H&M has finally brought its popular Home concept to Manchester, opening a new store at the Trafford Centre.
The shop has been given a complete overhaul and has expanded, adding in an entire department for homeware as well as its usual fashion sections.
The new-look H&M has less products on display to create a ‘warmer, more welcoming interior and relaxed environment’, which the retailer says is a UK-first.
Shoppers will finally be able to get their hands on H&M Home products in person, with everything from real plants to bath towels on sale.
Inside H&M Home at the Trafford Centre. Credit: The Manc Group
There’s a new nursery section filled with pastel-hued soft toys and furnishings, and walls filled with curtains, bedding and rugs.
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H&M has also collaborated with locals in Manchester, like interior stylist @thenorthernhome_, who was chosen to style the new store’s dining room section.
H&M’s expansion manager Chris Clare said that the brand would be partnering with local businesses across the coming months, ‘proving how committed we are to Manchester and our loyal customers there’.
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Credit: The Manc Group
He added: “We are also adding the extremely popular H&M HOME concept to the Manchester shopping agenda – which we know is loved by those in the city and region.”
H&M U.K. & Ireland country manager Toni Galli said: “The store will feature an open façade with no windows, creating a welcoming, modern and meaningful shopping experience where style, creativity and culture are celebrated.”
H&M opened its first UK store in 1976 and now has more than 200 shops across the UK and Ireland.
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H&M is collaborating with locals in Manchester, like interior stylist @thenorthernhome_. Credit: The Manc Group
It will continue its sustainability mission at the Trafford Centre store, including its Garment Collection and Recycling service – shoppers can bring in unwanted clothes and textiles to be recycled, in exchange for a digital voucher and Conscious Points.
Toni added: “We are super excited to be offering our customers a brand-new store at the Trafford Centre this Spring.
“Our aim is to offer our customers a modern and meaningful shopping experience were style, creativity and culture are celebrated, and we are confident that our new store at the Trafford Centre will offer exactly this.”
Zoe Inman, centre director at Trafford Centre, said: “The H&M reopening and expansion is such an exciting opportunity for Trafford Centre, we’re delighted to house H&M’s first of its kind concept store and design across the world.
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“The expansion of bringing H&M HOME to the centre will enhance our customers’ shopping experience and strengthen the fabulous home and interiors offering.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
Shopping
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 -
14th April 2022 
