Meeks Shoes is one of the best-loved, longest-running businesses in Manchester – having been a staple of our high streets since 1901.
Established by Edward Meeks more than a hundred years ago, the eponymous shoe brand has established five stores across the county – including Ashton-Under-Lyne, Sale, Oldham, Alderley Edge and Stockport.
Still family-run to this day, Meeks is one of Greater Manchester’s most trusted stockists of classy footwear – with the likes of Kickers, Sketchers and Clarks adorning the shelves.
Shortly after opening at the dawn of the 20th century, Meeks promised to provide Mancunians with a variety of comfortable and high-quality shoes for women, men and children.
In more recent years, the trusted local business has faced some difficulties with maintaining their high street stores and competing with more popular, national brands.
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“Even before the pandemic the retail industry had been grappling with rising rents and increased online competition,” say owners.
The company was granted a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan to walk the bumpy road ahead – a sum of money which was primarily used to update the company’s website in response to the surge of online sales during the first lockdown.
“We’ve used the lockdown period as an opportunity to update our website and our online takings have trebled during this time, which has helped while our physical stores have been closed,” owners explained.
The loan was also used to pay staff salaries, rent and suppliers – with the aim to revive their bricks-and-mortar stores once shops are allowed to reopen.
Boasting a rich history, amazing legacy, and optimistic future, there’s so much that sets Meeks apart – and we’re lucky to have them here in Manchester.
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Owners add: “We’re constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to expand our already considerable range and improve the quality of our service.
“You’re sure to enjoy a warm welcome and a great shoe shopping experience, every time.”
Meeks Shoes’ collection of footwear can be purchased from their website.
Style
Hoardings spotted as Uniqlo prepares to open second Manchester store inside Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Hoardings have officially been spotted, as Uniqlo prepares to open its second store in Greater Manchester.
The popular Japanese high street fashion retailer currently operates 24 stores in the UK, with its first British store having opened its doors all the way back in 2001, and its first European flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2007 – but now, Manchester is about to get a second helping later this year.
Uniqlo has announced that it will be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.
The Trafford Centre store makes Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.
Uniqlo prepares to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre / Credit: Trafford Centre (via Facebook) | The Manc Group
Shoppers at the Trafford Centre this week have spotted that hoardings for the new store – which is taking over the old Ted Baker store following its closure in April 2024 – have officially gone up, and it’s fair to say, they seem pretty excited about it.
“Uniqlo in Trafford Centre would be a dream come true,” another person said on Instagram, while a third added: “I will never have to step foot on Market Street again,” and plenty others chimed in with comments like “finally” and “can’t wait”.
Uniqlo’s arrival at the Trafford Centre follows the opening of several other high-profile stores in recent months, like Urban Outfitters, White Company, Stradivarius, and many more.
While no official timeline or dates for Uniqlo’s new Trafford Centre store have been announced, fashion business news outlet Drapers has reported that it’s set to open during the autumn/winter period.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Style
Manchester City release new ‘The Decade Collection’ celebrating 10 years of Pep Guardiola
Danny Jones
Manchester City and PUMA have just released a new clothing line celebrating 10 seasons of Pep Guardiolaat the club.
Simply entitled ‘The Decade Collection’, the new PUMA range revolves entirely around Pep as he marks his 10th anniversary in charge of the Blues, focusing on minimalistic style.
Guardiola has always been a trendy bloke, often being highlighted for his fashion choices on the touchline – even some of the questionable ones…
But with a much plainer approach this time around, the Pep clothing collab
Debuting the lifestyle drop on Wednesday, 15 April, Man City wrote on social media, “Ten seasons on the touchline. Ten seasons of setting the standard.
“Introducing the Puma Football Decade Collection with the Pep Team – celebrating Pep’s ten seasons as our manager and inspired by memorable moments from his tenure at the Club.”
While it’s unclear how much (if any) of these new clothes the Catalan coach has helped design or had influence on, but given its exclusive nature, you can expect it to sell out pretty quickly.
They go on to add: “Created to honour a defining chapter that reshaped the club’s modern identity, this exclusive collection is available in limited quantities.
Starting at £30 for the cheapest item – a ‘P’ logo baseball cap – the most expensive part of the collection clocks in at £110: his special anniversary edition ‘Majesty Low Decade’ PUMA trainers.
You can see some more examples of what we’ve already seen him wearing, and what we’ll no doubt see him in pitchside very soon, down below.
Obviously, City has plenty of other brand partnerships when it comes to both official sports apparel and more casual clothing, many of which we’ve already seen the 55-year-old football manager wear, but you can almost guarantee he’ll be donning them for the coming fixtures.
You can see Man City x PUMA x Pep Guardiola ‘Decade Collection’ in full HERE.
Speaking of which, up next for Pep and co is what could prove to be THE big twist in this year’s Premier League campaign, with his squad of serial winners taking on league leaders Arsenal at home.
Not only did the Gunners’ surprise loss to Bournemouth last weekend help City close the gap on the top spot, but with them refinding their form ahead of hosting the title hopefuls at the Etihad Stadium, it all looks to be shifting back in their favour at the moment.
With seven games left, and one in hand compared to Arsenal, do you see them beating Mikel Arteta’s side to another trophy?
Daisy Bradbury -
20th November 2020 
