Sostrene Grene, the much-loved affordable homeware brand, has opened a brand-new store in Manchester city centre.
The Danish business has opened inside the Manchester Arndale today, in a whopping 4,952 sq ft store (opposite the Body Shop, if you’re looking for it).
As always, the new retail space showcases Sostrene Grene’s contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products.
And shopping here is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The new space shows off a brand-new, full Easter range, with items like pretty pastel bud vases, bunny-shaped candles, tulip mugs, and even Easter-patterned gift wrap.
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As with all Sostrene Grene stores, you’ll find a small kitchen section selling cooking and baking essentials for incredible prices, alongside ingredients like cake mixes, jams, and olives.
Then there’s a full tea selection, including a self-serve loose lead tea station.
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The new Sostrene Grene at Manchester Arndale offers a vast range of wrapping paper, gift bags and cards, as well as a full wall of candles in every colour of the rainbow (and priced from 40p).
Head around again and you’ll find yourself in the brand’s crafting section, where you can pick up everything from stickers and stamps to beads and thread, plus loads of painting and art supplies.
On top of that, there’s stationery (and where else are you picking up a notepad for £1.76?), plant pots and garden decor, storage baskets, picture frames, rugs, bathroom bits, more candles, hair accessories,
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You can even shop for the little ones, picking up soft toys, wooden toys, and kids craft supplies.
And before you leave, you’ll pass through loads of nostalgic sweets like liquorice, sticks of rock, and jelly sweets – and even miniature Easter eggs in their own egg carton.
Sostrene Grene is open now inside Manchester Arndale.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester
Emily Sergeant
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Aspiring Chief Doughnut Testers can apply on the Morrisons website here, by filling in a short 200-words about why’re the ideal candidate.
Applications close at midnight tonight (Friday 5 June), so you’ll need to be quick.
Featured Image – Annie Spratt (via Unsplash)
Shopping
One of Manchester’s biggest vintage shops to close after a decade
Daisy Jackson
One of the biggest and best vintage shops in Manchester has announced its imminent closure.
Thrift Shop, which is part of the legendary Cow Vintage family, has said that the landlord of its store has ‘chosen not to renew our lease’.
The beloved vintage shop has been in its spot just off Piccadilly Gardens for a decade, with colourful rails stuffed with pre-loved denim, coats, dresses, accessories, and more.
Ahead of its closure this week, Thrift Shop has announced details of a major closing down sale, aiming to get rid of all its stock.
Initially touted as two for £10 on all thrift items, they’ve now slashed prices even further and are offering three items for £10.
That does exclude their ‘premium’ items, where you can snap up big labels like Carhartt and Levi’s.
Sharing the sad news of its closure online, Thrift Shop Manchester wrote: “We are gutted to announce the closure of beloved Manchester store.
Thrift Shop Manchester is throwing a huge closing down sale
“Last week we found out our landlord chose not to renew our lease after over ten years in this unit.
“To bid our farewell, we’re doing a MASSIVE closing down sale to get rid of all stock !!!! All Thrift items will be 2 for £10 until our last trading day on 30th May!!
“We’ve absolutely loved serving you for all these years, so long, farewell and, as always, get thrifty.”
In the comments, fellow independent retailer Thunder Egg – which just had to move out of its Oldham Street store (but is still in Afflecks) – commented: “So sorry to hear this, retail landlords in Manchester are absolutely in their sh*tbag era right now.”
Thrift Shop Manchester will close for good on Saturday 30 May.
Daisy Jackson -
26th March 2026 
