The Trafford Centre has today welcomed a brand new River Island store – and it’s absolutely massive.
With high-tech changing rooms, an in-store coffee tuk tuk, and a huge selection of the high street brand’s clothing, the old Topshop unit has been completely transformed.
River Island’s brand new concept store spans 21,000 sq ft and has opened its doors for a weekend-long fashion event over this weekend.
One of its major selling points is the high-tech, interactive changing rooms, which detect which items you’ve carried into the space with you.
Then, if something’s not quite the right size or fit, you can use the touch pad in your changing room to request a new size, without having to traipse back across the huge site.
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The changing rooms look beautiful too, decorated with pink floral wallpaper on walls and ceiling, plus huge black-lit mirrors to see your new outfit from all angles.
The changing rooms in River Island. Credit: The Manc GroupOutside River Island in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupAccessories display. Credit: The Manc Group
Back in the main store and everything’s split neatly into three departments – women’s, men’s, and kid’s.
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The largest space has been stripped back to brick, with natural drapes, plants, and soft lighting suspended from the industrial ceiling.
There are boho rugs chucked about and marble tables displaying River Island’s huge range of accessories.
And on the men’s side of things, the seating has been taken from a car, and coffee tables are made from engines.
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The new Trafford Centre shop was launched today with the help of Louise Roe, a fashion journalist and broadcaster, who hosted a styling workshop.
Menswear at River Island. Credit: The Manc GroupComplimentary floral bouquets from The Bud & Pot. Credit: The Manc GroupMenswear at River Island. Credit: The Manc Group
Gemma Scarfe, digital and marketing director, said: “We are extremely excited to announce that River Island is opening a brand new store in the Trafford Centre.
“Manchester has been on our radar for some time; it has continued to receive huge investment over the last few years and has cemented its position as a world-class city.
“We’re delighted to have identified a new, larger retail space that will deliver a fun and refreshing shopping experience to our loyal customers as well as complement the thriving city.”
Bruce Gardner, brand experience director at Trafford Centre, said: “River Island is a high street giant and hugely popular brand with our visitors, so we’re really excited to see their stunning, vibrant new store open in a new location here at The Trafford Centre.”
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As part of River Island’s launch weekend, shoppers who spend more than £75 will be able to take home a complimentary flower bouquet from The Bud & Pot.
River Island’s new store is open now at the Trafford Centre.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Shopping
The Manchester vintage shop selling designer brands for £25 has reopened in a new location
Thomas Melia
A much-loved and viral vintage shop selling all your favourite designer brands is finally returning to Manchester after a 16 month closure.
Already loved vintage shop Catch My Thrift is reopening in a new location in Manchester city centre and it’s providing people with high-end fashion at budget-friendly prices.
After a successful run of pop-up shop dates on Deansgate, now, Catch My Thrift now has a permanent location to help make the streets of Manchester even more stylish, one thrifted tee at a time.
There’s no catch here, besides the one you can find in their company name, as you can bag brands from Yves Saint Laurent to Ralph Lauren from as little as £25.
Located in Chatham Mill, this vintage clothes shop is suitable for shopaholics and bargain lovers alike as they’re providing the people of Manchester with trendy tees while keeping prices in the forefront of their mind.
An Yves Saint Laurent polo shirt from Catch My Thrift in Manchester.This vintage store has a variety of cool jackets, just like this one.Credit: The Manc Group
Just a five minute walk from iconic music venues Gorillaand O2 Ritz, Catch My Thrift also finds itself right in the heart of Manchester’s student accommodation.
Catch My Thrift is the brainchild of sustainable fashion brand owner Scott Joseph, known online as Sustainably Scott, and initially launched all the way back in 2023.
Now, this vintage clothes site is well-trusted as their Instagram account highlights notable names that have visited the including the England Rugby team as well as a whole host of influencers.
And very soon you’ll be able to walk round with coffee in hand as the attached space will act as a coffee shop venue working alongside the vintage clothes vendor titled, Canteen.
There’s an additional third unit just next door that owner Scott has plans for in the future, however all is being kept secret as of yet.
One thing we can guarantee is whatever this space becomes, it’s sure to be a hit.
Catch My Thrift, colloquially referred to as Catch, is open now and their attached coffee shop Canteen will be opening very soon, both located at Chatham Mill in Manchester.
A lovely outfit combination made by Catch My Thrift owner, Scott.It doesn’t get more vintage than a snazzy windbreaker.Credit: The Manc Group
A charity auction is selling memorabilia from the ACTUAL Peaky Blinders set
Thomas Melia
Peaky Blinders super-fans get ready, because there’s a charity auction is currently open and items worn by the stars of the iconic TV seriesare up for grabs.
This exclusive event gives bidders the chance to own a piece of modern-day TV history in the form of not just merchandise but authentic memorabilia.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all wanted to pull on a flat cap and pretend we were a gangster at one point in our lives, and what better way to do so and relive your Peaky Blinders fantasy than by doing so with one from the show? Especially since you know your money is going towards a good cause.
Whether you want to look as dapper as Tommy Shelby, or you just want to add a culture-soaked collector’s item to your, well, collection, you might want to check this one if you’re a big Peaky fan.
Maybe you could own something from this very picture at the Peaky Blinders charity auction event.Walk away feeling dapper as ever with exclusive merchandise up for grabs at the Peaky Blinders charity auction event.Credit: BBC
Anyone planning on going to the Peaky Blinders charity auction event can bid in person or even register to bid online now if you won’t be free during the proceedings.
As for what is on the table, you could raise your virtual paddle for everything from a full suit worn by Cillian Murphy himself to Sam Claflin’s homburg hat, a pair of Michael Gray (Finn Cole) shiny shoes and much more.
And where else to hold said event and than Manchester’s very own Peaky Blinders bar on Peter Street just off the main Deansgate strip, where the action will culminate in a flamboyant and free-to-all event.
Those attending in person will be greeted with a welcome drink before being encouraged to join in with the final day of the auction – guests are encouraged to turn up in ‘true Shelby style’ of course.
All the funds raised will go towards the much-loved NHS foundation and specialist hospital, The Christie, Europe’s largest cancer centre, right here in Manchester.
Peaky Blinders bar on Peter St in Manchester city centre.Everyone knows the Peaky Blinders like a drink.
Tickets for this event cost nothing, but there is an option to add an additional donation if you wish, and bidding on items taken from the cult favourite TV show is open to everyone.
Daisy Jackson -
6th May 2023 
