Another addition to the ‘general store’ group is coming to Deansgate Square this summer
Store Retail Group will be opening Deansgate Square General Store to bring an award-winning, independent retail experience to the heart of the community.
One of Manchester’s most premium developments has announced the first in a line of commercial openings set for this summer.
Store Retail Group – the company behind the General Stores and Foodhall concepts, with an already large and loyal fan base of its innovative take on the neighbourhood shop at stores in Ancoats, Stretford and Sale – will be the first commercial partner to open its doors at the flagship Deansgate Square development, found at the southern end of Deansgate, and by working in partnership with landlord and developer Renaker, Store Retail Group will be opening Deansgate Square General Store to bring an award-winning, independent retail experience to the heart of the community.
As part of the development – which comprises of four towers, including the tallest residential building outside of London – Manchester-based Renaker has created the city’s only riverside square, which is surrounded by each of the new sites, all boasting floor-to-ceiling glass windows and outdoor seating areas.
Store Retail Group will take over a 4,500 sq ft space located on the turning circle adjacent to the impressive lobby space.
This is set to service over 3,000 residents, with hotel-style concierge and amenities.
(1/3) We are pleased to announce our first commercial operator, the Deansgate Square General Store – a modern take on the classic local shop from @generalstores_. pic.twitter.com/pV9dR4bqEH
Part corner shop, part community hub, Deansgate Square General Store will combine all the very best aspects of the group’s other sites and will supply artisan coffee to takeaway, a fresh flower concept, and an ever-changing street food vendor on site too, alongside household essentials, bringing much more than just a shop to this exciting new community.
The interior – which has been designed by local studio YOUTH – will celebrate and highlight General Store’s innovative approach to retail.
Bringing together a grocery store, coffee shop and bar, the new Deansgate location has been designed with “community, creativity and cultural purpose” in mind.
“Deansgate Square felt right for us straight away.” Mital Morar – MD of Store Retail Group – said.
“The number of residents on site makes sound commercial sense for us, as well as the opportunity to work in a close-knit community, as we do at Ancoats [so] we’re excited to be part of a new thriving neighbourhood, and to expand our presence in the city centre.
“As a destination that will continue to evolve, we see Deansgate Square as a great, long-term investment”.
Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Renaker – in collaboration with retail agency Barker Proudlove – has worked hard to bring both a new commercial offering and public open space to residents and the wider city centre community, with each operator having been carefully selected to ensure they are local independents with a strong track record and foot print in the city.
“Deansgate Square represents the first scheme to be delivered within the wider Great Jackson Street Masterplan.” James Sidlow – Senior Development Manager at Renaker – added.
“A key component in the success of this will be the diverse and engaging offering at ground level, carefully aligned to the requirements of the residents, locals and visitors to the city alike, creating an entirely new destination.
“We are delighted to announce news of these agreements [as] we’ve long admired how General Store create beating hearts at the centre of their neighbourhoods [and] we hope they, along with the host of other well-loved Manchester brands still to be announced, will bring all this and more to Deansgate Square”.
Some news to share! Good day for it too ☀️
Whilst we gear up to open in MediaCity imminently, contractors are about to descend on our next General Store.
You can find more information ahead of the opening of Deansgate Square General Store via the General Stores website here, and the Deansgate Square website.
Business
Viral beauty retailer Sephora announces Manchester Arndale opening day plans
Thomas Melia
Viral beauty stockist Sephora has announced the schedule ahead of new Manchester Arndale site’s opening day.
Known for stocking some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, including Sol De Janeiro Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Fenty, Huda Beauty, and more, Sephora is making its Manchester Arndale debut this week, and opening day plans have been confirmed.
After opening its first Manchester site inside the Trafford Centre last year, the cosmetics retailer is now really making its mark on Manchester city centre.
Ahead of its new launch inside one of Manchester’s biggest shopping centres, with a almost 5,000 sq ft site inside the Arndale, Sephora is expected to attract huge queues, so the retailer has issued a statement detailing its plans ahead of the opening day.
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The opening day is this Friday (1 August) from 10am, and from this date, you’ll be able to get your hands on all their glorious goodies and brands.
If you’re eager to be one of the first people to browse this beauty shop and its massive product range, you’ll be able to queue beforehand – with entertainment on the day from 8am, and the opening ceremony from 9:30am.
Similarly to the brand’s Trafford Centre launch, there will be a range of activities, including an appearance from Drag King Don One, DJ sets, Spin the Wheel, and Sephora’s iconic viral gift bags.
These gift bags have become highly-sought-after due to the sheer amount of big names and top quality products you can find inside, and there’ll be 800 of these prized possessions given away throughout the weekend.
This time, however, the cosmetics retailer is trialling a new approach, with anyone who makes an in-store purchase receiving a ‘Sephora Beauty Bonus Card’ which gives you access to goodies and offers without queuing.
You’ll be in with the chance of winning a goodie bag, a mystery lucky dip for a full-sized product, Benefit Wax and Tint Brow Service, 30-minute makeover opportunity, exclusive merchandise, and a 10% off code for the Manchester Arndale Sephora shop.
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora will be stocking more than 135 brands, as well as a curation of products that are exclusive to its UK locations.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the energy and support from our community at every store opening since our first in 2023.
“This new approach means even more customers can enjoy the fun and walk away with a surprise without needing to arrive hours before doors open. It’s about putting customer wellbeing first, while still celebrating in true Sephora style”.
Sephora is opening at Manchester Arndale on Friday 1 August, with entertainment starting from 8am, the official opening ceremony commencing from 9:30am, and the store opening at 10am.
Aldi becomes first UK supermarket to introduce new ‘£13 rule’ from September
Emily Sergeant
Aldi is set to become the first supermarket to pay staff working in its stores across the UK at least £13 an hour.
The budget supermarket retailer’s new minimum rate – which increases to £14.33 within the M25 – will officially take effect from 1 September 2025, and is set to further exceed the Real Living Wage of £12.60 an hour that was set by the Living Wage Foundation in October last year.
At present, Store Assistants at Aldi are currently paid a minimum of £12.75 an hour nationwide, but that is set to change in the autumn.
As well as the standard £13 hourly rate, Store Assistants’ pay will be subject to further rises depending on their length of service – meaning they’ll get £13.93 nationally, and £14.64 within the M25.
Aldi becomes first UK supermarket to introduce new ‘£13 rule’ from September / Credit: Aldi
The news that Aldi will become the UK’s first supermarket to pay colleagues £13 an hour follows the retailer’s impressive achievement of being named the Employer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards – where it was recognised for its competitive pay, investment in training, and its focus on diversity and inclusion.
Aldi is also the only retailer to offer all colleagues paid breaks too, on top of their hourly rate or salary, which is worth approximately £1,385 a year for the average store colleague.
“Our people are the driving force behind our success across the UK,” commented Giles Hurley, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland.
Emily Sergeant -
31st March 2021 
