JD pulled off a massive party in a phone shop in the Northern Quarter last night, with a surprise set from one of the world’s hottest DJs right now, Josh Baker.
The North West sportswear giant opened ‘Phones-4-Youse’ to coincide with the release of its new JD Christmas advert, which played on screens to the packed-out crowd.
Josh Baker stars in the Christmas campaign, ‘Where are you going?’, which is a self-directed portrait of youth culture, all films entirely on mobile phones by young people.
JD chose to shoot its new campaign without rigs, sets, or lighting crews, and instead used footage shot by 286 individuals around the world.
These user submissions captured life exactly as the young people involved see it.
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The JD party last night was a moment of music, community and energy, with Josh Baker performing to a delighted and packed-out crowd in a pop-up phone shop.
Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Every corner of the venue told the JD story, with branding and clips of the ad everywhere.
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The ‘Where are you going?’ campaign celebrates a generation that refuses to be put in a box, showing the energy, emotion and individuality that drives them forward.
Whether it’s collecting exam results or chasing platinum records, it’s a snapshot of the life of young people right now.
One voice says: “I want to be famous. If that doesn’t work, I’ll just become a pharmacist.”
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Stills from the JD Christmas campaign ‘Where Are You Going?’
Another admits “You can fail, you can make mistakes…but really, who cares.”
Someone else confides: “I’m scared we’re not going to be friends in 10 years,” while another adds: “I wanna have fun, times are changing – you get me.”
There are some famous faces involved, like Cole Palmer having his picture taken with fans, Nemzzz in the club with his crew, and Jade Thirwell between takes in the studio.
And you can see Paddy the Baddy mentoring the next generation of talent in the gym, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the tennis court with a friend.
Sky Newman also stars, riding with a friend.
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The entire campaign showcases the simple, joyful moments that exist in all of our camera rolls.
Neil Corrie, Marketing Director at JD, says: “Young people today don’t need to be told who they are, they’re already showing us.
“JD’s ‘Where are you going?’ isn’t about them, it’s made by them. It’s their voice and their direction. This is youth culture, not as a trend to follow, but as a movement to believe in.”
The JD ‘Where are you going?’ Christmas campaign has launched on the JD YouTube and across digital and OOH channels today, with exclusive drops also online HERE and in stores across the UK.
Opening date finally confirmed for new Uniqlo store at the Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Uniqlo is preparing to open its second store in Greater Manchester, and the official launch date has finally been confirmed.
The popular Japanese high street fashion retailer currently operates 24 stores in the UK, with its first British store having opened its doors all the way back in 2001, and its first European flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2007 – but it was revealed earlier this year in April that Manchester was set to get a second helping.
Uniqlo announced that it would be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre this autumn, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.
The Trafford Centre store is set to make Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.
When news broke that the hoardings had officially gone up inside the shopping centre, elated shoppers raced to the comments to say things like: “No way! I’ve been waiting years for this.”
Uniqlo is preparing to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre next month / Credit: | The Manc Group
“Uniqlo in Trafford Centre would be a dream come true,” another person said on Instagram, while a third added: “I will never have to step foot on Market Street again,” and plenty others chimed in with comments like ‘finally’ and ‘can’t wait’.
And now, we officially have an opening date to share with you.
Uniqlo will open in the Trafford Centre for the first time on Thursday 15 October, with plenty of events happening across its extended opening weekend.
Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming performances will be happening throughout the day on Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 October, while the first 300 customers to spend over £69.90 in store on the Thursday (15 October) will get a special Uniqlo Manchester goody bag.
Uniqlo’s arrival at the Trafford Centre follows the opening of several other high-profile stores in recent months, like Urban Outfitters, White Company, Stradivarius, and many more.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Shopping
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Daisy Jackson -
7th November 2025 
