Sneaker 63, the super rare trainer store tucked beneath a sushi shop in Manchester‘s Chinatown, has left fans heartbroken after announcing it will be closing its doors for good at the end of the year.
One of the first high-end trainer consignment stores of its kind to open in the city, the shop helped to put the city on the map for sneakerheads with money to burn.
Rare pieces have sold here for upwards of £6,000, and over the years owners developed a reputation for getting their hands on some of the most exclusive drops first – often appearing at the shop before they officially hit the market.
But now, one of Sneaker63’s co-owners has revealed that the rare trainer store will be closing permanently at the end of the year due to a partnership issue within the business.
Taking to social media, Jack Chen shared a heartfelt statement on his personal Instagram story revealing that the time had come to close up shop for good.
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He wrote: “It is with a deep sadness that Sneaker 63 will close its physical store on 31st December due to a partnership issue within Sneaker 63.
“I appreciate you all and the support from the start till now it’s been amazing to see you all and also watch through the years grow and your collections and stories that you’ve told about how you’ve copped that pair you always wanted.
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“I’m gonna miss that a lot and everyone .. so I hope to see y’all soon before close …. – Jack.”
Image: Instagram
Unreleased J Balvin x JORDAN 2, first pair in hand in the whole of UK / Europe at Sneaker 63. / Image: Sneaker 63 Instagram
Jack’s former Sneaker 63 co-owner Dominic Hespe sadly passed away last year after battling an inoperable late-stage cancer diagnosis.
Since then, it appears there has been an ongoing dispute between the remaining business partners. Unfortunately, attempts to come to an amicable solution with the help of legal representation appear to have been unsuccessful. The business will close for good on the final day of 2022.
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Speaking to The Manc, Jack added that all the stock at the shop will continue to be for sale right up until 31 December before he starts to notify the sellers they need to take back their items.
Sellers will then have the whole of January to come down to Chinatown and collect their pieces from Sneaker 63.
Asked if this would really be the end, he said: “Sadly yes for Sneaker 63”, before adding “But it’s not goodbye […] I’ll be back stronger and better.”
“With the passion I still have left of what I’ve loved the most, hopefully I can rebuild something using that and it’ll be done for the community.”
Feature image – Google Maps
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Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu accused of abuse by partner
Danny Jones
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu has been accused of physical and mental abuse by a person purporting to be his partner.
The allegations were made on Niu’s own Instagram, who has seemingly commandeered the account to share claims across social media along with various photos, which are yet to be fully substantiated.
An Australian-born former NRL athlete and Tongan international, Tesi Niu, has gone on to become an important first-team squad member for the Greater Manchester rugby club and has been a popular personality among the supporters.
With that in mind, the alleged abuse is one that has deeply troubled the fan base.
Accusations of alleged physical abuse have been made against Leigh Leopards centre Tesi Niu by his partner.
As you can see in the screenshots originally posted on Niu’s own channel and since reshared online, the individual who names herself as Kiani alleges that the 24-year-old rugby league player assaulted her on Christmas Day 2025 before going out and getting drunk.
In addition to sharing pictures of various bruises around her neck, shoulders and arms, the woman also writes that he took her phone and money to prevent her from leaving, as well as detailing that she is now pregnant with their third child.
Kiana Smith has been his partner for more than half a decade.
Circulating online over the weekend (4-5 January 2026), a full investigation into the claims is now thought to be underway.
Neither Tesi Niu’s representation nor Leigh Leopards have yet come out to comment on the allegations, but the Rugby Football League (RFL) have shared an official update regarding the situation.
You can see the rest of the IG stories down below.
As per a statement supplied to News.com.au, the English governing body said: “The RFL are aware of the social media posts. We will not be making further comment at this time.”
Anyone looking to report abusive behaviour can call the Greater Domestic Abuse Helpline, Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, on 0800 254 0909.
Family pay tribute to ‘special boy’ who died after being hit by car while crossing road in Burnage
Emily Sergeant
The family of a teenage boy who died after being hit by a car while crossing a road in Burnage have paid a touching tribute to him.
At around 6:40pm this past Friday (2 January), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called out to reports of a collision in the Burnage area of Manchester, where the driver of a Seat Ibiza was travelling down Kingsway and collided with a pedestrian who was walking across the road.
The pedestrian – a boy aged 16, who has since been named as Alfie Moran – suffered serious injuries and was rushed hospital.
However, despite the best efforts of all emergency services involved, Alfie sadly passed away.
In a heartbreaking tribute to her son, Alfie’s mum said: “My Alfie was always our special boy with the biggest heart. Everyone who knew him would always tell me that I had the best boy, he knew how very proud I was of him.
#TRIBUTE | Family of a 'special boy who had the biggest heart' pay tribute to him following a fatal road traffic collision on Kingsway in Burnage on Friday 2 January.
Alfie Moran (16) suffered fatal injuries after a driver collided with him.
— Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme Police (GMP) (@GMPFallowfield) January 4, 2026
“He was the best friend to everyone, losing him has left our family broken. We had so much planned this year, he loved gaming and motorbikes and had already started saving up to buy his first bike.
“I will forever be lost without him.”
Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information and witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Manchester.
As a result of the collision, an 18-year-old man was arrested and has since been released on bail whilst enquiries are ongoing, and now officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information and witnesses to help with their investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 2622 of 02/01/2026.
Information can also be shared using the ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function on GMP’s website, or you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
28th December 2022 
