Shopping

A new GAP store is opening inside Next at the Trafford Centre this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 24th November 2022

GAP is making a long-awaited return to Manchester, and it’s opening up inside Next in the Trafford Centre this weekend.

In what is part of the popular fashion brand’s UK expansion, and all set to open to the public just in time for the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping over the festive period, the Gap-branded store will open its doors on the first floor of NEXT in the Trafford Centre this Saturday 26 November, and will cover over 2,200 square feet of retail space.

The all-new Trafford Centre store will have a modern and minimal design, with GAP saying it “embodies the brand’s reinvented approach to retail in the UK”.

Those making their way to the shopping centre over the next couple of weeks will get the chance to browse and shop from curated collections of everyday essentials – including denim, fleece, khakis, shirting, and of course, the iconic GAP logo-emblazoned products.

Not only that, but Gap.co.uk also offers a free next-day Click & Collect service, and a free returns option, to any GAP or NEXT store, including from the next Trafford Centre store, giving even more ways to shop.

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Customers can shop online, and then collect their orders in the new store.

A new GAP store is opening at the Trafford Centre this weekend / Credit: GAP UK

“We’re delighted to reintroduce the Gap brand back to The Trafford Centre,” explained Jon Jeffery, Managing Director at GAP.

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“Our opening is perfectly timed to offer amazing gifts for all the family this festive season.”

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Zoe Inman – Centre Director at the Trafford Centre – added: “We’re excited to welcome Gap to the Centre this month, as they partner with leading retailer NEXT to offer everyday essentials across womenswear, menswear, kids, and baby.

“We look forward to being part of its retail expansion journey and seeing its growth in the Northwest and beyond”.

Featured Image – GAP UK

Shopping

Tiffany & Co opens glittering new store within Selfridges at the Trafford Centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Tiffany & Co at Selfridges Trafford Centre in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

One of the world’s most famous jewellery brands has opened a dazzling new store at Selfridges, as the Trafford Centre welcomes Tiffany & Co.

This heritage brand now has a presence on the lower level of the luxury department store, selling its most recognisable items. 

The glittering new Tiffany & Co space is just beside the San Carlo champagne bar.

And although it’s tucked right in the heart of Selfridges, Tiffany & Co has gone to the effort of recreating the iconic windows from the New York flagship store, building a blue mosaic wall with window displays inside. 

Shoppers will be able to perch on plush cream-coloured stools to try on items from its four Icons collections – HardWear, Lock, T, and Knot –  before carrying your purchase off in that instantly-recognisable Tiffany blue bag. 

Founded more than 180 years ago, Tiffany & Co is synonymous with New York City but loved globally. 

The heritage brand’s T collection was inspired by the grid system of the streets and avenues of Manhattan, it helped to design the dollar bill, and also designed the invites for the opening of the Statue of Liberty. 

Tiffany & Co at Selfridges Trafford Centre in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Tiffany & Co at Selfridges Trafford Centre in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Tiffany & Co at Selfridges Trafford Centre in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

The Tiffany setting was the first engagement ring to have the diamond displayed on the band (which is now the standard) rather than embedded within the band – even the emoji on all our phones is a ring design invented by Tiffany & Co. 

It was the first jewellery designer to bring 925 sterling silver to the USA and it remains proud of its silver pieces. 

This is also the only jewellery name with full traceability of its diamonds, and rejects a whopping 0.04% to ensure only the highest-quality gems are used in its jewellery, cutting them for beauty rather than size. 

Tiffany & Co at Selfridges Trafford Centre in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

The brand has a lot of famous names associated with it – Dua Lipa has been proudly wearing Tiffany & Co jewellery on her tour and public appearances, Lady Gaga launched the Hardwear collection, and Miley Cyrus wore the  ‘Elsa Peretti’ Bone cuff to receive her first Grammy Award. 

Beyonce’s cowboy hat and even her in-house ear monitors for her Renaissance Tour were even created with Tiffany.

Tiffany & Co is also the creator of possibly the world’s most famous piece of jewellery, The Tiffany Yellow Diamond necklace, worn by only four women – Lady Gaga, Audrey Hepburn, Mary Whitehouse, and Beyonce.

The new Tiffany & Co Manchester is now open in store at Selfridges at the Trafford Centre. 

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Shopping

VK has launched a divisive new festive alcopop flavour

Danny Jones Danny Jones VK new chocolate orange drink festive flavour 2024

Beloved British drinks company VK has just launched a brand-new festive flavour for Christmas 2024 and let’s just say it’s proved to be a divisive one.

Known as one of the most popular alcopop producers in the UK, their Blue, Tropical Fruits, Black Cherry and numerous other flavours remain a popular beverage of choice across the country, be it at the pub, a house party or a cheeky Christmas tipple.

That being said, this holiday season VK are mixing things up even more than usual with an eye-catching returning flavour combo that has already got people talking – not least because they’ve hired the biggest digital billboard in Manchester to let people know about it.

Anyone fancy a VK chocolate orange?

Credit: Supplied

As you can see, in typically bold fashion, VK’s marketing team not only took over one of the biggest digital billboards in Europe to promote this year’s festive flavour for 2024 but they’ve also made a cheeky nod to a beloved Christmas icon, posing the question ‘Who the VK is Terry?’ 

Oh, and as for the big fella in orange, no, he’s not called Terry – why’d you ask?

Follow VK’s TikTok and other social accounts to keep up to date with all of his shenanigans:

@vkdrink Terry, who? 🍊#christmas #vk #wearevk ♬ Young bad girls do it well – Kimkcz

In all seriousness, taking inspiration from the much-loved chocolate orange flavoured and shaped confectionery that many people gift, receive and devour in spades every Christmas, VK has bottled the classic combo for their seasonal special and created a divisive Christmas alcopop. 

The lightly carbonated bev remains the number one RTD (ready-to-drink) brand among students and is popular among various other demographics too, especially since there’s a flavour to suit pretty much everyone’s tastes.

However, the question is besides being a conversation starter, does liquid chocolate orange go down nicely and is it worthy of finding its way into stocking fillers this year? 

VK billboard Manchester
chocolate orange vk drink
The limited edition seasonal special
Credit: The Manc Group

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Holly Bolus, Senior Brand Manager for VK, commented: “This activation is part of our new, bold marketing strategy, leveraging VK’s reputation for creating memorable experiences for our audience.

“Our brand ethos is all about fun and personality, so what better way to lean into this than with a tongue-in-cheek OOH campaign?”

VK Chocolate Orange is now available in their VK mixed pack for a limited time only. Get yours from Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Home Bargains and B&M – plus you could even get your hands on a free Christmas jumper too.

Targeting students and young adults who are looking for festive pre-drinks and party essentials, historically, VK’s seasonal flavours have a high rate of sale, making this year’s return even more significant for the brand.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — VK (supplied)/The Manc Group

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