Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has today welcomed a much-loved local business, Be+Positive (BEPO), who have opened a new pop-up shop.
The brand, which makes a lot of its items from recycled materials including parachutes, had a hugely successful stint at the shopping centre back in 2022.
Be+Positive (BEPO) is a sustainable, low carbon footprint clothing brand with a mission to destigmatize mental health
And now that it’s back, it’s brought along some brilliant Cheshire-based creators, who can show off their start-ups.
BEPO is sharing space with The Oh Design Foundation, which supports creative enterprises and its growing collective of sustainable, purpose driven and talented designers, makers and artists.
The pop-up at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet promises to be positivity-focused, with the chance to meet talented creators.
Inside Be+Positive (BEPO) at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Credit: SuppliedInside Be+Positive (BEPO) at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Credit: SuppliedInside Be+Positive (BEPO) at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Credit: Supplied
Brands from the Oh Design Foundation at the BEPO pop-up
Designer Oscar Munro, whose work includes a capsule collection of denim trousers, jacket coats and travel bags.
Mother-daughter duo TDS, who specialise in creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories using locally sourced fabrics and dead-stock materials.
Award-winning fashion designer Lili Sipeki, whose work focuses on creating unique apparel through reconstruction and re-purposing of waste denim and dead-stock fabrics.
The Felt Mistress, a local stitcher who creates a range of oine-off bespoke creatures with her partner, illustrator Jonathan Edwards.
Critically acclaimed illustrator, comic artist and toy designer Jonathan Edwards, whose artwork has also graced the covers of records by artists such as The Black Eyed Peas and The Jungle Brothers.
Industrial designer Alfie Munro, whose work focuses on biophilic design, helping individuals reconnect with the natural world.
Cheshire-based design studio Forest and Clay, which specialises in handcrafted luxury furniture, pottery and homewares.
Woodspring Co., known for their soy wax candles using essential oils and fragrance oils that come in biodegradable and recyclable packaging.
The pop-up space at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will also host members of the inclusive boxing community with special educational needs. The Wirral Boxing Club will be making an appearance on Sundays, when Jay Montessori and the Inclusive Hub’s coaches will host their regular Sunday Sessions, catering to participants of all abilities.
The artisans showcasing their crafts alongside BEPO will be at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet from 29 July until 10 September.
Kenny Murray, general manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “We always consider our guests’ feedback whenever we review new pop-ups at the Centre, and BEPO stands out as one of our visitors’ favourite local brands to support, receiving glowing reviews after each activation at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
“We have always stood behind the brand’s mission to encourage our guests to prioritise their mental wellbeing, which is why we are thrilled to announce the return of BEPO this summer.
“We encourage all our Centre visitors to feel empowered to open up about their wellbeing and seek those resources that could help with their situation.”
Ben Taylor, co-founder of BEPO and NHS Maintenance Support worker, said: “Each pop-up at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is a fantastic opportunity for us to interact with Centre guests and champion the causes we believe in.
“This year, we’re very excited to bring along some incredible handcrafted products created by local artists and makers who are aligned with the BEPO mission. Whether looking for a statement t-shirt or a handmade Mac, the pop-up will be sure to have something on offer for everyone, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to return to the Centre.”
Featured image: Supplied
Shopping
Sale Sharks drop Haçienda-inspired away kit for the 2025/26 season
Danny Jones
Local rugby side Sale Sharks have just released their new away kit for the 2025/26 season, taking inspiration from Manchester’s legendary nightclub, The Haçienda.
The Greater Manchester club have a great run with Macron as their suppliers, with the Italian sportswear manufacturer coming on board in 2021, but this might be one of their best shirts yet.
After teasing the latest jersey with a ‘This is OUR NORTH’ trailer on Wednesday, 20 August, ahead of the Premiership Rugby season getting underway next month, supporters were excited to see what the pair had come up with for their latest design.
Turns out, they had every reason to be, as the 25/26 Sale Sharks kit has gone down as an instant hit, with the rich, almost wine coloured number integrating that iconic Haçienda pattern.
With Sharks men’s and women’s stars Carmen Castellucci, recent signing Nathan Jibulu, Nikita Prothero, Sam Dugdale, and Ernst van Rhyn all getting involved for the kit reveal, the new away shirt went on sale this Thursday morning (10 Aug).
Aside from the recognisable chevron pattern, which nods to the famous Mancunian music venue and the city’s storied clubbing scene, the launch video was filmed within a special exhibition in honour of the man behind The Haçienda and co-founder of Factory Records, the one and only Tony Wilson.
Plenty of tourists have visited the city to see the Tony Wilson Exhibition at the Smolensky Gallery – the showcase having just ended this past July – but this short shoot looks to help extend the celebrations of his legacy.
As for the kit itself, Sale Sharks and Macron have gone for another very Mancunian colour scheme, it would seem, choosing magenta and Bordeaux hues as a tribute to another one of our most famous creations: Vimto.
You’ve just got to love a kit with multiple hometown references.
It might not be full-on black and yellow (Man City already did that a couple of years ago), but it’s still an eye-catching pattern and colour combo.
Other little touches that will no doubt please fans include the embossed print depicting a shark fin at the bottom of the shirt and the date 1861 – the year the rugby union team was founded.
While plant-based ‘super food’ sponsor BOL takes pride of place in the front of the female jerseys, the men’s team remain with Toshiba, and the shirts themselves are made from Eco Fabric: 100% polyester derived from post-consumer recycled plastic.
So, what do you make of the new and very Manc away shirt, Sale Sharks fans? All we know is it’s been a great summer for kits all-round.
Featured Images — Sale Sharks (supplied)/Loco Steve (via Flickr)
Shopping
Manchester chosen for first-ever Pro:Direct Soccer ‘FC’ concept store
Danny Jones
Manchester city centre has been chosen for the first-ever Pro:Direct Soccer concept store, which is set to be unveiled very soon.
While a specific opening date is yet to be announced, we now have a confirmed venue, which will be none other than the Arndale.
The world-famous online retailer first began experimenting with brick-and-mortar stores over a decade ago, with their LDN19 shop in the capital opening back in 2014, but now they’ve signed a new 10-year lease in the busy Manc shopping centre.
Set to open early in 2026, the flagship ‘PD:FC’ site promises to be “more than a store” and is purpose-built to celebrate all things football culture.
The hoardings are already up. (Credit: Supplied)
Due to take over a 9,180 sq ft unit spanning two floors, the new ‘Football Performance and Culture store’ is tipped as the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
Choosing Manchester due to its rich music, fashion, sporting and football heritage, most specifically, our home was seen as a natural destination for the new concept.
The debut PD:FC store is not only looking to offer a unique retail experience to our footy-obsessed city, but also deliver a site for innovation and cultural crossover.
As per an official press release, the brand says PD:FC “ensures every player finds the right fit, feel, and edge to allow them to ‘Play Better’”, adding that it will “curates the evolving world of football culture, harnessing the energy of the streets, the glory of stadiums, and the influences within game and beyond.”
‘PRO:DIRECT Sport PD:FC’ will be come just the latest in a recent trend of high-profile openings in the Arndale and neighbouring New Cathedral Street, with the likes of Sephora and Represent attracting huge opening day queues, not to mention fellow sport and activity brands, Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga and Trailberg.
Speaking on the announcement, PRO:DIRECT Sport‘s Chief of Brand, Sam Baldock, said: “Manchester is the beating heart of football culture – a city where the game’s history, passion, and future collide.
“Launching our new PD:FC concept here is about more than opening a store; it’s about creating a space that lives and breathes football and its culture.
“A place where players and fans can connect with the very best the sport has to offer. This is our home for the football-inspired community in the Manchester area – from the streets to the stadiums – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors.”
Daisy Jackson -
28th July 2023 
