An enormous charity supermarket, where you can shop several different charity shops in one space (much like a department store) has opened its doors in Greater Manchester.
Fans of thrifting and pre-loved fashions will lose hours of their life browsing the huge selection of clothes, accessories and homeware on offer at Charity Super.Mkt’s first northern location.
It’s taken over a massive unit at Quayside MediaCity in Salford Quays, with charities trading inside including Age UK, All Aboard, Havens Hospices and St Vincent de Paul.
You’ll find some pre-loved big brands, some of the latest trends, and up-cycled furniture aplenty.
On our trip, we found Prada trainers for £40, and a whole rack full of designer denim and vintage football shirts.
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This is the first time that national and local charities have collaborated for a multi-charity shop like this, sharing floorspace, tills, and volunteer staff.
And it’s already been a big hit. In just the first two hours of Charity Super.Mkt opening, just shy of £4,000 was raised for charity through 370 transactions.
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Shoppers on the opening night snapped up everything from a Balenciaga handbag to Yves Saint Laurent shoes, a black Dolce & Gabbana skirt to Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a collection of over ten Vivienne Westwood scarves.
Charity Super.Mkt also has donation bins in the doorways, which have already seen hundreds of items donated.
The concept first launched just six months ago and has already ticked off six pop-ups around the UK, selling more than 100,000 second-hand items and saving 30,000 kg of fabric from going to landfill.
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Inside Charity Super.Mkt in Salford QuaysInside Charity Super.Mkt in Salford Quays
The money raised through its retail pop-ups has also helped to fund nearly 200 extra days of cancer nurses for Cancer Research UK, 15 days of emergency helpline cover for Shelter, 3,000 hours of nursing care for Marie Curie, and paid for people with learning disabilities to gain part time employment through Brandon Trust’s social enterprises, to name but a few.
Charity Super.Mkt is co-founded by Maria Chenoweth, CEO of sustainable clothing charity TRAID and Wayne Hemingway MBE, of HemingwayDesign and co-founder of British fashion brand Red or Dead.
On the opening night, Wayne Hemingway MBE, said: “We were so happy to see the great turnout as it confirmed our beliefs that fashion is changing and growing as people become more conscious of their choices and the effect they have on the planet.
“It was great to see the shopping centre rocking and with all those local street food traders at Kargo MKT at Central Bay and with Seven Bro7hers upcoming venture 11 Central, it shows how purposeful and locally focused retail really can be the future of great shopping experiences.
A rail of retro football shirtsPrada trainers inside charity supermarket Charity Super.Mkt in Salford. Credit: The Manc Group
“Keep your eyes peeled as we’re here until mid-December and there will be plenty more special events to get involved, make a donation and buy yourself something nice that will help a good cause.”
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Maria Chenoweth, commented: “I’ve dedicated my life and career to highlighting the importance of second-hand and charity fashion as the most impactful way to dress ourselves.
“Our mission with Charity Super.Mkt is to take charity retail mainstream by getting these great brands into the places and spaces that would otherwise not be accessible.
“We’re extremely proud to be setting up the first pop-up in Greater Manchester, and let’s hope it’s not the last one in the region.”
Charity Super.Mkt is now open in Quayside MediaCity until 13 December, from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with later opening to 8pm on Thursdays, then 10am to 7pm on Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
Opening date finally confirmed for new Uniqlo store at the Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Uniqlo is preparing to open its second store in Greater Manchester, and the official launch date has finally been confirmed.
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 it was revealed earlier this year in April that Manchester was set to get a second helping.
Uniqlo announced that it would be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre this autumn, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.
The Trafford Centre store is set to make Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.
When news broke that the hoardings had officially gone up inside the shopping centre, elated shoppers raced to the comments to say things like: “No way! I’ve been waiting years for this.”
Uniqlo is preparing to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre next month / Credit: | The Manc Group
“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’.
And now, we officially have an opening date to share with you.
Uniqlo will open in the Trafford Centre for the first time on Thursday 15 October, with plenty of events happening across its extended opening weekend.
Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming performances will be happening throughout the day on Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 October, while the first 300 customers to spend over £69.90 in store on the Thursday (15 October) will get a special Uniqlo Manchester goody bag.
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.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Shopping
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Daisy Jackson -
17th November 2023 
