Beloved nineties and noughties clothing band Bench is at the beginning of a renaissance, and as they prepare to hand out free samples and even tattoos as part of their ‘Revival Collection’ sale, they’re returning to where it all started: Manchester.
Toasting the Y2K trends that have come back into style, the locally-founded label – started here in our city circa 1989 – is once again looking to make inroads and remind everyone why they were such a cult favourite name to begin with.
Preparing to reinstate its position in the Manc streetwear scene, Bench is set to make its comeback with a massive sample sale right here in Manchester, and there’s plenty of discounted stuff plus complimentary bits up for grabs.
We’re about to dance and dress like it’s 1999.
@bench.official Your first look at our AW25 Revival collection, available exclusively at Bench. Open House at the @Manchester Social this Thursday 6th November 👀 Shop samples old and new (yep, there’s even more available) for exclusive prices at our Manchester city centre sample sale event 💸 #samplesale#manchester♬ original sound – Bench Official
Spread across three whole floors, the ‘Bench Open House’ and Y2K Revival Collection will be on show at The Manchester Social tattoo studio.
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Featuring timeless staples like oversized tees, vintage wash and classic turn-of-the-century style denim, big, baggy sweats and low-slung trousers re-designed for a new era.
Promising “extra goodies” from brands like Isovibe and Sunday Rain to the first 50 purchases on the day, you can expect plenty of familiar makes on show.
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Being housed at Manchester Social too, the first 25 guests to book in will get a free flash tattoo on the night, courtesy of the studio’s talented fine-line artists; bookings can be made online or over the phone in advance for this directly.
And that’s no way near all there is on offer…
Those coming along can also enjoy retro gaming, nostalgic beats from live DJs supplying ’90s house party vibes, as well as cool photo ops, cocktails from Zubrowka (bison grass vodka brand), Baby Beer shots by Licor 43, plus non-alcoholic rum cocktails from Caleño. Immaculate energy all night long.
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We’re personally loving how much late 1990s/early ’00s fashion is doing the rounds again. (Credit: Press shots)
Most importantly of all, the full proceeds from the sale will be donated to the native homeless charity Mustard Tree, which helps support people across the region.
Joanne Reidy, Head of Marketing at Bench’s parent group Apparel Brands, commented: “At Bench, Manchester isn’t just our home, it’s helped shape our identity.
“We’re proud that every sale from the Open House sample sale will go directly to Mustard Tree, supporting their vital work helping people across the city.”
Jack Barton, Head of Communications at the non-profit organisation, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to be the beneficiary of this event. Our mission is to combat poverty and prevent homelessness – it is down to the goodwill of our Greater Manchester partners who make this possible.
The Bench Open House and sample sale event takes place from 6-10pm at Manchester Social (9 South King Street, M2 6DG) this Thursday, 6 November. It’s completely free entry, but those looking to cop one of the selected designs can book in now.
Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via Bench)
Shopping
Tens of thousands queue for exclusive new Selfridges Jellycat toy
Daisy Jackson
Selfridges has today unveiled a brand-new, exclusive Jellycat toy – and it’s proving so popular an online queue has had to be put in place.
At the time of writing, a whopping 28,000 people are currently in a virtual queue to purchase the adorable new Jellycat character, with a wait time of more than an hour.
Today, Selfridges debuted a world-exclusive toy for the department store – a plushie version of its iconic yellow bag.
The Jellycat Amuseables toy comes in a soft yellow fabric, with the signature Jellycat smile, plus corded handles and legs.
And it does function as a miniature bag too, perfect for storing other pieces from your collection.
It’s been launched to celebrate a milestone 25 years of partnership between the two brands.
The Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag. Credit: The Manc Group
The Selfridges x Jellycat exclusive retails at £48 – and its price has done absolutely nothing to deter people from shopping.
As well as being stocked online, the Selfridges bag soft toy is available in store in Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre in Manchester, as well as in Birmingham and London.
Judd Crane, Selfridges Executive Director, Buying and Brand, said: “We are very proud to be part of Jellycat’s incredible story, as one of the brand’s first stockists, launching at Selfridges in 2000,” reports The Industry.Fashion.
The current queue on the Selfridges website for the Jellycat exclusive
“We have watched the Jellycat brand, and family, evolve as its loyal and inclusive community of fans and collectors continues to grow and grow. Twenty five years later, Jellycat is a firm favourite with our customers, who come to us for characters and experiences which make their day brighter.
“The Selfridges yellow bag is perhaps the most recognisable part of our brand personality, and we are excited be able to share it with Jellycat!”
You can pick up the Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag in-store and online from today.
To celebrate 25 years of @Jellycat and @Selfridges, there’s a brand new character on the shelf and she’s beautiful 🥹💛 📍 Available now at both Selfridges Exchange Square and Trafford Centre #manchester#selfridges#jellycat#jellycatcollection#manc
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has shared details of a huge late night shopping event, where major brands will be offering major discounts.
The outlet village is one of the top shopping destinations in the North West and a favourite with Mancs looking to save big on fashion, beauty and homewares.
And now there’ll be even bigger savings to be had with the return of the Late Night Shopping Event this week.
If you head across to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, you could save up to an extra 30% on outlet prices.
And there are some big brands taking part, including adidas, Dr Martens, UGG, All Saints, and Levi’s.
Whether it’s a new handbag, a pair of winter boots, or early Christmas presents for the family, the event is the ideal time to get your shopping done.
Highlights of the Late Night Shopping Event will include 20% extra discount at dozens of big-name stores like Calvin Klein, Russell & Bromley, Salomon and The Cosmetic Company, and even bigger discounts at brands like Dr Marten, Lacoste and Jack Wolfskin.
And if you want a break from the shopping, you’ll be able to enjoy magical performances throughout the night.
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be open from 10am until 10pm on both the 29 and 30 October.
Away from the Late Night Shopping Event this week, there are plenty more reasons to visit Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this season.
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ve just unveiled their ice rink ‘Oaks on Ice’, a 600 sq metre rink that has space for 200 skaters, with a unique ice path that leads to a viewing platform.
It has a partially open top, bespoke light rings, and a festive garland for maximum magic, and sits at the heart of the Outlet’s dedicated Christmas events space.
Other attractions include the Winter Village, Santa in the Sky, and the Big Wheel.
“We can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they finally step on to the ice.” says Kenny Murray, General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
“It’s going to be a proud moment for us and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s looking. The stunning path leading round the tree will be a great moment for families to share.”
There are new openings you might have missed too, like Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lindt, Joe & The Juice, and Gail’s.
Find out more and see all the offers for the Late Night Shopping Event HERE.
Danny Jones -
5th November 2025 
