Shopping

A massive new M&S with a ‘market-style’ foodhall, bigger cafe, and more is opening at the Trafford Centre this month

Just in time for the festive season as well.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 14th November 2023

The opening date of a massive new M&S store with a “market-style” foodhall at the Trafford Centre has officially been confirmed.

After it was revealed all the way back in January that the retailer would be relocating from its old unit and taking over the former Debenhams site inside the Greater Manchester shopping mall, the date that the brand-new M&S ‘mega store’ will finally open its doors at the Trafford Centre has now officially been confirmed.

And it’ll be in business just in time for Christmas, so shoppers can get stuck in to buying all their festive food and gifts before the big day arrives.

Opening 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.

A massive new M&S store is opening inside the old Debenhams site at the Trafford Centre this month / Credit: M&S

Shoppers are being told to prepare themselves for an even bigger and better store, with “spacious and stylish” new Clothing, Home, and Beauty departments, a brand-new M&S Cafe, and the star of the show being the all-new foodhall.

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Aiming to “appeal to local families”, customers at the new Trafford Centre store will be able to browse in “wider, brighter aisles” and with “a clear line of sight across the store”.

The new market-style foodhall will stock the full M&S Food range, and there’ll also be free designated car parking to make shopping “more convenient”.

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The new M&S Trafford Centre store will open on Thursday 30 November.

Speaking ahead of the new store opening, Store Manager Laura Smith, who’s worked for M&S for 25 years now, said: “We are really excited to announce that the new M&S Trafford Centre store will open on November 30th, and I can’t wait to welcome the local community to visit the store later this month to see it all for themselves.

“Whether you’re looking for a big family food shop, the latest autumn / winter styles from our Clothing, Home and Beauty departments, or a mid-shop pit stop in our amazing new M&S Café, we’ve got you covered.”

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There’ll be a huge ‘market-style’ foodhall, new cafe, clothing department, and more / Credit: Trafford Centre

The opening of the new Trafford Centre store comes after M&S has also opened a number of other new foodhalls this year as part of its aim to deliver 100 “bigger, better food stores”.

This, of course, included one in the heart of Stockport town centre, which opened back in June.

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180 new jobs will also be created by the opening of the new store, with staff at M&S’ existing Trafford Centre store transferring over to the new location once it opens at the end of the month.

Featured Image – M&S

Shopping

You’ll soon be able to get your own at-home Reformer Pilates machine from Aldi’s middle aisle

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The legendary Aldi middle aisle strikes again.

There’s no denying that Pilates is one of the most popular workouts of the moment, especially the Reformer discipline, which is even being hailed as the ultimate workout for 2025, with social media currently flooded with influencers taking up the practice and new Reformer Pilates studios popping up left, right, and centre across Greater Manchester and the UK.

If you’re unfamiliar with what Reformer Pilates is, it’s a low-impact form of Pilates exercise performed on a specialised Reformer machine – which adds resistance to exercises, making it suitable for various different fitness levels – and it focuses on strength, flexibility, core stability, and overall body awareness.

But while popular, there’s also no denying that it’s expensive.

Aldi is launching a collection of Pilates products in the middle aisle next weekend / Credit: Aldi

Though many people see their choice of workout as something they prioritise and budget for, for others, the price of regular Reformer Pilates classes are not financially feasible.

Which is why the news that you’ll soon be able to pop down to your local Aldi store, head to the middle aisle, and pick up your own Reformer Pilates machine to take home with you that very same day, is music to our ears.

In a UK supermarket first, Aldi is bringing Reformer Pilates to the middle aisle, and it’s perfect for those looking to elevate their fitness routines in a long-term affordable way, as it offers professional-grade workouts without leaving the house.

Featuring adaptable resistance levels with five resistance bands, adjustable height settings, smooth gliding functionality, transport wheels for easy movement, and foldable storage capabilities, Aldi says its versatile Reformer Pilates Machine ‘caters to all fitness levels’, making it a must-have addition to any home gym or exercise space.

Aldi outside
Outside an Aldi store / Credit: Aldi Corporate

It even comes complete with an introductory exercise chart too, so whether you’re looking to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, or tone muscles, the machine is designed to help anyone achieve their fitness goals.

The viral Reformer Pilates Machine has already taken the internet by storm when it launched in Australia last year, with Brits begging the budget supermarket to bring it across the pond, and now it’s finally set to launch in UK Aldi stores nationwide on Sunday 25 May.

The Reformer Pilates Machine will set you back £149, which we know isn’t cheap, let’s say, but it’s certainly cheaper in the long run if you’re an avid Pilates practicer.

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Shoppers better limber up though, as is the case with all Aldi Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone, so if you’re keen to get your hands on a machine, you’ll need to act fast.

Head down to your local Aldi on Sunday 25 May and get checking that middle aisle.

Featured Image – Aldi

Shopping

Two Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Two new Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer.

With the long-awaited live action adaptation of the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch hitting cinemas this month, both Primark cafes in Manchester are receiving a Hawaiian-themed makeover.

Everyone’s favourite in-store cafe is back with another much-loved franchise, and this time its one of Disney cutest cartoon duos.

Both of Manchester‘s Primark cafes – the one off Market Street in the city centre, and inside Trafford Palazzo – will be transformed with themed decor and will receive an updated menu featuring food items inspired by Hawaii, which is where the film is based, of course.

Lots of 'Lilo & Stitch' inspired food is coming to Manchester's Primark stores.
Donut lovers don't fret, The SImpsons' favourite food is staying on the menu just with a Hawaiian twist.
Two Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer / Credit: Primark

Diners can expect a variety of Stitch-themed treats, including grilled toasties and waffles, and even refreshments like shakes, smoothies and lemonades.

All food and drink ordered from the themed cafes will be decorated with tropical-inspired packaging featuring some cute little stickers of the main blue guy himself on drinks.

The arrival of the Lilo & Stitch cafe does, of course, mean that Primark’s popular The Simpsons-themed cafe may be no more, but they couldn’t get rid of Homer’s favourite delicacy that easily, as instead, this sugary staple has been kept on the menu but just given a Lilo & Stitch twist.

Not only that, but the fashion giant will continue championing this much-loved franchise with over 100 new products ready for you to say ‘Aloha’ in style this summer.

Primark has a soft spot for Stitch, stocking products inspired by the adorable Disney character since 2016 – with everything from sleepwear and accessories to swim costumes and suitcases.

You can even buy an exclusive plush of Stitch that recreates his iconic pose from the upcoming live adaptation.

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The ‘Lilo & Stitch’ cafe is coming to both of Manchester’s Primark locations including Market Street and Trafford Centre from 9 May ahead of the live adaptation coming to cinemas on 21 May.

Featured Images – Primark

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