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
Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
Daisy Jackson -
22nd October 2022 
