We’re fully aware that there are far more important global issues going on right now… but can we just go all ‘grammar police’ on Sainsbury’s for a second?
It’s absolutely no secret by now that the festive season is around the corner, and this means the shelves at every retail store across the UK are getting filled up thick and fast with Christmas decorations, food, cards, and so much more as the weeks go on.
But a quick run-of-the-mill trip to the supermarket in Bolton town centre the other weekend ended up turning into a need to call the grammar police.
As well as all the festive feasting treats, the supermarket’s partner homeware brand, Habitat – which often has outlets inside Sainsbury’s stores nationwide, as well as being an online retailer in its own right – has also released its extended lineup of Christmas decorations for the 2024 season, and of course, ornaments for the tree are a big part of this.
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A shocked Sainsbury’s shopper has spotted a glaring grammatical error on a Christmas decoration / Credit: Sainsbury’s & Habitat
It’s pretty common to see decorations that mark milestone occasions adorning people’s trees, for example the first Christmas you spend in a new home, as an engaged or married couple, or with a new family member.
So, of course, Habitat has jumped on this trend and decided to release a range of £1 ceramic keepsake decorations – with one for 2024 marriages, new homes, new pets, and… ‘babies’.
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While you may look at the decoration initially and not bat an eyelid, as reading the phrase ‘Babies 1st Christmas’ etched on the front does sound correct, it only takes a moment of realisation to notice that ‘babies’ is the plural form of the word, when it should be written as ‘baby’s’ with an apostrophe of possession instead.
It leaves many (me, mainly me) wondering “how did that get signed off?”.
A misspelled Habitat Christmas Decoration at Sainsbury’s in Bolton / Credit: The Manc Group
Not content with just moving on from the matter, we decided to fire a quick email over to Sainsbury’s and Habitat to see what they had to say for themselves, and to be fair, they did give us a pretty hilarious, pun-filled response to explain things, and also confirmed that the product with the incorrect spelling has now been removed from sale.
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A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “We want our festive decorations to be tree-mendous, so we’re sorry for the spelling slip-up.
“Customers can still pick up a big bauble with the correct spelling.”
Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
Shopping
The old cotton mill in Stockport that’s home to the largest vintage lifestyle centre in the North West
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Who would’ve known the largest vintage lifestyle centre in the North West, is tucked away here in Stockport?
Nestled inside a former Edwardian red-brick cotton spinning mill is where you can find The Vintage Emporium, supplying a unique shopping experience that is sure to fulfil all of your antique desires.
Pear New Mill is a Grade II listed building, set on the northern bank of the River Goyt in Bredbury, which is now home to a range of different businesses from an Adidas outlet store, to a climbing wall and of course The Vintage Emporium.
The Vintage Emporium hosts a maze of over 65 independent traders, selling everything from vintage clothes, furniture, jewellery, kitchenware, retro vinyl, and antiques, mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Every section has something different to quench all of your vintage needs, with lots of quirky items including a huge Flake 99 statue, Japanese parasols and taxidermy – perfect interior decor for your new home if you ask me.
Not to mention it has the sweetest on-site tea room equipped with antique furniture, ornate teacups and crockery, serving up some delicious toasties and sweet treats to pair with your brew. Name a better way to spend your Saturday? I’ll wait.
Pear Mill is located just off of the M60, with free parking and it is in relatively close proximity to Stockport Train station making it easily accessible from across Greater Manchester and a great addition to your next trip to Stockport.
Vintage finds at Pear Mill, StockportVinyls are for sale here tooAnother corner at The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill, StockportVintage teddy bearsA corner of vintage fashionJust one of many corners filled with treasuresLeather jackets and other fashion piecesThe Vintage Tea RoomPear Mill in Stockport is home to The Vintage EmporiumThe Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill in StockportAn adorable find
It’s open seven days a week, with the cafe open until 3pm everyday except Wednesdays. Oh, and nobody has to miss out as four-legged friends are welcome to have a browse too.
Go on grab your mates and enjoy a wholesome morning soaking up all of the history or take your nan for a little trip down memory lane.
Emily Sergeant -
9th October 2024 
