One of the largest charity shops in the UK has opened its doors at a popular Greater Manchester retail park this week.
The independently-run Regenerage superstore is the newest resident at the massively-popular Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton – which also happens to be the biggest retail park in the UK too.
Regenerage Bolton – previously known as Age Concern Central Lancashire – is the first to be launched under the brand’s new name.
Inside the huge 10,958 sq ft store, shoppers will be able to find everything from ladies and menswear, to homeware, furniture, and children’s clothing too, plus books, and new white goods – including washing machines, fridge freezers, and more.
Not only that, but there’s also a specially-created bridal and occasional wear department too.
ADVERTISEMENT
This means customers will have the unique chance to pick up the perfect pre-loved items for upcoming occasions, like weddings and proms, in excellent nearly-new condition – with many items having been donated after just one wear.
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, you can even get your hands on designer brands like Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, without the hefty price tag.
ADVERTISEMENT
Inside Regenerage in Bolton, one of the UK’s biggest charity shopsInside Regenerage in Bolton, one of the UK’s biggest charity shopsInside Regenerage in Bolton, one of the UK’s biggest charity shopsCredit: The Manc Group
“We’re incredibly excited to be finally opening the doors of our new superstore,” commented Bel Fry, who is the Director of Retail at Regenerage.
“It’s the largest store we have ever launched and the whole team has worked tirelessly to make it stand out from the crowd. I have been blown away by the quality of items coming through the doors, and it’s a real testament to the generosity and kind-heartedness of local people for the range of products we are able to offer customers.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Middlebrook Retail Park, and we can’t wait to make our opening day one to remember.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The new Regenerage store opens at Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 20 March), and the first 100 customers through the doors will be given a free branded tote bag to pop their shopping in.
As part of the grand opening, anyone purchasing an item on the day will be entered into a special prize draw with the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend in-store too.
Featured Image – Regenerage
Shopping
One of Manchester’s biggest vintage shops to close after a decade
Daisy Jackson
One of the biggest and best vintage shops in Manchester has announced its imminent closure.
Thrift Shop, which is part of the legendary Cow Vintage family, has said that the landlord of its store has ‘chosen not to renew our lease’.
The beloved vintage shop has been in its spot just off Piccadilly Gardens for a decade, with colourful rails stuffed with pre-loved denim, coats, dresses, accessories, and more.
Ahead of its closure this week, Thrift Shop has announced details of a major closing down sale, aiming to get rid of all its stock.
Initially touted as two for £10 on all thrift items, they’ve now slashed prices even further and are offering three items for £10.
That does exclude their ‘premium’ items, where you can snap up big labels like Carhartt and Levi’s.
Sharing the sad news of its closure online, Thrift Shop Manchester wrote: “We are gutted to announce the closure of beloved Manchester store.
Thrift Shop Manchester is throwing a huge closing down sale
“Last week we found out our landlord chose not to renew our lease after over ten years in this unit.
“To bid our farewell, we’re doing a MASSIVE closing down sale to get rid of all stock !!!! All Thrift items will be 2 for £10 until our last trading day on 30th May!!
“We’ve absolutely loved serving you for all these years, so long, farewell and, as always, get thrifty.”
In the comments, fellow independent retailer Thunder Egg – which just had to move out of its Oldham Street store (but is still in Afflecks) – commented: “So sorry to hear this, retail landlords in Manchester are absolutely in their sh*tbag era right now.”
Thrift Shop Manchester will close for good on Saturday 30 May.
Demolition and regeneration plans for former Manchester shopping centre to begin next month
Emily Sergeant
Plans to demolish and regenerate a former shopping centre in a Manchester suburb are set to kick off from next month.
Following planning approval at the end of 2025, major plans to transform the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre into a ‘thriving’ new destination to live and shop are set to commence with demolition in the next couple of weeks.
If you’re unfamiliar with the plans for the new Chorlton neighbourhood, they include 262 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all with access to outdoor space through balconies and gardens, 53 affordable homes – with 49 of them being available for social rent – and around 3,500 sq metres of public open space with fully walkable routes and outdoor seating areas.
A mix of flexible retail spaces, including a new ‘Makers Yard’ suitable for smaller start-up businesses will also be included, alongside new tree planting.
Phase one of the project will involve the dismantling the former shopping centre and neighbouring Graeme House buildings.
According to developers, the first step will be to close the precinct car park at the end of this month, before new hoardings are installed around the site to close the area off to pedestrians and vehicles for safety reasons.
The demolition work is expected to begin in mid-June, and be completed by August.
Where possible, materials from the existing buildings will be reused during construction of the new neighbourhood in a bid to help reduce the number of vehicles needed to remove materials from the site.
“Demolition marks another major milestone for the project, which will completely transform the former shopping centre,” commented Georgina Lynch, who is the managing director at Manchester-based developers, PJ Livesey.
“Our demolition contractor will carefully manage any issues throughout the work, and we will continue to stay in regular contact with local residents and businesses as the demolition progresses.”
Emily Sergeant -
19th March 2024 
