Shopping

Beloved independent dungaree brand Lucy & Yak to take over former Oklahoma site in Manchester

What a great brand to step into one of the city's best locations.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 18th June 2023

Popular ethical fashion brand Lucy & Yak is set to take over the former Oklahoma site in the Northern Quarter.

The beloved retailed, famed for its colourful dungarees, has snapped up the High Street unit that was left empty when lifestyle and gift store Oklahoma closed after more than 20 years in Manchester.

Signs for Lucy & Yak have now appeared all over the brick building, ready for its opening in July.

The people-focused brand was founded in Brighton back in 2017, and was named on The Sunday Times: Fast Track ‘Ones To Watch’ list in 2020.

Their eye-catching pink-painted stores are now expanding across the UK, with new openings in Bristol, Norwich, Cambridge and Nottingham, but this will be the brand’s first foray into the north.

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The six new shops are part of Lucy & Yak’s plans to have more of a physical presence across the country, with more locations already planned this year.

Each shop will act as a Re:Yak Hub to push their circularity initiatives.

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Lucy & Yak preparing to take over the former Oklahoma Manchester site
Lucy & Yak preparing to take over the former Oklahoma Manchester site. Credit: The Manc Group
Signs up in the old Oklahoma site for Lucy & Yak
Signs up in the old Oklahoma site for Lucy & Yak. Credit: The Manc Group

Lucy Greenwood, co-founder of Lucy & Yak, said: “We are so excited to be coming to Manchester next month, and can’t wait to be a part of the city’s vibrant culture and art scene.

“The new store will be another hub for creativity and a touch point to engage in person.

“As Northerners ourselves, we’re very excited to have the opportunity to reach even more of our community in the North and continue building our Re:Yak in-store clothing buyback scheme, and upcycling and repair workshops.”

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Lucy & Yak will open on High Street on Saturday 22 July.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Shopping

KFC have launched their own perfume – oh, and a new burger

Danny Jones Danny Jones KFC launch new BBQ-scented perfume

Fast food giants KFC have launched their very own perfume in one of the weirdest marketing stunts we’ve seen in a long while.

That being said, we definitely want a bottle.

KFC‘s fried chicken-themed fragrance launches next month and is fashionably named ‘No 11 Eau de BBQ’, a nod to their newest menu item, the Ultimate BBQ Burger, which we also want in our possession as soon as humanly possible.

The franchise’s new signature scent launches in just a week’s time and, yes, you can genuinely buy it along with the new burger for a limited time only.

kfc no 11 eau de bbq
kfc perfume
Again, this is a real thing you can pay actual money for. (Credit: KFC UKI)

The UK-only release actually sold out when it came to pre-orders but Brits will be able to get their hands on another batch when the second lot drops on 7 May.

Promising a charcoal and smoky wood-scented aroma that immediately transports you to your mate’s back garden as he turns cheap burger patties into overly blackened dry pucks of meat that you definitely would’ve cooked better if you were in charge, the stunt is also helping raise money for non-profits.

Available in 100ml bottles and for just £11, 100% of the proceeds of every sale will go towards the KFC Foundation, which supports grassroots organisations empowering young people to unleash their potential and build a positive future in local communities across the country.

As for the burger that inspired it, the special edition menu item is a nod to BBQ season gradually approaching and they’ve even made a nod to our famously reliable British weather and its attempts to derail the art of outdoor grilling in a new advert.

KFC perfume and a new burger? Christmas has come well early this year.

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The Ultimate BBQ Burger has already launched and will be on the menu until 9 June, priced at £6.49 or £9.99 for a box meal which comes with the burger, a regular mini fillet, regular fries, BBQ sauce and a drink.

And don’t worry, it’ll be available on delivery too — we know we’ve had problems with that when it comes to specials in the past.

As KFC’s No 11 Eau de BBQ perfume, you can wait in the online queue like everyone else HERE and let’s just say you’ll be fighting us and plenty of other Mancs for every last drop.

Anyone else suddenly in the mood for a Zinger?…

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

Featured Images — KFC UKI

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

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