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
Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
Shopping
The old cotton mill in Stockport that’s home to the largest vintage lifestyle centre in the North West
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Who would’ve known the largest vintage lifestyle centre in the North West, is tucked away here in Stockport?
Nestled inside a former Edwardian red-brick cotton spinning mill is where you can find The Vintage Emporium, supplying a unique shopping experience that is sure to fulfil all of your antique desires.
Pear New Mill is a Grade II listed building, set on the northern bank of the River Goyt in Bredbury, which is now home to a range of different businesses from an Adidas outlet store, to a climbing wall and of course The Vintage Emporium.
The Vintage Emporium hosts a maze of over 65 independent traders, selling everything from vintage clothes, furniture, jewellery, kitchenware, retro vinyl, and antiques, mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Every section has something different to quench all of your vintage needs, with lots of quirky items including a huge Flake 99 statue, Japanese parasols and taxidermy – perfect interior decor for your new home if you ask me.
Not to mention it has the sweetest on-site tea room equipped with antique furniture, ornate teacups and crockery, serving up some delicious toasties and sweet treats to pair with your brew. Name a better way to spend your Saturday? I’ll wait.
Pear Mill is located just off of the M60, with free parking and it is in relatively close proximity to Stockport Train station making it easily accessible from across Greater Manchester and a great addition to your next trip to Stockport.
Vintage finds at Pear Mill, StockportVinyls are for sale here tooAnother corner at The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill, StockportVintage teddy bearsA corner of vintage fashionJust one of many corners filled with treasuresLeather jackets and other fashion piecesThe Vintage Tea RoomPear Mill in Stockport is home to The Vintage EmporiumThe Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill in StockportAn adorable find
It’s open seven days a week, with the cafe open until 3pm everyday except Wednesdays. Oh, and nobody has to miss out as four-legged friends are welcome to have a browse too.
Go on grab your mates and enjoy a wholesome morning soaking up all of the history or take your nan for a little trip down memory lane.
Emily Sergeant -
14th March 2024 
