Fashion brand PrettyLittleThing has given its HQ in Manchester a huge makeover, creating a pink palace for all its staff to work from.
Glimpses of the colourful space – which includes a huge pink unicorn, a quad bike, a cloud ceiling and big squishy pink sofas – have been shared on social media in recent weeks.
Even Molly-Mae Hague herself, a super-influencer who works as PLT’s creative director, popped in and shared snippets of the new HQ to her 7.5m followers.
So when PLT invited us here at The Manc over for a tour, we were there quicker than you can say ‘Kardashian collaboration’.
The online fashion brand was launched way back in 2012, and has since become a global heavyweight in the retail world.
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There are now offices in London, Paris and Los Angeles, and celebrity fans have included Miley Cyrus, Kourtney Kardashian, Michelle Keegan, Rita Ora, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.
So yeah – kind of a big deal.
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Their headquarters are based on an unassuming plot of land just north of Ancoats, a short walk from the Etihad Stadium and Hope Mill Theatre, and neighbouring Pollard Yard.
But once you’re through the industrial gates, it’s like being plunged into a world of pink and shimmer.
There’s a reception space where neon spells out the words ‘dream big, work hard, make it happen’, and a winged unicorn poses on a bed of roses.
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Then down a short flight of stairs is the staff’s massive new cafe and chill-out space, where plush velvet sofas are arranged beneath a sky-patterned ceiling, complete with pink neon screaming ‘Sky is the limit’.
There’s a sizeable cafe space (complete with pink PLT-branded coffee cups, naturally), and more seating arranged around a huge marble table.
Pendant lights dangle down from a cloud of pink roses overhead.
Throughout the entire HQ are giant screens showing notable PLT campaigns.
Art deco-style arches abound, from a huge neon-outlined mirror behind a breakfast bar (which doubles up as a DJ booth), to the cosy meeting booths lined with pink suede.
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And then you head through to the main offices, home to hundreds of PLT employees. The desks are fringed by huge palm trees and fairy lights, and a pink blossom tree hangs with words of affirmation.
There’s even a unicorn-splattered quad bike parked up near the desks.
KFC have launched their own perfume – oh, and a new burger
Danny Jones
Fast food giants KFC have launched their very own perfume in one of the weirdest marketing stunts we’ve seen in a long while.
That being said, we definitely want a bottle.
KFC‘s fried chicken-themed fragrance launches next month and is fashionably named ‘No 11 Eau de BBQ’, a nod to their newest menu item, the Ultimate BBQ Burger, which we also want in our possession as soon as humanly possible.
The franchise’s new signature scent launches in just a week’s time and, yes, you can genuinely buy it along with the new burger for a limited time only.
Again, this is a real thing you can pay actual money for. (Credit: KFC UKI)
The UK-only release actually sold out when it came to pre-orders but Brits will be able to get their hands on another batch when the second lot drops on 7 May.
Promising a charcoal and smoky wood-scented aroma that immediately transports you to your mate’s back garden as he turns cheap burger patties into overly blackened dry pucks of meat that you definitely would’ve cooked better if you were in charge, the stunt is also helping raise money for non-profits.
Available in 100ml bottles and for just £11, 100% of the proceeds of every sale will go towards the KFC Foundation, which supports grassroots organisations empowering young people to unleash their potential and build a positive future in local communities across the country.
As for the burger that inspired it, the special edition menu item is a nod to BBQ season gradually approaching and they’ve even made a nod to our famously reliable British weather and its attempts to derail the art of outdoor grilling in a new advert.
KFC perfume and a new burger? Christmas has come well early this year.
The Ultimate BBQ Burger has already launched and will be on the menu until 9 June, priced at £6.49 or £9.99 for a box meal which comes with the burger, a regular mini fillet, regular fries, BBQ sauce and a drink.
And don’t worry, it’ll be available on delivery too — we know we’ve had problems with that when it comes to specials in the past.
As KFC’s No 11 Eau de BBQ perfume, you can wait in the online queue like everyone else HERE and let’s just say you’ll be fighting us and plenty of other Mancs for every last drop.
River Island reopens Manchester Arndale store – and it’s unrecognisable
Daisy Jackson
River Island in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre is ready to reopen after a major makeover, and it’s bigger than ever.
The stunning space now spans 13,947 square feet and comes with interactive fitting rooms where you can order extra sizes on an iPad, self-checkouts, and a limited-edition collection exclusive to the Arndale.
The huge shop’s refurb follows a similar move at their Trafford Centre store, where River Island moved into the former Topshop unit.
Now, the three-storey store in the heart of the Arndale has been given a lick of duck-egg blue, and transformed into a beachy paradise.
Officially throwing its doors open this morning, Thursday 25 April, with Lucy Mecklenburgh cutting the ribbon, the huge shop is already welcoming hordes of shoppers.
Over the weekend, you’ll spot plenty of activations to celebrate River Island’s relaunch.
There are people carrying gigantic shopping bags handing out scratch cards with different discounts on, a Spin the Wheel with prizes, free coffees, a pop-up flower cart and loads more.
And the first people to spend more than £55 on each day between 25 and 28 April will receive a limited-edition tote bag.
High-tech changing rooms at the new River Island in the Manchester ArndaleAccessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale storeThe kids’ clothing collection in River IslandAccessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale store
This new River Island store has a limited-edition collection of one-off, premium pieces featuring exclusive fabrics and luxury detailing.
The 19-piece, bohemian-inspired collection starts at £45 and will only be available in the Arndale store.
Inside you’ll find all the usual River Island goodies, including a huge amount of holiday shop items, plus denim, occasion-wear, shoes, handbags, and kids’ clothing.
The new River Island store will open on 25 April in The Arndale shopping centre in Manchester.