Primark has put pop-up Hello Kitty cafes inside two of its biggest Greater Manchester stores to celebrate 50 years of the iconic character.
Can you believe Hello Kitty is turning 50 this year? Time really does fly.
To properly mark the five-decade anniversary, Primark has teamed up with Japanese entertainment company – and Hello Kitty creators – Sanrio to unveil a brand-new collection inspired by the pop culture icon that features more than 100 exciting items across the womenswear, kidswear, and homeware sections.
The fashion retailer says the new range “embodies the timeless charm” of Hello Kitty that all generations know and love.
From cosy loungewear, and playful accessories, to graphic tees, collectable bags, adorable nightwear, and so much more, each piece of the extensive range is said to be “infused” with the signature kawaii style of the beloved character, according to Primark.
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Primark has teamed up with Sanrio to launch a new collection celebrating 50 years of Hello Kitty / Credit: Primark
As part of Primark’s commitment to “providing affordable choices for everyone”, prices for the new collection start at just £1 for accessories, and go up to £25 as the maximum.
In a bid to celebrate the collection and launch it into stores, Primark has also announced the opening of the ‘Hello Kitty Café’ in select locations across the UK – with Primark’s stores in Manchester on Market Street, and at Trafford Palazzo, being two of the locations chosen.
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Customers at the pop-up cafes will, apparently, have the opportunity to be “immersed into the vibrant world of Hello Kitty”.
Open now right through until June, the cafes feature Instagram-worthy décor and serve up an array of limited-edition treats inspired by Hello Kitty, such as sweet waffles and savoury ‘bow’ buns, alongside themed beverages like bubble teas and shakes.
And, if you’re lucky, you might even get to meet Hello Kitty herself when she makes a surprise appearance at the stores over the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
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“Hello Kitty has been a cultural phenomenon since her debut in 1974, captivating hearts around the globe with her cute aesthetic,” commented Sarah Jackson, who is the Director of Licensing at Primark, as the new collection was unveiled this week.
“At Primark, we pride ourselves on our extensive license offering, and we’re thrilled to reveal our new collection and mark another exciting chapter in Hello Kitty’s enduring legacy.
“We want to offer our customers an unforgettable in-store experience and we’re delighted to once again transform our Primarket cafés into a Hello Kitty haven in five locations across the UK.”
Featured Image – Primark
Shopping
Opening date finally confirmed for new Uniqlo store at the Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Uniqlo is preparing to open its second store in Greater Manchester, and the official launch date has finally been confirmed.
The popular Japanese high street fashion retailer currently operates 24 stores in the UK, with its first British store having opened its doors all the way back in 2001, and its first European flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2007 – but it was revealed earlier this year in April that Manchester was set to get a second helping.
Uniqlo announced that it would be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre this autumn, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.
The Trafford Centre store is set to make Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.
When news broke that the hoardings had officially gone up inside the shopping centre, elated shoppers raced to the comments to say things like: “No way! I’ve been waiting years for this.”
Uniqlo is preparing to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre next month / Credit: | The Manc Group
“Uniqlo in Trafford Centre would be a dream come true,” another person said on Instagram, while a third added: “I will never have to step foot on Market Street again,” and plenty others chimed in with comments like ‘finally’ and ‘can’t wait’.
And now, we officially have an opening date to share with you.
Uniqlo will open in the Trafford Centre for the first time on Thursday 15 October, with plenty of events happening across its extended opening weekend.
Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming performances will be happening throughout the day on Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 October, while the first 300 customers to spend over £69.90 in store on the Thursday (15 October) will get a special Uniqlo Manchester goody bag.
Uniqlo’s arrival at the Trafford Centre follows the opening of several other high-profile stores in recent months, like Urban Outfitters, White Company, Stradivarius, and many more.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Shopping
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Emily Sergeant -
14th March 2024 
