Shopping

A look inside the brand-new M&S Trafford Centre ‘mega store’ as it finally opens its doors

It's taken over the former Debenhams unit, and promises shoppers “an even bigger and better store”.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 1st December 2023

It’s been a long time coming… but the brand-new M&S at the Trafford Centre has finally opened its doors to the public.

And the first look images of the place prove it’s just as swanky as we were expecting.

In case you hadn’t heard, after it was revealed all the way back in January that M&S would be relocating from its old unit and taking over the former Debenhams site inside the Greater Manchester shopping centre, the retailer’s brand-new Trafford Centre store welcomed its first customers yesterday.

The new ‘mega store’ officially threw open its doors yesterday (30 November) at 10am, and it’s all just in time for Christmas, so shoppers can get stuck in to buying all their festive food and gifts before the big day arrives.

The brand-new M&S at the Trafford Centre has finally opened its doors / Credit: Supplied

Having opened as part of M&S‘ ongoing plans and wider investment to regenerate vacant sites in major UK shopping centres, the new M&S Trafford Centre store spans across a whopping 98,000 sq ft of commercial space.

Promising shoppers “an even bigger and better store”, there’s huge new “spacious and stylish” Clothing, Home, and Beauty departments, as well as a brand-new M&S Cafe, and the star of the show being the all-new “market style” Food Hall – which stocks the full M&S Food range, and has “wider and brighter aisles”, with free designated car parking to make shopping “more convenient”.

Percy Pig was on-hand to welcome shoppers to the new store, with the first 200 customers through the door handed ‘golden tickets’.

Every golden ticket holder was guaranteed a win. whether that be a free bag of Percy Pigs, freshly-baked cookies from the new M&S Bakery, or something even bigger – with one lucky customer even bagging a £200 M&S voucher to take home.

It promises shoppers “an even bigger and better store” / Credit: Supplied

180 new jobs have been created by the opening of the new store, and staff at M&S’ former Trafford Centre store have also transferred over to the new location.

The store is led by Store Manager, Laura Smith, along with a team of 420 M&S colleagues.

Soaking up the opening day celebrations, Laura said: “We are thrilled to officially open our brand-new store in the Trafford Centre. The last few weeks have been so exciting for us all as we’ve seen the store take shape, and I’d like to thank everyone in the team for all their hard work to make sure everything is ready for our customers today.

“The store is an exciting investment in the future of M&S in Trafford, and I can’t wait for our customers to explore all the new features that the store has to offer.”

Read more:

The new M&S Trafford Centre store is now open from 8am-10pm Monday to Friday, 8am-9pm on Saturday, and 12-6pm on Sunday.

Featured Image – Supplied

Shopping

Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and there’s a new tipple on the scene to help celebrate.

That’s right – two of the UK’s most beloved treats, Baileys and Terry’s, has dropped the ultimate collaboration and it’s launching 100 days before the big day arrives, gearing up to be the Christmas tipple of choice for chocolate orange lovers.

Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a limited-edition treat blending the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream with flavours of chocolate and zesty orange. 

It’s fair to say that Baileys and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are both beloved staples once the festive season rolls around, with each having taken on various different variations over the years, combining new flavour profiles to create delicious treats.

Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever / Credit: Baileys & Tom Harrison

But surprisingly, this is the first time the two brands have come together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.

This new collaboration between the two iconic Christmas brands is inspired by the season’s most quintessential flavours.  

“For generations, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a staple of the Christmas season, so partnering with Baileys is an exciting way to reimagine that tradition in a new and indulgent form,” commented Lorène Decam, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Terry’s.

“We can’t wait to see fans enjoying this irresistible treat in the run-up to and during the holidays.”

Rolling out nationwide from tomorrow (16 September), Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange will come in 50cl bottles with a 17% ABV and will likely set shoppers back £11 each when they get it from leading retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Co-op.

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Not only that, but you’ll also be able to get your hands on the new drink online from Amazon, as well as in selected Greene King pubs and bars. 

Featured Image – Baileys & Tom Harrison (Supplied)

Shopping

Trafford Centre’s massive student night returns next month with up to 30% off on big brands

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Shopping at the Trafford Centre

Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.

With thousands of new and returning students set to start arriving for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities over the next couple of weeks, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month, and there’ll be lots of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.

Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Shopping UK, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.

Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 20% off at Levi’s, 20% off at Tommy Hilfiger, 20% off River Island, 20% off at All Saints, 25% off at Boux Avenue, and 15% off at both Hotel Chocolat, and Monica Vinader at Selfridges.

Rituals, Flying Tiger, New Look, and Office are just a couple of the other shops you can head to for some savings.

It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too, with 20% off at places like Wagamama and Barburrito, 25% off The Real Greek, and £5 pizzas and exclusive discounts at the new Franco Manca.

You can also tuck into cut-price foodie feasts at Yo Sushi, KFC, and Costa, while places like Gymshark, Boots, Paradise Island Adventure Golf, and Selfridges are some of the places doing giveaways, workshops, offering freebies and prizes, and more.

And, if all of that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, you can expect live music to entertain you whilst you shop – with DJ blasting tunes all night long.

Trafford Centre’s massive student night returns next month with up to 30% off on big brands / Credit: Trafford Centre

“Our annual Student Night is always hugely popular,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.

“This year we’ve secured some amazing deals and exclusive savings from many of our stores and restaurants.

“With frequent tram services from Manchester city centre on Metrolink’s Trafford Park line, plus regular buses from all over the region, now’s your chance to experience the unique vibe of the Trafford Centre.”

Read more:

The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 2 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online here.

Featured Image – Trafford Centre

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