Manchester’s beloved independent shopping hub Afflecks has reopened its doors to the public today following temporary closure amid England’s second national lockdown.
And it’s just in time to start getting the gifts in ahead of the festive period.
The reopening of the historic shopping emporium in the heart of the Northern Quarter marks the beginning of an “Afflecks Christmas”, and the whole eclectic Afflecks family will be open for the ultimate independent Christmas shopping experience, with Mancunians invited to shop local and small this festive season.
Over 50 local, independent businesses will be open for extra-special Christmas shopping.
All four floors of the building will be open seven days a week right up until Christmas Eve, and will be operating under all necessary COVID-19 safety guidelines.
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The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly presented an incredibly challenging time for the dozens of small, creative enterprises in the building, and the second forced closure of the year has had a huge impact on their businesses.
This means the retailers are even more delighted to be able to welcome their customers into the building again, with the support of the owners of Afflecks, Bruntwood Works.
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Afflecks
Speaking on the reopening today, Miki Christi – Manager of The Manchester Shop at Afflecks – said” We are so excited to be opening again, we actually cannot wait to see everyone’s lovely faces.
“It’s a weird Christmas and not the festive season we all know and love, but it’s more important than ever I think to give thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts and support local, independent businesses, so come and see us and let’s make this an Afflecks Christmas”
Andrea George – Director of Retail at Bruntwood Works – added: “We’re so pleased that our iconic Afflecks is able to reopen just in time for Christmas and a crucial trading period for the businesses.
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“We are proud to support the whole family of independent enterprises at Afflecks this Christmas, and they’re very looking forward to welcoming customers back”.
You can find more information on COVID-safety precautions ahead of your visit via the Afflecks website here.
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Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ in stores for autistic and neurodiverse customers
Emily Sergeant
Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ for autistic and neurodiverse customers shopping in its stores across the UK.
Supermarket shopping isn’t always the most pleasant or manageable of experiences for everyone, especially for those who are autistic or neurodivergent – with bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, and crowds of people making it a rather overwhelming and overstimulating atmosphere.
This is why Morrisons has decided to collaborate with the National Autistic Society to introduce dedicated ‘Sensory Support Boxes’ at its stores nationwide, as a way to both mark World Autism Acceptance Month, and help autistic and neurodivergent customers have the positive shopping experience they deserve.
These boxes have been carefully-developed in consultation with the National Autistic Society to ensure they include the most helpful items.
A range of toys like fidget balls, spinners, and squish mats can all be found inside the boxes – which will be eventually be available in all 500 Morrisons supermarkets by May – to help encourage calmness and focus.
All that customers wishing to access the items need to do is simply speak to a colleague at the customer service kiosk of their local Morrisons store.
More than one in 100 people are autistic, and there are 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ in stores for autistic and neurodiverse customers / Credit: Morrisons
Speaking on the decision to introduce the Sensory Support Boxes into UK stores, Joseph Clark-Bland, who is the Community Manager at Morrisons, said: “It’s a priority for us to ensure all Morrisons customers feel welcomed and understood.
“We’re proud to be leading the way in creating a more inclusive shopping environment for autistic people, their families and all neurodivergent people across the UK.
“World Autism Acceptance Month has been a key moment for Morrisons for many years, and we look forward to supporting even more customers via our new Sensory Boxes.”
The introduction of the Sensory Support Boxes comes after Morrisons first trialled a ‘Quieter Hour’ in some of its stores back in 2018, before rolling it out nationwide in 2024 due to its success and positive feedback.
Featured Image – Morrisons
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Greater Manchester cinemas to screen family-favourite films for just £2.50 this spring
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester cinemas will be screening family-favourite films, and some new releases, all throughout this upcoming spring holidays.
The best bit? Prices start from a massively-affordable £2.50 a ticket.
With Easter right around the corner, and schools across Greater Manchester set to be on their spring holidays in a couple of weeks time, parents and carers will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained while schools are out.
But now it’s time to take care of those film lovers… and also those keen to plan budget-friendly events that also take into account the classic Manchester April showers.
Cinema chain Vue has announced its lineup of family blockbusters showing at venues across Greater Manchester this spring – including Printworks, Lowry, Bolton, Altrincham, and Bury.
Arriving in time for the school holidays, A Minecraft Movie welcomes fans to their favourite cubic wonderland, while the whole family can instead transport themselves into Disney’s reimagining of the 1937 classic Snow White if they’d prefer.
Also returning to the big screen are childhood classics like Wallace & Gromit: Curse of The Were-Rabbit, 20 years after its original release, and the beloved Babe, to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary.
Greater Manchester cinemas will be screening family-favourite films for just £2.50 this spring / Credit: Disney | Aardman Animations
And as part of Vue’s ‘Mighty Mornings’ offering, film fans can enjoy pre-releases of family-friendly flicks like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Moana 2 every day throughout half term, all from just £2.49 per ticket when booked online.
“A trip to Vue this Easter break is the perfect opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the magic of their favourite big screen characters,” commented Rob Lea, who is the Head of Screen Content at Vue UK & Ireland.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd December 2020 
