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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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.
Trafford Centre’s massive student night returns next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students set to start arriving for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities over the next couple of weeks, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month, and there’ll be lots of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Shopping UK, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 30% off at Levi’s, 10% off at Sephora, 20% off at JD, 20% off River Island, 15% off KIKO, and 20% off at All Saints.
HUGO, Boots, Dune, and Lush are a couple of the other shops you can head to for some savings.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too, with 30% off at Tampopo, 25% off at Archies, 25% off The Real Greek, and hearty ‘HOP boxes’ from HOP Vietnamese for just £1 each.
You can also took into cut-price foodie feasts at Wingstop, Barburrito, and Krispy Kreme, while Paradise Island Adventure Golf is offering the biggest saving of the night – with 50% off the student price for one round of golf.
And, if all of that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, you can expect live music to entertain you whilst you shop – with a live saxophonist and DJ blasting tunes all night long.
The Trafford Centre’s massive student night is returning next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Our annual Student Night is always hugely popular,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“This year we’ve secured some amazing deals and exclusive savings from many of our stores and restaurants. With frequent tram services from Manchester city centre on Metrolink’s Trafford Park line, plus regular buses from all over the region, now’s your chance to experience the unique vibe of the Trafford Centre.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 3 October from 6-10pm, and students can now register themselves for a free wristband to collect on the night from collection points in the Main Dome and Upper Peel Avenue (between Boots and H&M).
Featured Image – Vincent Cole / Trafford Centre (via Supplied)
Shopping
The charming pottery shop near Manchester selling absolute bargains
Daisy Jackson
You know you’re growing up when you’re more interested in spending your money on plates than partying – and we’ve found just the spot for you.
There’s a charming little pottery shop not far from Manchester that sells some sought-after crockery and homeware at bargain prices.
On the shelves at Jules you’ll find a mixture of end-of-line and run-of-the-kiln pottery (this is where designers make more than needed to account for any mistakes or breaks).
Jules has been trading for more than 30 years in Hebden Bridge, selling everything from cookware and tableware to home decor.
If it’s made of clay, you’ll find it here, and at drastically lower prices than you’d pay in most shops.
They promise to offer ‘unbelievable prices’ on plates, bowls, jugs, casserole dishes and loads more.
And you’ll come across some names you might know, like bowls from Oliver Bonas and vases from Anthropologie, all for just a few pounds apiece.
The shops spans across two floors with crockery stacked up in wobbly piles everywhere you look.
This is not a place for toddlers, backpacks or butter fingers.
Jules is a lovely pottery shop in Hebden Bridge selling bargains. Credit: The Manc Group
It’s tucked right in the heart of the beautiful Hebden Bridge, so you can plan a whole day trip around your shopping trip.
This lovely market town is known for its artistic community, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery, all centred around the pretty cobbled-street centre.
Having a mooch round the local market, browsing the shops and of course strolling down the tranquil riverside, this is what an ideal Saturday looks like.
When it’s time for a pint you won’t need to look hard to find a quaint pub garden to plonk yourself into, plenty more spots to grab something to eat and stunning natural wine bars for a final tipple.
We could keep talking about what a gem this Yorkshire market town is forever, just over half an hour in-between Leeds and Manchester it’s worth blocking off a Saturday to have a mooch.
And make sure you pop in to Jules to buy some pottery while you’re at it.