Back in the day, vending machines used to be for one thing – snacks.
But nowadays – especially in countries like Japan – you can buy just about anything from one of the huge gadgets.
Hot meals, groceries, cocktails, milk, gifts, toiletries, you name it, you can buy it without setting foot in a shop or speaking to a single human.
It was only a matter of time until Manchester got in on the vending machine action, and there are some very high-tech options springing up around the Arndale.
The first that caught our eye in this huge shopping centre is a robot machine selling candy floss creations.
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At the touch of a few buttons and depositing £5.20 of your hard-earned cash, a robotic arm will spin sugar into flowers, love hearts, and stars, in an array of pretty pastel colours, before politely handing it back to you through a cat flap.
Located right in the corner of the Manchester Arndale’s food court (bewilderingly close to the toilets), this flashing neon attraction is definitely about as cute as vending machines come.
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But it’s not alone.
Down in the main shopping area, just outside Next, stands another pink machine, this time filled with beauty products.
A vending machine selling false lashes in the Manchester ArndaleA vending machine selling false lashes in the Manchester Arndale
There are false eyelashes disguised as cheese and onion crisps, lipglosses dangling on a keychain, eyebrow gels, lip oils, and false lashes in just about every shape, size, colour and volume you could think of.
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They’re cheaper than a lot of lashes too, with pairs starting at £3.
Right next to this is another machine where you can rent a power bank for charging your phone.
Not too long ago there was a cupcake vending machine right outside Wilko (RIP), but in all the months it was there I never once saw it operating.
It’s now been replaced by a Marvel arcade machine.
A toy vending machineAnd a false nails vending machine next to it
But just around the corner opposite one of Manchester’s many Subways is another row of pastel-hued flashing vending machines.
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One sells items for as much as £23. And what do you get for that? A toy.
This one is the ECTOYS Robo Shop, where you can buy collectable characters like Hello Kitty, Shinwoo and Farmer Bob, plus adorable pandas undertaking different activities.
And just next to that is another beauty-focused vending machine, this one specalising in press-on nails.
Prices for the false talons range from £4.99 to £8.99.
A FREE event where little Mancs can meet Bluey is coming to MediaCity this half term
Thomas Melia
There’s a free event making its way to MediaCity this half term, and its fronted by a very familiar children’s TV character.
As schools across Greater Manchester are out for half term at the end of this month, toy manufacturers Little Tikes are heading to MediaCity and bringing everyone’s favourite adventurous puppy Bluey along for the ride too.
And better yet, it’s all completely free.
This day-long event – which is to celebrate the launch of Little Tikes and Bluey’s collaboration – will feature an abundance of Little Tikes toys for kids to try out, while parents can put their feet up and watch some Bluey on the big outdoor screen.
Alongside some much needed rest for parents, kids and adults alike can take part in a ‘Spin to Win’-style competition and even get their face painted.
Whilst playing around with items such as the ‘Bluey Beach Day Sandbox’ and ‘Bluey Beach Water Table’, fan-favourite moments from the show will be broadcast onto the big screen.
There’s also a foot-to-floor car which kids can zoom around in titled ‘Bluey Grannies Car Coupe’, and the log flume inspired ‘Bluey Bushland Adventure’ where you can splash around mini-figurines from the TV show.
If that wasn’t enough Bluey for you in one day, the cute pup herself will be meeting and greeting little ones throughout the day – what more could you ask for?
A free event where little Mancs can meet Bluey is coming to MediaCity this half term / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ad what better place to host this special event than at MediaCity Waterside Steps, just outside of CBeebies HQ, which has recently received an all-new revamp.
Each attendee will be given a 45-minute slot throughout the day in which they can visit the attraction, and tickets are given out on a first-come-first-serve basis.
If you’re interested in having some family fun this May half term, why not tag along with Little Tikes and Bluey for this free event at Media City on Wednesday 28 May from 11am onwards – with tickets HERE.
Featured Images – Bluey
Shopping
Beloved Danish lifestyle and home decor store Søstrene Grene to open new site in Stockport
Emily Sergeant
Stockport has been given the ‘Grene’ light, as a beloved Danish lifestyle and home decor brand is opening in the town’s centre.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
Founded in Aarhus in Denmark back in 1973 by Inger Grene and Knud Cresten Vaupell Olsen, Søstrene Grene – which translates as the ‘Green Sisters’ – is now led by Grene’s sons, Mikkel and Cresten Grene, making sure that while the brand continues to grow internationally, it still stays true to its family roots.
Søstrene Grene will be taking over a spacious 4590 sq ft unit formerly occupied by JD Sports inside Stockport‘s Merseyway Shopping Centre, and it’s already being described as an ‘exciting milestone’ moment for the Greater Manchester town.
Søstrene Grene will be opening a new site in Stockport / Credit: The Manc Group
Shoppers will be able to experience a signature immersive shopping experience when the brand opens in Stockport.
Think soft lighting, classical music, and a distinctive labyrinth-style layout designed to surprise and inspire at every turn – everything Søstrene Grene is known and loved for.
Central to Stockport’s £1bn regeneration plans, Merseyway is playing a key role in the town’s vision of a ‘thriving and vibrant’ town centre, and Søstrene Grene’s opening will be a huge part of that alongside other major projects including new cultural and creative space Stockroom, and the Merseyway Innovation Centre offering flexible working spaces and offices to support local businesses.
The beloved Danish lifestyle and home decor store is known for its affordable prices / Credit: The Manc Group
“We are looking very much forward to opening our first store in wonderful Stockport,” commented Søstrene Grene Group’s CEO, Mikkel Grene.
“This opening will further solidify our presence in Greater Manchester, where we already have many loyal customers. The location in Merseyway Shopping Centre is superb and this new store will be the first in the area to showcase our newest shopping concept where we have worked especially on evoking the visitors’ senses.
“We want our visitors to feel like entering a Søstrene Grene is like taking a break from an often-hectic everyday life and we cannot wait to spread this feeling amongst shoppers in Stockport.”
Søstrene Grene is opening in Stockport later this year.
Daisy Jackson -
17th February 2024 
