One of the most iconic retailers of the 80s and 90s is making a grand return to Greater Manchester this weekend.
Ready to turn the nostalgia dial up to 100?
That’s because, over two years after it was announced that the retailer would be making a UK comeback following it sadly going into administration back in 2018, Toys R Us is set to open its doors inside the Trafford Centre this weekend.
Toys R Us – which is now owned by parent company, WHP Global – says it’s “very proud” to be bringing its beloved brand back to the UK after half a decade, and the Greater Manchester shopping centre is one of 30 locations where the legendary toy emporium has partnered with fellow retailer, WHSmith, to open a new concession.
Iconic retailer Toys R Us is opening in the Trafford Centre this weekend / Credit: WHP Global
The new Toys R Us store will be opening next to WHSmith in the Trafford Centre this Saturday (13 July) – with a grand opening event running throughout the day, and the iconic Geoffrey the Giraffe joining the team for an official ribbon cutting and to greet customers through the doors.
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And if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the first 100 children visiting the store will also receive a free Toys R Us goody bag worth more than £20 too.
Speaking ahead of the grand opening of the Toys R Us concession this weekend, Ian Sanders, who is the Group Commercial Development Director at WHSmith, said the company is “really excited” for the new Manchester venture.
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“WHSmith is known for being the hub of the high street by providing customers with a range of great products and services,” he commented.
“Partnering with Toys R Us gives us a leading toys and games range in our stores and means customers have even more reasons to shop with us, so we look forward to welcoming many more customers into our store.”
WHSmith’s Managing Director, Sean Toal, added that the partnership with Toys R Us “epitomises” and “shows exactly what [the company] is all about”, and that the opening of the new Trafford Centre concession gives customers “even more reasons to shop with us”.
Toys R Us will open inside WHSmith at the Trafford Centre this Saturday 13 July, with the special grand opening event running from 10am to 2pm.
Featured Image – WHP Global
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Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low
Emily Sergeant
Homicide rates in Greater Manchester are now at the lowest they’ve been for 25 years, according to new figures.
Thanks to a major programme introduced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent violent crime and keep communities safe, known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it has been revealed that the region’s homicide rate has fallen by 32% in 2025 to what is its lowest level on record since 1990.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the VRU is, it brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to address the underlying causes of violent crime.
It’s this multi-agency approach that’s said to be delivering ‘tangible results’ and driving a reduction in violent crime in Greater Manchester.
As well as homicide rates, the VRU’s partnership work with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is also said to be having ‘major impact’ across the region on issues like knife crime.
Thanks to operational activity helping to disrupt serious violence and remove more weapons from the region’s streets, the police have also recorded that knife crime in Greater Manchester has fallen by 15% in the last year too.
Following a steady decline since 2021, rates of personal robbery have fallen by 17% in the last year in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Additionally, A&E attendances due to assault decreased by 3% in the same time period, with a 9% reduction among young people aged 10–24, and ambulance callouts for assault also fell by 9% in relation to this.
GMCA says that the reductions in demand for emergency services, as revealed in the latest figures, prove just how much the VRU’s combined prevention and enforcement approach is working.
“These latest figures show the real progress being made in tackling violent crime and making our streets safer,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Reductions in knife crime and homicides don’t happen by chance – they come from early intervention, our strong partnership with the police and our work with communities to tackle the root causes of violence.”
Emily Sergeant -
9th July 2024 
