Two new shops are set to open in the footprint of the old Topshop store in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre.
The huge space has been standing empty since the Arcadia group went into liquidation in 2020, leaving a prominent gap in the Arndale’s concourse.
But now two retailers have snapped it up, with Gilly Hicks and Clarks moving into two newly-created units.
The new Gilly Hicks store – Manchester’s first – will sell a range of activewear, loungewear and intimates, including menswear and a new gender-neutral collection.
Its sister company Hollister is moving into the former Disney Store unit, where it will continue to sell clothing, fragrance and accessories.
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Manchester Arndale. Credit: Wikimedia CommonsManchester Arndale. Credit: Supplied
Clarks, famed for its quality shoes, boots and trainers, are taking on a 3,551 sq ft unit on a 10-year lease.
Pizza Hut have also committed to opening a new express takeaway outlet in the Arndale food court.
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Other new signing at Manchester Arndale include Pure Fashion, who recently committed to a 3,709 sq ft store on a five-year lease, Debenhams.com, Tommy Hilfiger, Pandora, Canada Goose, Kick Game, Carvela and Kurt Geiger.
The city centre shopping hub is now at 95% occupancy.
Colin Flinn, spokesperson for Manchester Arndale, said: “We are delighted that Clarks, Gilly Hicks, iFix and Pizza Hut have decided to join the line up at Manchester Arndale.
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“Rather than try and re-let the whole of the former Topshop space, we made the decision to split the space, and create three new high-quality units in a prime location.
“This decision has proved correct as we have now secured two well-known tenants, with the last unit currently under offer, which shows that retailer demand for quality, well placed units remains high.
“We are equally pleased that Hollister and Swarovski have recommitted to Manchester Arndale, demonstrating confidence in the centre as we continue to attract and retain popular international brands and retailers.”
Nicolas Burquier, managing director, Pizza Hut Europe & Canada, says: “We’re excited to open a new Pizza Hut Express at the Food Court inside Manchester Arndale.
“As we continue growing Pizza Hut in the UK, we’re always looking for accessible ways to reach our customers and deliver our much-loved signature flavours in a way that works for them – and our Express arm allows us to do just that.
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“Our customers will now be able to enjoy their favourite pizza either to takeaway or enjoy in the food court communal seating area.
“It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a bite to eat while shopping. We’re looking forward to welcoming our pizza fans in November, and for anyone looking for a job, keep an eye on our website.”
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Scouting For Girls announce two massive anniversary shows, including one in Manchester
Danny Jones
Long-standing indie-pop act Scouting For Girls have just announced two new very special and very big 20th birthday shows, including a stop right here in Manchester.
In fact, their Manc show will be their biggest headline show to date – and by that we mean in the group’s entire history.
Known for the chart-topping ‘Heartbeat’, ‘She’s So Lovely’, ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and many more, the trio are once again heading up North to roll back the years.
This announcement follows the previous batch of anniversary shows for 15 years since their second album in 2025 and ’26, only this time they’ll be toasting two whole decades of being a band.
Credit: Press shots/Near Wild Heaven Records (supplied)
Heading to Wembley’s OVO Arena and our very own AO Arena, this marks a huge career landmark for the beloved noughties band, who have also just released their latest record.
Dropping their seventh studio LP, These Are The Good Days, on Friday, 27 March, they’re still as busy as ever, both in the studio and when it comes to performing live.
In recent times, they’ve once again become a bit of a festival favourite, as multiple generations know every word to those famous choruses.
And now, 20 years on from signing their first record deal, the lads will be playing those same hits and plenty more for what is set to be one big Scouting for Girls celebration.
They’re even bringing along a fellow throwback outfit with them, in the form of The Hoosiers. Can’t lie, we still listen to ‘Goodbye Mr A’ and the rest of the FIFA 08 soundtrack pretty often.
Writing on social media, the band said: “This is going to be a proper 20th birthday party — ALL of album one, all the favourites, huge sing-alongs, massive nostalgia, and the biggest nights we’ve ever done.
🎸 @Scouting4Girls celebrate their 20th anniversary with a huge Manchester show!
Manchester marks Scouting For Girls’ only confirmed show outside of London in 2027 so far, although we imagine there’ll be plenty of appeal for more dates in no time.
Visiting the city six times since 2020 alone, they clearly still enjoy playing up here, and judging by the reaction from the Audio North team, the love for them hasn’t gone anywhere either.
Scouting For Girls arrive in Manchester on 12 February next year, with the mailing presale window (via their website) going live at 10am on Tuesday, 31 March.
As for general admission tickets, they’ll be available from the same time the following Tuesday, 2 April; you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
They’re not the only nostalgic name visiting Greater Manchester for a milestone show either – and you don’t have to wait until next year to see these lads up close and personal:
Daisy Jackson -
20th October 2022 
