Shopping

Kids can get their hands on free LEGO from Smyths Toys Superstores this weekend

The perfect little treat to keep them occupied for a few days this October half term

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 19th October 2023

Kids and AFOLs (adult fans of LEGO — and no, we haven’t made that term up) can go and get their hands on some free LEGO this weekend. Say no more, race you there.

But no, on a serious note, the beloved Danish toy brand is holding what they are calling ‘The Big LEGO Event‘ this Saturday, 21 October to celebrate this year’s October half-term holiday.

From 9am at Smyths Toys Superstores exclusively all around the UK, shops will be handing out free giveaway bags of LEGO mini-sets as well as holding fun in-store demonstrations.

The free sets that will be available on the day include themes such as NINJAGO, LEGO City, LEGO Dreamzz, LEGO Friends, Harry Potter and more.

Smyths is the toy shop giving away free LEGO for the event.

Now obviously, you can’t just go in there and sweep up every block in sight; the event is limited to one free giveaway bag of LEGO per customer, but the promotion doesn’t stop there either.

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Alongside entertaining kids with fun and interactive demos by Smyths Toys in-store, giving the little ones a chance to build their ‘dream city’, LEGO themselves are cutting prices on numerous different sets available on their online store.

While some Big LEGO Event special offers are exclusive to specific stores, the discounted online sets include licensed products Marvel, Star Wars and Indiana Jones-themed sets.

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You can check out the wide selection of special offers on their website.

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In the region Greater Manchester, there is a total of six different Smyths locations, as well a few more close by in surrounding areas like Warrington.

You can find you’re nearest Symths Toys Superstore using their shop finder HERE.

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Speaking of which, there also happens to be a brand-new Manchester LEGO shop coming to the Trafford Centre very soon — and it promises to be a little bit different than others.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — @dollyhaul (via Flickr)/Stockport Retail Park

Shopping

River Island reopens Manchester Arndale store – and it’s unrecognisable

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson River Island has reopened in the Manchester Arndale after a refurbishment. Credit: The Manc Group

River Island in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre is ready to reopen after a major makeover, and it’s bigger than ever.

The stunning space now spans 13,947 square feet and comes with interactive fitting rooms where you can order extra sizes on an iPad, self-checkouts, and a limited-edition collection exclusive to the Arndale.

The huge shop’s refurb follows a similar move at their Trafford Centre store, where River Island moved into the former Topshop unit.

Now, the three-storey store in the heart of the Arndale has been given a lick of duck-egg blue, and transformed into a beachy paradise.

Officially throwing its doors open this morning, Thursday 25 April, with Lucy Mecklenburgh cutting the ribbon, the huge shop is already welcoming hordes of shoppers.

Over the weekend, you’ll spot plenty of activations to celebrate River Island’s relaunch.

There are people carrying gigantic shopping bags handing out scratch cards with different discounts on, a Spin the Wheel with prizes, free coffees, a pop-up flower cart and loads more.

And the first people to spend more than £55 on each day between 25 and 28 April will receive a limited-edition tote bag.

High-tech changing rooms at the new River Island in the Manchester Arndale
High-tech changing rooms at the new River Island in the Manchester Arndale
Accessories in River Island's new Manchester Arndale store
Accessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale store
The kids' clothing collection in River Island
The kids’ clothing collection in River Island
Accessories in River Island's new Manchester Arndale store
Accessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale store

This new River Island store has a limited-edition collection of one-off, premium pieces featuring exclusive fabrics and luxury detailing.

The 19-piece, bohemian-inspired collection starts at £45 and will only be available in the Arndale store.

Inside you’ll find all the usual River Island goodies, including a huge amount of holiday shop items, plus denim, occasion-wear, shoes, handbags, and kids’ clothing.

The new River Island store will open on 25 April in The Arndale shopping centre in Manchester.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Shopping

Sephora confirms opening date for new megastore at Manchester’s Trafford Centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Sephora confirms opening date for new megastore at Trafford Centre

Beauty fans rejoice – Sephora has finally announced plans to open a store in Manchester, and soon.

The world-famous retailer, which stops luxury skincare and makeup brands as well as cult items, has secured a spot in the Trafford Centre.

This will be the third UK store for Sephora, which currently has two shops down in London, and its first trip up north.

And after a fair bit of teasing and plenty of rumours, they’ve confirmed that their next megastore will be right here in Greater Manchester.

Hoardings have appeared inside the Trafford Centre, plastered in Sephora’s black and white branding, around a unit next to AllSaints.

The signs read: “Manchester, you called it. Our first Northern store in 2024.”

Sephora says it will ‘redefine the beauty landscape in the North with an extraordinary product range that caters to the diverse needs of beauty enthusiasts’.

Cult brands stocked at Sephora include Huda Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, The Ordinary, Glossier and Makeup by Mario.

Sephora wrote on Instagram: “You heard correctly — Sephora is coming to the TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER.

“Get your shopping baskets ready as we’re on our way up north! More to be revealed soon, see you in 2024…”

The Trafford Centre shared: “You asked, we listened! The wait is over….your @sephorauk opens late Spring 2024.”

Sarah Boyd, managing director of Sephora UK, said: “We are extremely excited to bring Sephora to Manchester, one of the most vibrant cities for beauty in the UK.

“Expanding our presence beyond London is something that consumers have been screaming out for, and we are listening hard to them when deciding where to go next.

“The Trafford Centre, known for its iconic atmosphere and diverse retail offering, is the perfect location for our third store.”

Russell Loveland, managing director at Pradera Lateral – Trafford Centre’s Asset Managers, said: “This iconic beauty giant already has a cult following, and our own social media has been blowing up with enquiries from excited customers eager for Sephora to open.

“We are very proud Sephora chose the Trafford Centre for its next location, which will be its first store in the North of England, and know it will be a fantastic success and a great addition to our strong international brand lineup.”

One person commented on Sephora’s Instagram post: “This is the best news I’ve heard all year!”

Another said: “OMG ITS HAPPENING, STAY CALM”

And someone wrote on Trafford Centre’s post: “Omg omg can’t wait.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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