Images — Retro Man (screenshots via YouTube)
Style
Claire’s is closing down stores in the UK and Ireland with more than 1,300 jobs set to be lost
Danny Jones
In another hit to domestic shoppers, Claire’s Accessories is closing down en masse across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration once again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire’s will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay of British high streets up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire’s closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded way back in 1961 over in the United States, Claire’s has operated across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they’ve struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They most recently filed for bankruptcy in the US this past August (2025), with their Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch divisions having already called it quits.
Manchester location(s) have changed a lot over time, but now they’re on the way out (Credit: Arndale)
For many, the outcome isn’t all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Daisy Bradbury -
16th October 2020 
