One of the world’s coolest retailers has finally landed in Manchester, with the opening of our very first Flying Tiger.
The Danish variety store sells everything from kitchenware to stationery to toys to fancy dress to spices – and prices are unbelievably affordable.
We’re talking greetings cards from 50p, classic board games from £4, and genuinely beautiful plant pots for a fiver.
You can get a kids’ xylophone for £5 if you like them, or embarrass them by dressing them up as a bright orange pumpkin for Halloween for £8.
For crafty types, there’s a hot glue gun for £7, as well as balls of yarn, bags of googly eyes, and a paint-by-numbers kit (stocking filler sorted).
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There’s even a mini handheld sewing machine for just £6.
Outside Flying Tiger in the Arndale. Credit: The Manc GroupFancy dress galore. Credit: The Manc Group
As if that’s not all cheap enough, there’s an actual clearance section, where prices are slashed and candle holders and picture frames are sold for as little as a quid.
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It’s an absolute dream for stocking up on gifts and trinkets without breaking the bank (which, given that cost-of-living nightmare, is perfect timing).
Shoppers are taken on an IKEA-like journey, with a clear one-way system zigzagging past row upon row of treats.
Click or swipe through the gallery below to see more from Flying Tiger
Halloween items at Flying TigerKids’ toysA handheld sewing machineA wall of slippersKitchen gadgets More kitchen itemsA wall of spices
Need some giant marshmallows? They’ve got it. Novelty unicorn slippers? Yep, and there are dragon ones too. Desperate for some reading glasses? You can get them at Flying Tiger for £6.
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Mancs have been crying out for Flying Tiger to open a shop here for years – our mates in Sheffield and Leeds already have stores, with loads more dotted around the country (and 27 in London, naturally).
Disgrunted tweets have included this one: “WHY ISN’T THERE A FLYING TIGER STORE IN MANCHESTER it is the bane of my bloody life.”
And this one: “Manchester doesn’t have a flying tiger shop ??? Where the f*ck do you all buy nice bits for a bargain value ??? I’m cancelling the north and returning to the south immediately.”
Then once the news of its arrival was announced back in March, excited outbursts included: “a flying tiger is opening in manchester arndale gonna pee my pants.”
And this: “this is the best thing ever, i was so sad about not having a flying tiger in manchester. literally the best shop ever.”
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But anyway, it’s here now, and taking up a unit on the Arndale’s lower mall near the new Paperchase.
Its opening coincides with news that the old Topshop unit will finally be back in use, with Clarks and Gilly Hicks both moving in.
Happy shopping!
Featured image: The Manc Group
Shopping
Huge vintage home show to take over historic Manchester building next month
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most historic buildings is set to host a huge home show full of vintage finds next month.
The Vintage Home Show is taking over Victoria Baths for their second event of the year.
For anyone looking to add a retro touch to their homes, this is a chance to feast your eyes on a carefully-curated collection of furniture, homeware, ceramics, artworks, vinyl records, and more stocked by more than 60 knowledgeable sellers in a welcoming atmosphere amid the empty Grade II-listed swimming pool.
Planning to renovate in a vintage style? Or looking for one missing piece of the puzzle? This event can help you track down that something special for your home.
From one-off minimalist pieces, to mass-market retro and kitsch classics, with prices for items starting from as little as £1, you’ll have the chance to shop the collections of dozens of quality independent dealers from right around the UK, all under one historic roof.
Browse a selection of vibrant stalls featuring pieces spanning from the mid-century decades to the bold brightness of the 1990s, and everything in between.
No matter what your budget, you’ll find that gorgeous something to suit your impeccable taste.
Once you’ve finished shopping everything you need to transform your home, you can stop off at Victoria Baths’ on-site cafe to treat yourself to a selection of cakes, savouries, pastries, and soup, as well as both hot and cold drinks.
A huge vintage home show will be taking over the historic Victoria Baths in Manchester next month / Credit: Vintage Home Show
The Vintage Home Fair will take over Victoria Baths on Sunday 5 October, kicking off from 10:30am for keen shoppers after ‘Early Bird’ entry, while ‘Standard Entry’ starts at 11am and runs through the day until 3:30pm.
Due to popularity, the event will be operating a timed ticket entry process, that way organisers can manage the numbers of visitors in the building at any one time to allow everyone a chance to see everything.
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Tickets are now on sale, priced anywhere from £2 to £6 depending on the time you go, so you simply need to arrive anytime within your allocated hour and stay as long as you wish.
Manchester Arndale to host FREE beauty event with mini makeovers, live demos, and more this weekend
Emily Sergeant
A new free beauty event is coming to Manchester Arndale this weekend, featuring top brands such as Sephora and Space NK.
Taking over Exchange Court in the Arndale for two days, which is next to Next inside the major shopping centre, The Beauty in You event will be offering free mini makeovers and one-to-one consultations, as well as showcasing live demos, offering the chance to win exciting beauty prizes, and so much more.
Sephora, Space NK, The Body Shop, Bperfect, and Rituals are just some of the renowned brands set to be involved across the two-day event, while Boots-based and designer beauty brands like L’Oreal Luxe, MAC, and Estée Lauder will also be there.
Shoppers can discover new looks and upgrade their beauty routine with consultations and live demos from professional makeup artists.
There’s also a chance to be rewarded when you shop, as all weekend you simply just need to spend £50 or more across any of Manchester Arndale’s health and beauty stores, show your receipts to the event staff in Exchange Court, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £500 Beauty Bundle packed with must-have products to take your routine to the next level.
You can shop from the likes of PURESEOL, BPerfect, KIKO Milano, Bath & Body Works, and Lush for a chance to win big.
For the chance to win even more prizes, you can try your luck on the Spin to Shine Wheel to unlock some ‘uplifting’ rewards – from exclusive vouchers to brilliant prizes.
Manchester Arndale is hosting a free beauty event with mini makeovers, live demos, and more / Credit: Supplied
Don’t forget to strike a pose and snap a selfie at the interactive photo experience too.
Plus, as well as expecting to hear insider advice from some of the biggest names in beauty, the Arndale’s feel-good ambassadors, The Beauty Spots, will be at the event all weekend handing out compliments, encouragement, and just spreading general joy.
The Beauty in You event is the ultimate chance to ‘test, try and transform’ your routine all in one place, so make sure to head to Exchange Court this Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September.
The event runs from 12-6pm on Saturday, and 12-5:30pm on Sunday.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd October 2022 
