Small businesses, boutiques and independent labels are the bread and butter of Manchester, they’re our beating heart.
However, after a difficult year of store closures and mapping a pandemic, our local businesses may not be as safe as we once presumed.
If we want these boutiques to always be around the corner, it’s crucial we keep supporting them.
If times are tight and you can’t shell out loads of cash doing so, not to worry! Here are some of the best alternative ways to support your local creatives.
Small businesses need our help more than ever / Image: Tim Mossholder via Pexels
Leave a review
We’ve all been there before – about to book a table at a restaurant or visit a new coffee shop, but we can’t help but check the reviews beforehand just in case.
ADVERTISEMENT
Too often, we will leave a negative review if we’re dissatisfied with the service, but people rarely think to leave some positive words when they have enjoyed something.
Not only will your praise mean the world to a small business owner, it will also help potential customers make an informed decision when visiting.
ADVERTISEMENT
Interact with their social media posts
Due to the pandemic, a lot of local businesses have shifted their efforts online, either fully abandoning their brick-and-mortar stores or putting more focus on a website.
Therefore, social media is an invaluable tool for many independents trying to reach new audiences and attract customers.
A little really goes a long way – sharing Facebook posts, mentioning them in an Instagram story or liking their TikToks take two seconds, yet could make a massive difference.
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommend them to friends
If you love a certain small business, chances are your friends and family will too.
Why not introduce them to your latest discovery in Manchester’s independent scene? You never know, they might just fall in love with it.
Plus, it feels great as a small business owner to know that people are talking about your work and loving it.
Something as simple as leaving a review can make a huge difference to independents / Image: Rachel Claire via Pexels
Shop with them for presents
From Mother’s Day to graduation and everything in between, there’s always another occasion or event to buy gifts for.
Instead of doing a quick Amazon order or shopping from a global chain, why not support a local creative and shop from their store to find the perfect piece?
ADVERTISEMENT
Chances are you’ll find something unique that can’t be found anywhere else, plus the dedication and effort to find the perfect piece will definitely gain you some bonus friendship points.
Purchase a gift card
Gift cards don’t have to be a present, you can even use them yourself when making purchases.
This is a great way to show your loyalty and return to the store numerous times to try something new.
If you can’t physically get into their store (or, worst-case scenario, we enter more restrictions), this is a great way to still demonstrate your support.
Neglect the chain when treating yourself
Whether it’s an iced coffee and cake on a summer’s day, or splurging on a fancy dress, why not turn towards a small business when treating yourself?
ADVERTISEMENT
It’s easy to visit your local chain and buy something, but chances are you’ll pay a similar price for a much nicer product (plus an incredible evening) by staying local.
Even if it’s only something small, these swaps will make a massive difference in the long run.
Businesses are trying to recover after a tough 18 months / Image: Amina Filkins via Pexels
Show your appreciation
Above all, remember to be a nice customer! Don’t hide it if you like something – you can guarantee the owners will love to hear about it!
Visiting a local small business with a smile on your face and telling the staff how much you love their work may seem like a small act, but in reality it’ll make their day.
While this doesn’t help in terms of money, that positive experience may just be the motivation they need to continue with their craft.
Manchester United set to release two classic remake kits, including a ‘blackout’ shirt
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly planning to release not just one, but another two classic remake kits, based on one of their most recognisable shirts of all time.
As many other teams have done for special anniversaries and limited edition strips, one of them is set to be a ‘blackout’ version of the iconic design, too.
Having already dropped a re-release of the 1990-92 ‘snowflake’ away kit this past April, along with various other bits of lifestyle/casualwear, the success of their retro range needs no explanation.
With that in mind, supporters who remember the initial Adidas era, football fashionistas and collectors alike will no doubt be clamouring to get their hands on either or both of these shirts.
The right-hand side is an educated prediction by the outlet. (Credit: Footy Headlines)
Based on the same adidas Originals template initially used for the 1986-88- home kit, according to the ever-reliable Footy Headlines, a similar faithful recreation is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
We’ve already heard rumblings of a Man United fourth kit expected to be added to their rotation for the upcoming campaign, but this is thought to be separate from the match-worn 2026/27 alternate.
As you can see, the rumoured ’86 remake by United will mark 30 years since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson first took charge of the club, before going on to spend the best of three decades there himself.
Featuring the traditional ‘adi trefoil’ logo and the famous Sharp Electronics sponsor on the front, as well as the sublimated old school pattern – just as seen with the aforementioned modern edition of the ’90-92 jersey – the second version will be exactly the same, only, you guessed it: all black.
With the INEOS ownership group clearly looking to double down on nostalgia and the improving mood around the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ now that they’re back in the Champions League, revenues already look to be on the rise.
Ruben Amorim famously turned this down – but not Michael Carrick…
The retro range has become just the latest of several new money spinners for the Red Devils as they look to get their finances back on track, as well as their performances on the pitch.
This summer transfer window is also now open, and with one deal already said to be done and at least a couple more in the pipeline, the income from merchandising will no doubt help to fund at least part of their various lots of these deals this year.
It isn’t just new players they have to pay for either, as it’s also costing them north of £1 million to returf the pitch inside the ground – and they still have the prospect of a new stadium to replace Old Trafford, let’s not forget.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester
Emily Sergeant
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Daisy Bradbury -
16th July 2021 
