JD pulled off a massive party in a phone shop in the Northern Quarter last night, with a surprise set from one of the world’s hottest DJs right now, Josh Baker.
The North West sportswear giant opened ‘Phones-4-Youse’ to coincide with the release of its new JD Christmas advert, which played on screens to the packed-out crowd.
Josh Baker stars in the Christmas campaign, ‘Where are you going?’, which is a self-directed portrait of youth culture, all films entirely on mobile phones by young people.
JD chose to shoot its new campaign without rigs, sets, or lighting crews, and instead used footage shot by 286 individuals around the world.
These user submissions captured life exactly as the young people involved see it.
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The JD party last night was a moment of music, community and energy, with Josh Baker performing to a delighted and packed-out crowd in a pop-up phone shop.
Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Every corner of the venue told the JD story, with branding and clips of the ad everywhere.
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The ‘Where are you going?’ campaign celebrates a generation that refuses to be put in a box, showing the energy, emotion and individuality that drives them forward.
Whether it’s collecting exam results or chasing platinum records, it’s a snapshot of the life of young people right now.
One voice says: “I want to be famous. If that doesn’t work, I’ll just become a pharmacist.”
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Stills from the JD Christmas campaign ‘Where Are You Going?’
Another admits “You can fail, you can make mistakes…but really, who cares.”
Someone else confides: “I’m scared we’re not going to be friends in 10 years,” while another adds: “I wanna have fun, times are changing – you get me.”
There are some famous faces involved, like Cole Palmer having his picture taken with fans, Nemzzz in the club with his crew, and Jade Thirwell between takes in the studio.
And you can see Paddy the Baddy mentoring the next generation of talent in the gym, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the tennis court with a friend.
Sky Newman also stars, riding with a friend.
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The entire campaign showcases the simple, joyful moments that exist in all of our camera rolls.
Neil Corrie, Marketing Director at JD, says: “Young people today don’t need to be told who they are, they’re already showing us.
“JD’s ‘Where are you going?’ isn’t about them, it’s made by them. It’s their voice and their direction. This is youth culture, not as a trend to follow, but as a movement to believe in.”
The JD ‘Where are you going?’ Christmas campaign has launched on the JD YouTube and across digital and OOH channels today, with exclusive drops also online HERE and in stores across the UK.
The former pub in Hulme that’s now a haven for salvaged mid-century treasures
Daisy Jackson
If you’ve ever wondered where old stained-glass windows, vintage toilets, and dazzling chandeliers go when they’re rescued from demolition, the answer is probably Insitu Manchester.
Standing on Chester Road in Hulme, Insitu occupies the former Turville pub, a Grade II listed Victorian building dating back to around 1870.
What was once a neighbourhood boozer is now one of Manchester’s most fascinating places to browse, packed to the rafters with architectural salvage, antiques, and quirky design pieces.
Spread across three floors, every room feels like a treasure hunt. One minute you’re admiring an elegant fireplace, the next you’re standing in front of a huge stained-glass church window wondering if it would fit in your downstairs loo.
The real showstopper is upstairs. The former billiards room has been transformed into a bright, sunlit showroom that feels more like an art gallery than a salvage yard.
Founded in 1984 as a business specialising in reclaimed doors and fireplaces, Insitu has spent more than four decades saving beautiful objects from being lost forever.
Today, its stock ranges from reclaimed timber flooring and cast-iron radiators to stained glass, doors and other architectural features.
The former billiards room is now a beautiful showroomA beautiful mid-century tiled tableVintage sinks and toiletsIncredible stained glass windows at InsituA room packed with mid-century treasure at Insitu in ManchesterPaintings, stained glass, and ornate furnitureThe outside of Insitu in Hulme, ManchesterA glimpse inside Insitu in ManchesterA glimpse inside Insitu in Manchester
During our visit, we spotted a mid-century tiled coffee table, ornate chandeliers, vintage glass lampshades, paintings and fireplaces.
But perhaps the most unexpected room was downstairs, where an entire collection of antique sinks and vintage toilets is displayed. Who knew a loo could be so beautiful?
Part of the fun is that you never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner. Every item has a story, and many have been carefully rescued from buildings that no longer exist.
Come for the fireplaces, stay for the vintage toilets. Trust us.
Berghaus’ first North West standalone store set to arrive in Manchester Arndale
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Berghaus has chosen our very own Manchester Arndale to be the home of its first standalone brand store location in the North West, opening later this year and we couldn’t be happier about it.
This brand new 2,750 sq ft retail space is set to join a wave of recent arrivals at the Arndale including Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga, Pro:Direct, GARAGE and Represent, further equipping you for all of your fashion, sportswear, and lifestyle retails needs.
This iconic British outdoor clothing and equipment brand was founded in 1966, by a pair of mountaineers, Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, who have always led with the view that ‘the outdoors belongs to everyone.’
This belief is reflected through the design of pieces with practicality in mind, encouraging us all to spend a little less time glued to our screens and a little more outside in nature.
Berghaus is widely known for its trusty cutting edge technologies, making it popular with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, with the clothing aiming to accommodate exploration of the world and all of the wonderful and wild weather conditions it offers.
With this said, in recent years Berghaus has also gained a cult following of young consumers, seeking fashionable items, in the light of the gorp-core and athleisure craze – it turns out you can explore and look good doing it.
As Franck Denglos, EMEA President, Pentland Brands, commented: “60 years after Berghaus was founded in the North of England, opening our first standalone in the North West feels like a natural homecoming.
“As a bold, outdoor and British brand, we’re excited to put down roots in Manchester and connect with consumers in one of the UK’s most vibrant retail destinations. Manchester Arndale’s scale, energy and reach make it the perfect stage for the next chapter of the Berghaus story.”
Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, said: “Berghaus joining Manchester Arndale is a clear example of how leading retailers are responding to evolving consumer trends and investing in standout physical retail destinations.
“The brand is a fantastic addition to our lineup and further enhances the scheme’s appeal to Gen Z consumers who are driving the popularity of gorpcore and outdoor-inspired fashion.”
Moreover, Scott Linard, Portfolio Manager for M&G Real Estate, added: “Securing Berghaus for its first standalone store in the North West is another major endorsement of Manchester Arndale and the strength of our retail offer.
“The brand’s decision to open its first brand store UK location here reflects the confidence major retailers have in the destination and the continued demand we’re seeing for premium outdoor and sportswear brands.”
What a win for Manchester.
If you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to finally commit to that hike or camping trip this summer – here it is.
Get yourself kitted out and get outdoors – it’s time to touch some grass.
Daisy Jackson -
7th November 2025 
