After several years making waves on the online UK footwear scene, cult Manchester-based trainer brand Clints Inc has revealed it will open its first concept store in the city this weekend.
Loved by the IYKYK crowd for its thick-soled, hiking-inspired 90’s-style footwear, the first drop of its ‘TRL Footprints’ trainers sold out in the space of an hour – and the hype hasn’t really slowed down since.
Two years on and the brand is gearing up to open its flagship store in the city centre this weekend, giving fans a chance to see their shoes in hand for the first time before making a purchase.
Image: Clints
Image: Clints
The new store is housed over on Quay Street close to the ABC Building, and images teased online show a clean, minimal shop front with custom Clints details and a mysteriously-empty vending machine that’s piqued our interest. (A trainer vending machine would be pretty cool, just saying.)
Here, fans of the brand will soon be able to get their hands on all the latest Clints drops with access to new footwear, clothing and accessories including TRL Footprint-shaped keychains, stickers, socks and ‘half-tone’ beanies’.
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They’ll also find a range of graphic t-shirts and tracksuits, which feature heavily in the Clints’ apparel range.
Image: Clints
Image: Clints
It makes a change from the current online setup, where you need to register with an email and a password before being able to view the online Clints Inc store.
Founded by self-taught designer and university student Junior Clint, Clints Inc began selling limited-run pieces that flew out to its loyal cabal of fans.
Known for delivering retro-inspired sneakers and complementing apparel, its trainers have become a must-have for any self-respecting Manchester sneaker head.
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Characterised by rope laces, carbon textures with suede detailing and trademark alphabet ‘CLINTS’ pattern outsole, their aesthetic nods to the classic thick sole trends of the 90s which are currently having a resurgence.
The most memorable trainer drop has to be “The Sting” TRL Footprints, released in yellow and inspired by the Manchester worker bee – a symbol adopted by the city for hundreds of years.
This was then followed up by vests and all-black ‘Vantablack’ TRLs, released to celebrate the first anniversary of the initial drop. Clints has also since collaborated with Patta, with the two Black-owned independent brands joining up to work on the Stepper silhouette sneaker release.
Today, you’ll find all sorts – from vests and belts to Clints denim, jumpers, beanies, fleeces and coach jackets – and it seems like the brand is only going from strength to strength.
You can find the new Clints Inc concept store at 21-23 Quay St , M3 4AE. It opens on Saturday 13 August from 12pm.
Feature image – Clints Inc
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Work begins on new £500m ‘culture hub’ with a cinema and performance spaces in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Work is finally beginning on a new £500 million culture hub in Manchester.
The first phase of plans to transform Wythenshawe Civic has entered an exciting new chapter, with Manchester City Council and placemaker Muse officially commencing construction of the new Culture Hub – which is tipped to provide a ‘major boost’ for budding artists, and creative groups and organisations in the area.
The hub is set to include space for food and drink on the ground floor, while the first floor is home to a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes, and community events.
Locals can also expect a brand-new 40-seater cinema, which has been included following feedback given during a public consultation, and 200-seater performance space for a diverse range of performances.
Everything from dance and drama, to music and modern art will fill the performance spaces once the hub opens.
Expected to be completed in 2027, the Culture Hub sits within the first phase of a wider plan to ‘refresh’ Wythenshawe Civic, and will come to life thanks to £20 million of funding from the UK Government and a further £11.9 million from the Council.
What Wythenshawe Civic Centre looks like currently, before being transformed / Credit: Wikipedia Commons
“Listening to local people over the last year and more, we know that Wythenshawe residents want more from their town centre – more things to do, opportunities to spend time in Civic and night time attractions that give the area a lift and attract visitors,” explained Cllr Bev Craig, who is the leader of Manchester City Council.
“This is the drive behind the Culture Hub – a place for local people with an interest in the arts to take part in creative activities, see a show, or enjoy the cinema space, right in the heart of their community.
“This is another exciting chapter in the transformation of Wythenshawe town centre.”
Joe Stockton, Development Director at Muse, called the construction of the new Culture Hub an ‘exciting moment’ for Wythenshawe.
He added: “Our aim is to create a space for the town’s talented artists and creatives to come together and give them the facilities and the space they’ve asked for, to put on amazing shows, live performances, and workshops.
“It’s all part of the wider plan to create opportunities for residents, new homes and jobs, as well as a thriving high street for people to spend time in.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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Police launch investigation after man found ‘injured and unresponsive’ in Manchester road
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a man was found ‘injured and unresponsive’ in the middle of a road in Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called out Plymouth Grove, in the Longsight area of Manchester, at around 9pm this past Friday (30 January), and when they arrived at the scene, found a 61-year-old man lying in the road.
After being found ‘unresponsive’, the man was immediately taken to hospital, where he is currently being treated for head injuries.
At this time, it is currently unknown how than man came to be in the road.
With so many questions left to answer, and a police investigation now underway being led by GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, officers are now urgently appealing to the public for witnesses and information.
“We have an open mind as we investigate how this man became to be injured,” explained PC Megan Stockton in the appeal. “However, there is the possibility he was struck by a vehicle.
“We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time, particularly anybody who may have dashcam footage taken in the area on Friday night.”
Can you help? If you have any information that could assist GMP’s investigation, then please contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 3421 of 30/01/26, or by calling 101 or using the LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
10th August 2022 
