Lidl is launching its first ever series of ‘mystery boxes’ that are each filled full of weird and wonderful middle aisle items.
Every frequent Lidl and Aldi shopper knows that the supermarkets’ legendary middle aisles are the places to make for if you want to get your hands on a wide range of unexpected bargains – with everything from coffee machines and ukuleles, to goggles, crochet kits, massage guns, and more having popped up there over the years.
But how do you fancy getting a taste of the ‘Middle of Lidl’ at its finest for just £20? Even better yet if you’re helping charity along the way?
Well now you can, as Lidl is launching its very-own Mystery Boxes that are worth more than £100 each, but for the bargain price of just £20 per box.
Just 1,000 limited-edition boxes will be up for grabs nationwide.
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Lidl is launching bargain ‘mystery boxes’ full of middle aisle items worth over £100/ Credit: Supplied
With the concept of ‘mystery boxes’ recently bursting on to the scene and gaining popularity, with brands such as Nike and Candy Kittens notably jumping on the trend, Lidl says the launch of the Lidl Mystery Box is a “celebration” of the beloved cult-classic ‘Middle of Lidl’ and all its unpredictable product offerings.
The question is though, what will you get inside the box? In true ‘Middle of Lidl’ fashion, each box presents different surprises, so shoppers could receive a Silvercrest Slushie Maker in one, or get DIY savvy with some Parkside Spanners, and even learn a few chords with a Clifton Ukulele in another.
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For 50 lucky dippers, a shiny ‘Bonus Item Coupon’ will be hidden inside their box too, which unlocks a bigger item worth up to a whopping £199.
Only 1,000 limited-edition boxes will be up for grabs / Credit: Lidl GB
Everything from a Grillmeister 2-Burner Gas Barbeque, and a Tower Air Fryer 5 in 1 Smokeless Grill, to a Livarno Garden Furniture Set, or even an Inflatable All-Round Stand-Up Paddle Board are in the mix, so keep your fingers crossed you’re one of the lucky ones.
And if all of that wasn’t good enough as it is, all the proceeds from the sales of the 1,000 Lidl Mystery Boxes will be donated to the NSPCC.
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Keen to get one then? The 1,000 Lidl Mystery Boxes will be on sale from 10am this Thursday (15 August), while stocks last.
First look at Topshop in Manchester as beloved brand returns to British high streets
Daisy Jackson
Topshop is officially back on British high streets, and if you’re old enough to remember the struggle of contorting yourself into a pair of Joni jeans, you’re going to want to pay attention to this news…
The iconic fashion giant shut its stores back in 2021, leaving a huge hole in shopping centres across the nation.
But now Topshop and Topman are back in stores, with 32 new Topshop retail spaces and seven new Topman locations launching today.
Mancs will now be able to shop cult denim, statement jackets, and trend-driven wardrobe staples (just like the golden days of Topshop) at the Trafford Centre.
It’s all thanks to a new nationwide partnership with John Lewis, which will see a curated edit of around 130 styles available in-store across womenswear, menswear and footwear.
In store, that includes a full range of jeans (including those beloved Joni and Jamie jeans, plus more modern barrel-leg styles), graphic tees, knitwear, bomber jackets, and dresses.
There are Topshop retail spaces inside John Lewis at both the Trafford Centre and in Cheadle, but our closest Topman will be across in Leeds.
John Lewis has also become the exclusive UK physical retailer for Topshop footwear for SS26.
Inside Topshop at the Trafford Centre in ManchesterThe iconic Joni and Jamie jeans are back
Michelle Wilson, managing director of Topshop, said: “Today is about making it easier for customers to access the Topshop and Topman pieces they love.
“From our cult denim to new‐season footwear, you can see it, feel it and take it home the same day. Partnering with John Lewis brings Topshop back to high streets across the UK with the level of service our customers expect.”
Peter Ruis, managing director of John Lewis, added: “Topshop and Topman are brands with enormous cultural relevance, and their return to physical retail is something our customers are genuinely excited about.
“This partnership reflects our focus on bringing iconic names, strong style and compelling experiences into our stores.”
First Look: Matcha Made and The Trafford Centre makes for a perfect marriage
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester’s newest matcha spot just dropped, and we know it’s an easy pun, but it really does feel like a match made in heaven.
Just picture the scene: there’s a big birthday or holiday coming up, so you’ve arrived at The Trafford Centre early to get in a full day of shopping, eating and being generally leisurely – but you need an early caffeine fix and maybe some light, fluffy yet still filling pastry to keep you going.
There are very few places better to start this kind of day than at Matcha Made, who’ve just opened up in the North West’s massive and most famous shopping mall.
Fronted by a lovely lineup of smiling staff who couldn’t do enough for you and are more than happy to give you advice or simply plug their own recommendations, we can see ourselves coming back here for the service alone.
They’ve arrived in the big leisure complex just in time for February half-term, too, meaning any parents needing an alternative caffeine hit can fuel up right here.
Specialising in the Japanese and super healthy green tea craze that currently has the UK in a chokehold, only directly out of a tap – almost like a zen twist of draught beer taps – the art is not only in how green the raw matcha itself tastes but in the flavours and finishing touches.
This stylish pastel green hatch might not be the only place to get your matcha on in The Trafford Centre, but it might just be the best already.
It was immediately apparent that the staff had a clear favourite: the Biscoff foam version, but they said their simple but sweet and satisfying strawberry one has also proved to be one of the most popular.
There’s plenty of fruity options to choose from; they’ve got their own take on the fellow contemporary trend of banana pudding for anyone looking for a fix, and even ume plum, or you can just go for a straight-up coffee or hot chocolate as well.
So yeah, even if your partner isn’t quite ready to admit they’re a secret ‘matcha girlie’, then they can spend a little bit more time lying to themselves over this side of the menu.
Whether you want it topped with cream, shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder, you can make this little drink just about as decorative as you like.
Besides being more reasonably priced than we were expecting, given the ongoing matcha boom, you’ve also got the big bonus of a fridge stocked with bakes from local favourite La Chouqette. Sold.
Emily Sergeant -
13th August 2024 
