Fashion brand PrettyLittleThing has given its HQ in Manchester a huge makeover, creating a pink palace for all its staff to work from.
Glimpses of the colourful space – which includes a huge pink unicorn, a quad bike, a cloud ceiling and big squishy pink sofas – have been shared on social media in recent weeks.
Even Molly-Mae Hague herself, a super-influencer who works as PLT’s creative director, popped in and shared snippets of the new HQ to her 7.5m followers.
So when PLT invited us here at The Manc over for a tour, we were there quicker than you can say ‘Kardashian collaboration’.
The online fashion brand was launched way back in 2012, and has since become a global heavyweight in the retail world.
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There are now offices in London, Paris and Los Angeles, and celebrity fans have included Miley Cyrus, Kourtney Kardashian, Michelle Keegan, Rita Ora, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.
So yeah – kind of a big deal.
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A bar space at PLT HQ. Credit: The Manc GroupPLT HQ. Credit: The Manc GroupThe dining area at PLT HQ. Credit: The Manc Group
Their headquarters are based on an unassuming plot of land just north of Ancoats, a short walk from the Etihad Stadium and Hope Mill Theatre, and neighbouring Pollard Yard.
But once you’re through the industrial gates, it’s like being plunged into a world of pink and shimmer.
There’s a reception space where neon spells out the words ‘dream big, work hard, make it happen’, and a winged unicorn poses on a bed of roses.
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Then down a short flight of stairs is the staff’s massive new cafe and chill-out space, where plush velvet sofas are arranged beneath a sky-patterned ceiling, complete with pink neon screaming ‘Sky is the limit’.
There’s a sizeable cafe space (complete with pink PLT-branded coffee cups, naturally), and more seating arranged around a huge marble table.
Pendant lights dangle down from a cloud of pink roses overhead.
Throughout the entire HQ are giant screens showing notable PLT campaigns.
Art deco-style arches abound, from a huge neon-outlined mirror behind a breakfast bar (which doubles up as a DJ booth), to the cosy meeting booths lined with pink suede.
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And then you head through to the main offices, home to hundreds of PLT employees. The desks are fringed by huge palm trees and fairy lights, and a pink blossom tree hangs with words of affirmation.
There’s even a unicorn-splattered quad bike parked up near the desks.
Festive Grinch-themed cafes to pop up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores
Emily Sergeant
Festive Grinch-themed cafes are popping up inside two of Primark’s biggest Greater Manchester stores in the run-up to Christmas.
As the temperatures turn colder by the day, the nights draw in, and the most wonderful time of the year nears closer and closer, it won’t be long before it’s time to snuggle up in our comfies and pop on the first Christmas film of the year – and for some of us, there’s a good chance that first film of choice will be The Grinch.
Whether you prefer the 2000 fantasy comedy starring Jim Carey, or the 2018 animated reboot with Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s undoubtedly a real family favourite.
To celebrate everyone’s favourite grumpy green grouch, Primark has teamed up with Dr. Seuss once again on a Grinch-tastic collaboration.
Festive Grinch-themed cafes have popped up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores / Credit: Supplied
Shoppers can now head to their nearest Primark store to find the largest-ever Grinch collection, with something for the whole family, as well as great gifting options said to be “ideal for getting into the anti-Christmas spirit”.
There’s Grinch pyjamas and slippers for both adults and kids, a Grinch ‘Onesie’ that’s sure to make people green with envy, Grinch drinks cups and mugs, a selection of loungewear and Christmas jumpers for festive dressing, and so much more, as well as whole host of Grinch-inspired outfits and toys for your four-legged friends too.
As part of Primark’s aim to offer affordable choices for everyone, prices for the Grinch collection start at just £1 for accessories, and go up to £24 for adult clothing.
If the return of the Grinch collection wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the all-new Grinch cafes – which are popping up in Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo – are bound to be hit with fans of the furry character.
There’s everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.
With Greater Manchester Grinch cafes set to be open until the end of December, Sarah Jackson – who is the Director of Licensing at Primark, said: “We’re so excited to roll out our amazing cafe experience across a number of our UK locations, bringing a sprinkle of mischief to our customers this festive season.
“Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat or stocking up on pyjamas and gifts for the whole family, we have everything you need to make it a truly unforgettable Grinch-mas.”
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
UK supermarkets urge public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’
Emily Sergeant
UK supermarkets are calling on the public for donations as foodbanks brace for a “tough Christmas”.
As the nights begin to draw in, the temperatures drop by the day, and the festive season nears closer, some shocking new research by Neighbourly shows that foodbanks are preparing for a tough Christmas – with 80% of foodbanks reporting an increase in demand, particularly from families with children, as well as the elderly.
Because of this, many foodbanks fear they will not have enough supplies to support their communities throughout the festive season.
On top of this, almost a third of foodbanks have reported difficulties in recruiting volunteers too.
With only a few weeks to go until Christmas is here, Aldi is among the UK supermarkets calling on its shoppers to help make a difference, by releasing a list of the most in-demand items for donation – with tinned food, festive treats, and breakfast cereals being near the top of the list.
UK supermarkets are urging the public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’ / Credit: Aldi UK
Other items on the list include tea and coffee, juices and soft drinks, rice and pasta, cooking sauces, condiments, UHT milk and more, as well as pet food and non food-related items like toiletries, cleaning products, and children’s toys.
Shoppers can donate items via the community donation points placed near exit points of Aldi stores nationwide, before they will then be distributed to good causes.
The supermarket is pledging to donate more than a million meals to local charities, community groups, and foodbanks across the UK.
“Christmas is always an extremely busy period for foodbanks and other charitable organisations helping those most in need,” explained Luke Emery, who is the National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK.
“We know many of our customers like to support local causes by using our in-store donation points, so we hope this list of items will help shoppers to pick the items that are most needed over the festive period.”
Daisy Jackson -
28th April 2023 
