The opening date for Urban Outfitters’ long-awaited Trafford Centre store has officially been announced.
And it’s opening much sooner than you think.
In case you hadn’t heard, the cult fashion giant – which already has a multi-floor store in Manchester city centre on Market Street – is set to open its second Manchester location over at the Trafford Centre, with the new site spanning more than 6,705 sq ft of space and ready to continue establishing the business as a leader in UK.
The new location will showcase a curated mix of ‘style, culture, and creativity’, with leading brands like BDG, iets frans, Kimchi Blue, Loom, and Ayker all set to line the shelves.
The brand is known for delivering ‘experiential’ stores that offer more than just shopping.
Urban Outfitters EU President, Emma Wisden, says the business has always prioritised creating designs and spaces that are ‘unique’ and inspire its customers to express their style – and that’s what the new Trafford Centre store is aiming to do.
“Our selection of standout proprietary brands, curated vintage products, global brands, and unique home and lifestyle items are individual to Urban Outfitters, and we want to continue to build on this momentum with further growth into Europe,” Emma concluded.
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To celebrate the launch of the new store, Urban Outfitters will be hosting an exclusive preview event for fans on the opening day, featuring a live DJ set and lots of giveaways.
The opening date has been confirmed for the long-awaited Urban Outfitters store at the Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied
There’ll even a customisation station on launch day for products bought in-store too.
“We’re delighted to welcome Urban Outfitters to Trafford Centre,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre, adding that it’s a store shoppers have been requesting for a ‘long time’.
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“Their unique offering will really resonate with our visitors, particularly as we continue to evolve our retail lineup with brands that bring something fresh and exciting.
“We can’t wait to see visitors experiencing everything the new store has to offer.”
Urban Outfitters will be opening at the Trafford Centre next week on Thursday 2 October, so keep your eyes peeled for more details.
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Shopping
Home Bargains has announced a special two-day closure of all UK stores
Emily Sergeant
Home Bargains has, once again, announced it’ll be closing all its UK stores on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year.
And it’s to make sure staff get a ‘well deserved break’.
After what has been yet another busy year for the retail industry, many workers have been left feeling like they could do with a little extra time off, which is why Home Bargains is following on with what has become a now-annual tradition by shutting up shop on two bank holidays.
All of our stores will be closing for Boxing Day & New Years Day.
Announcing the move in a post on social media, the discount retailer confirmed: “All of our stores will be closing for Boxing Day and New Years Day. We would like to thank all our colleagues for how hard you have worked this past year, and want you to relax and enjoy the Christmas break with your loved ones.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time the retailer has kept its doors shut on bank holidays.
Many shoppers will recall it has made the same decision to give hardworking staff a break every year since 2019.
Explaining a little more about the decision taken to close all its stores, Home Bargains said: “As a family-run business, we know the importance of being together at Christmas with those we care about most, now more than ever.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd September 2025 
