Shopping

HIP – New shop swoops in to former Oi Polloi site in the Northern Quarter

Good news for lovers of Carhartt tbh.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 4th June 2023

A new retailer has already taken over the old Oi Polloi unit in the Northern Quarter, after the beloved streetwear shop closed after more than 20 years.

In its place now is HIP, a lifestyle store founded in Leeds back in 1987.

Brands stocked by HIP include Carhartt WIP, Fred Perry, Adidas Originals, Converse and The North Face.

The shop has opened its doors this week on Thomas Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter – good news for everyone who called for a high-quality retail offering to stay in this part of town.

This is HIP’s first shop outside of Leeds and promises a roster of sought-after and exclusive products, ranging from clothing and footwear to accessories.

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Inside HIP in the Northern Quarter. Credit: Supplied
Inside HIP in the Northern Quarter. Credit: Supplied
Inside HIP in the Northern Quarter. Credit: Supplied
Inside HIP in the Northern Quarter. Credit: Supplied

It spans 1405sq ft, in the beautiful brick corner unit that was home to Oi Polloi for more than two decades.

HIP promises to cater to discerning shoppers who appreciate good design and high quality.

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As well as the items up for sale, HIP will also offer in-store experiences and in-depth product knowledge from specialists in the streetwear industry.

And customers will be able to order from their extensive stock and collect in store for just £1.

HIP officially opened its doors in the Northern Quarter on Friday 2 June.

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Featured image: supplied

Shopping

River Island reopens Manchester Arndale store – and it’s unrecognisable

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson River Island has reopened in the Manchester Arndale after a refurbishment. Credit: The Manc Group

River Island in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre is ready to reopen after a major makeover, and it’s bigger than ever.

The stunning space now spans 13,947 square feet and comes with interactive fitting rooms where you can order extra sizes on an iPad, self-checkouts, and a limited-edition collection exclusive to the Arndale.

The huge shop’s refurb follows a similar move at their Trafford Centre store, where River Island moved into the former Topshop unit.

Now, the three-storey store in the heart of the Arndale has been given a lick of duck-egg blue, and transformed into a beachy paradise.

Officially throwing its doors open this morning, Thursday 25 April, with Lucy Mecklenburgh cutting the ribbon, the huge shop is already welcoming hordes of shoppers.

Over the weekend, you’ll spot plenty of activations to celebrate River Island’s relaunch.

There are people carrying gigantic shopping bags handing out scratch cards with different discounts on, a Spin the Wheel with prizes, free coffees, a pop-up flower cart and loads more.

And the first people to spend more than £55 on each day between 25 and 28 April will receive a limited-edition tote bag.

High-tech changing rooms at the new River Island in the Manchester Arndale
High-tech changing rooms at the new River Island in the Manchester Arndale
Accessories in River Island's new Manchester Arndale store
Accessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale store
The kids' clothing collection in River Island
The kids’ clothing collection in River Island
Accessories in River Island's new Manchester Arndale store
Accessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale store

This new River Island store has a limited-edition collection of one-off, premium pieces featuring exclusive fabrics and luxury detailing.

The 19-piece, bohemian-inspired collection starts at £45 and will only be available in the Arndale store.

Inside you’ll find all the usual River Island goodies, including a huge amount of holiday shop items, plus denim, occasion-wear, shoes, handbags, and kids’ clothing.

The new River Island store will open on 25 April in The Arndale shopping centre in Manchester.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Shopping

Sephora confirms opening date for new megastore at Manchester’s Trafford Centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Sephora confirms opening date for new megastore at Trafford Centre

Beauty fans rejoice – Sephora has finally announced plans to open a store in Manchester, and soon.

The world-famous retailer, which stops luxury skincare and makeup brands as well as cult items, has secured a spot in the Trafford Centre.

This will be the third UK store for Sephora, which currently has two shops down in London, and its first trip up north.

And after a fair bit of teasing and plenty of rumours, they’ve confirmed that their next megastore will be right here in Greater Manchester.

Hoardings have appeared inside the Trafford Centre, plastered in Sephora’s black and white branding, around a unit next to AllSaints.

The signs read: “Manchester, you called it. Our first Northern store in 2024.”

Sephora says it will ‘redefine the beauty landscape in the North with an extraordinary product range that caters to the diverse needs of beauty enthusiasts’.

Cult brands stocked at Sephora include Huda Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, The Ordinary, Glossier and Makeup by Mario.

Sephora wrote on Instagram: “You heard correctly — Sephora is coming to the TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER.

“Get your shopping baskets ready as we’re on our way up north! More to be revealed soon, see you in 2024…”

The Trafford Centre shared: “You asked, we listened! The wait is over….your @sephorauk opens late Spring 2024.”

Sarah Boyd, managing director of Sephora UK, said: “We are extremely excited to bring Sephora to Manchester, one of the most vibrant cities for beauty in the UK.

“Expanding our presence beyond London is something that consumers have been screaming out for, and we are listening hard to them when deciding where to go next.

“The Trafford Centre, known for its iconic atmosphere and diverse retail offering, is the perfect location for our third store.”

Russell Loveland, managing director at Pradera Lateral – Trafford Centre’s Asset Managers, said: “This iconic beauty giant already has a cult following, and our own social media has been blowing up with enquiries from excited customers eager for Sephora to open.

“We are very proud Sephora chose the Trafford Centre for its next location, which will be its first store in the North of England, and know it will be a fantastic success and a great addition to our strong international brand lineup.”

One person commented on Sephora’s Instagram post: “This is the best news I’ve heard all year!”

Another said: “OMG ITS HAPPENING, STAY CALM”

And someone wrote on Trafford Centre’s post: “Omg omg can’t wait.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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