Some of Greater Manchester’s most iconic locations are set to be featured as part of a new “milestone” M&S campaign.
Mancs will soon be able to spot our city taking centre stage in a new TV advert.
This is because M&S has launched its brand-new autumn menswear campaign today, and well-known sites such as the iconic exterior of Salford Lads’ Club, the industrial arches of Castlefield, and plenty of other familiar haunts, form what is a pretty integral part of the marketing of it all.
Titled ‘Anything but Ordinary’, this is M&S’s first standalone menswear campaign since all the way back in 2015 – which is why the retailer is calling it a “significant milestone”.
As M&S puts it, the new campaign has been “captured against the vibrant city of Manchester”.
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Iconic Manchester locations take centre stage in new M&S fashion campaign / Credit: M&S
As well as the Greater Manchester streets featuring front and centre in all the new promotional material, including editorial imagery, influencer partnerships, coordinated website and social media channel takeovers, and more, the new video advert for the campaign is also soundtracked by one of the city’s most famous bands.
New Order’s 1981′ B-side track, ‘Ceremony’, can be heard blasting out as the models in the commercial make their way around Manchester.
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M&S says the new campaign has been launched as it continues on with its “style perception journey”, and the company hopes it will inspire customers with outfitting ideas and different ways to wear key pieces throughout the season.
According to the retailer, the new clothing collection apparently focuses on what are “easy-to-style” and “versatile” wardrobe staples, as well as “elevated” outerwear and “tonal dressing” too, that’s all underpinned by the “quality and innovation” that M&S is known and loved for.
M&S’s Clothing & Home Marketing Director, Anna Braithwaite, said the marketing team’s main goal with the campaign was to create something “visually arresting”, which is why Greater Manchester was chosen as the backdrop.
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Speaking as the campaign launched this week, Anna explained: To reach new, lapsed, and younger audiences, we knew we had to create something that would challenge the existing male perception of M&S and take it to where we know our audience is consuming content and most engaged.
“As a result, we have a campaign that’s bold, disruptive, and embodies the attitude and style of today’s menswear customer.”
Featured Image – M&S
Shopping
Festive Grinch-themed cafes to pop up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores
Emily Sergeant
Festive Grinch-themed cafes are popping up inside two of Primark’s biggest Greater Manchester stores in the run-up to Christmas.
As the temperatures turn colder by the day, the nights draw in, and the most wonderful time of the year nears closer and closer, it won’t be long before it’s time to snuggle up in our comfies and pop on the first Christmas film of the year – and for some of us, there’s a good chance that first film of choice will be The Grinch.
Whether you prefer the 2000 fantasy comedy starring Jim Carey, or the 2018 animated reboot with Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s undoubtedly a real family favourite.
To celebrate everyone’s favourite grumpy green grouch, Primark has teamed up with Dr. Seuss once again on a Grinch-tastic collaboration.
Festive Grinch-themed cafes have popped up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores / Credit: Supplied
Shoppers can now head to their nearest Primark store to find the largest-ever Grinch collection, with something for the whole family, as well as great gifting options said to be “ideal for getting into the anti-Christmas spirit”.
There’s Grinch pyjamas and slippers for both adults and kids, a Grinch ‘Onesie’ that’s sure to make people green with envy, Grinch drinks cups and mugs, a selection of loungewear and Christmas jumpers for festive dressing, and so much more, as well as whole host of Grinch-inspired outfits and toys for your four-legged friends too.
As part of Primark’s aim to offer affordable choices for everyone, prices for the Grinch collection start at just £1 for accessories, and go up to £24 for adult clothing.
If the return of the Grinch collection wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the all-new Grinch cafes – which are popping up in Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo – are bound to be hit with fans of the furry character.
There’s everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.
With Greater Manchester Grinch cafes set to be open until the end of December, Sarah Jackson – who is the Director of Licensing at Primark, said: “We’re so excited to roll out our amazing cafe experience across a number of our UK locations, bringing a sprinkle of mischief to our customers this festive season.
“Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat or stocking up on pyjamas and gifts for the whole family, we have everything you need to make it a truly unforgettable Grinch-mas.”
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
UK supermarkets urge public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’
Emily Sergeant
UK supermarkets are calling on the public for donations as foodbanks brace for a “tough Christmas”.
As the nights begin to draw in, the temperatures drop by the day, and the festive season nears closer, some shocking new research by Neighbourly shows that foodbanks are preparing for a tough Christmas – with 80% of foodbanks reporting an increase in demand, particularly from families with children, as well as the elderly.
Because of this, many foodbanks fear they will not have enough supplies to support their communities throughout the festive season.
On top of this, almost a third of foodbanks have reported difficulties in recruiting volunteers too.
With only a few weeks to go until Christmas is here, Aldi is among the UK supermarkets calling on its shoppers to help make a difference, by releasing a list of the most in-demand items for donation – with tinned food, festive treats, and breakfast cereals being near the top of the list.
UK supermarkets are urging the public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’ / Credit: Aldi UK
Other items on the list include tea and coffee, juices and soft drinks, rice and pasta, cooking sauces, condiments, UHT milk and more, as well as pet food and non food-related items like toiletries, cleaning products, and children’s toys.
Shoppers can donate items via the community donation points placed near exit points of Aldi stores nationwide, before they will then be distributed to good causes.
The supermarket is pledging to donate more than a million meals to local charities, community groups, and foodbanks across the UK.
“Christmas is always an extremely busy period for foodbanks and other charitable organisations helping those most in need,” explained Luke Emery, who is the National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK.
“We know many of our customers like to support local causes by using our in-store donation points, so we hope this list of items will help shoppers to pick the items that are most needed over the festive period.”
Emily Sergeant -
13th October 2023 
