Shopping

Lidl reveals one of Manchester’s most-bought items in new ‘Lidl Wrapped’

At least we're not as weird as Leeds.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 2nd December 2025

Lidl has unveiled the most-bought items in each major city around the UK, launching its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ to share the nation’s shopping habits.

The supermarket chain has gathered data on the most purchased items from 10 cities around the country, to see what the top sellers in each city has been this year.

You might be expecting a clean sweep of boring stuff like milk and bread – but no, apparently Manchester has been obsessed with… avocados.

According to Lidl Wrapped, Manchester has developed an avocado obsession, while Leeds residents have collectively purchased more than 133 million peas, and Bristol has invested in 11 tonnes-worth of coleslaw.

To celebrate the Lidl Wrapped for 2025, the supermarket is now rolling out its own wrapping paper range, and opening free gift-wrapping stations at 10 stores nationwide.

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Between the 4 and 17 December, you’ll be able to have your shopping wrapped up in Manchester’s exclusive design (which, yes, will have avocados on it) so your Middle of Lidl find can switch into the perfect present.

The pop-up gift-wrapping stations will also have interactive games with prizes, like in-store discounts and a £50 golden ticket.

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Lidl reveals most-bought item in Manchester in new 'Lidl Wrapped'. Credit: Lidl
Lidl reveals most-bought item in Manchester in new 'Lidl Wrapped'. Credit: Lidl
Lidl reveals most-bought item in Manchester in new ‘Lidl Wrapped’. Credit: Lidl

You can also buy the wrapping paper in packs of three for just 75p, with all proceeds donated to Neighbourly.

Joanna Gomer, Marketing Director at Lidl GB commented: “This year, our customers have shown us once again that the weekly shop is about more than groceries, it’s about moments, surprises, and the little joys that make life easier and bring people together.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we’re focused on giving our customers even more to value, extra reasons to smile, and plenty of those Lidl surprises that keep them coming back for more.”

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The free Lidl wrapping stations will be available from 9am while stocks last between 4 and 17 December.

‘Lidl Wrapped’ top groceries across the UK:

  • Birmingham – Roses
  • Bristol – Deluxe Creamy Coleslaw
  • Cardiff – 15 Welsh Mixed Weight Free Range Eggs
  • Edinburgh – Lighthouse Bay 2 Scottish Salmon Fillets
  • Glasgow – Gelatelli Ice Cubes
  • Leeds – Freshona British Garden Peas
  • Liverpool – All Butter Croissant
  • London – Cucumber
  • Manchester – Ready to Eat Avocado
  • Sheffield – Raku Sushi Sharing Pack

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Featured image: Lidl

Shopping

Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre

Manchester City has opened the doors to its new Trafford Centre store just in time for the Black Friday shopping frenzy.

The club has launched the brand-new store in collaboration with retail partner Stichd.

The Manchester City store offers fans a bespoke City shopping experience, including this season’s PUMA kits, the Christmas collection (with a £5 donation to City in the Community (CITC) with specific products), and shirt printing.

Shoppers will be able to browse a range of sky blue shirts, hats, scarves, and gloves, as well as soft toys, mugs, and other collectibles.

There’s already a City store in the Manchester Arndale, which opened a couple of years ago, but its arrival at the Trafford Centre is a new development.

Other existing stores include sites in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, New York City, Seoul and Shenzhen.

Serena Gosling, Director of Retail and Licensing at Manchester City, said: “We’re proud to reveal our latest City Store in the iconic Trafford Centre, Manchester – our third location within the city.

“It provides another touchpoint for fans to interact with the club – at a venue that is a shopping favourite within the North West.

“We know the Trafford Centre attracts huge numbers of local shoppers, and tourists, so we are sure our newest store will provide a convenient location for fans, and of course, at this festive time of year, for those buying presents.

Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre
Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre
Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre
Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre
Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre
Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre
Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre
Manchester City opens brand-new store at the Trafford Centre. Credit: The Manc Group

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the store.”

Will Rodnight, Head of Physical Retail, stichd, said: “We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Manchester City through the opening of this third City store in Manchester at the Trafford Centre.

“Our goal is to create an exceptional retail experience that reflects the passion of City fans. This new location adds another fantastic opportunity to connect with supporters in one of the UK’s most iconic shopping destinations, and we can’t wait to welcome them.”

Kate Pearson, Portfolio Leasing Director at Pradera Lateral – Trafford Centre’s Asset Managers, added: “We look forward to welcoming the new City Store to Trafford Centre. This bespoke new retail offering complements our current sportswear retailers whilst also adding a personalised experience for their supporters. We are excited to see their success once the doors open.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Shopping

Aldi has launched the world’s first lickable pigs in blankets wrapping paper… for some reason

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Pigs in blankets wrapping paper

Aldi has launched its latest Christmas creation, and this one’s arguably wackier than anything else it’s brought out before.

There’s absolutely no denying that pigs in blankets are a staple of festive feasting, with millions of the little delicacies consumed throughout the UK each Christmas, but have you ever wished you could turn the taste of those pigs in blankets into a lickable wrapping paper to wrap all this year’s gifts in? Yeah probably not… Aldi‘s made it though.

It’s anticipated that more than 561 million pigs in blankets are going to be eaten over the festive period, new research has found, which is an average of 10 per person.

But if you just can’t bare to leave the taste of pigs in blankets behind, Aldi’s new wrapping paper is set to give shoppers a fun and tasty twist when it comes to gift-giving.

The limited-edition wrapping paper is inspired by Aldi’s very-own range of pigs in blankets, and is described as capturing the smoky, savoury flavour and smell of the festive treat, with stickers that peel back to reveal a truly unique ‘lickable’ experience.

Pigs in Blankets wrapping paper
Aldi has launched the world’s first lickable pigs in blankets wrapping paper / Credit: Simon Jacobs/PA Wire (via Aldi UK)

Not only does the novelty wrapping paper taste and smells like pigs in blankets, it also looks the part on presents too with its pastel pink design, festive holly, and snowflake patterns.

“Pigs in Blankets are a highlight of the festive season… so we wanted to create something special to celebrate the Christmas classic,” commented Julie Ashfield, who is the Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, as the new creation launches.

“This unique, lickable wrapping paper is the perfect way to spread extra joy on Christmas Day.”

Want to get your hands on it then? Unfortunately, it won’t be as simple as popping to your nearest Aldi store and picking up a roll, as with a creation as unique as this, there’s only going to be limited stock and a special shopper competition to win it.

To be in with a chance of winning, you simply need to email [email protected] with your full name before the deadline at 11:59pm on 1 December.

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If you’re a lucky winner, you’ll be notified via email by 12 December, just in time to get wrapping gifts for the big day.

Featured Image – Simon Jacobs (via Aldi UK)

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