Sports Direct has confirmed it will open a new flagship store in the former BHS site in Manchester Arndale.
The sportswear giant is moving into the five-floor unit formerly occupied by the department store.
BHS shut down its Manchester store in 2016 when the company crashed into administration, and its former home in the Arndale has been mostly vacant ever since.
Now, Sports Direct has signed a 15-year lease on the 58,500 sq ft unit and will relocate from its existing location in the shopping centre, doubling its footprint.
The old BHS store in Manchester city centre will be taken over by Sports Direct. Credit: Google Maps
Due to open late this year, the new shop will incorporate several Sports Direct brands, like USC, Game, Evans Cycles and Belong Esports Arena.
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The sportswear brand has had a presence in the Arndale since 2009, selling everything from athletics equipment to camping gear.
It also sells the latest football kits, tapping into Manchester’s huge football industry.
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Sports Direct’s current store in the Arndale. Credit: Manchester Arndale
Other brands that have moved into the Arndale in recent months include Debenhams.com, Tommy Hilfiger, Kurt Geiger, Kick Game and Canada Goose.
Scott Linard, portfolio director at M&G Real Estate, said: “Despite the challenges faced by the retail industry over the past few years, Manchester Arndale has remained resilient throughout the pandemic, completing 25 new leases throughout 2020 and 2021.
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Paperchase has recently joined the Arndale. Credit: The Manc Group
“We are therefore delighted that Sports Direct have not only chosen to commit its long-term future to the centre, but also double the size of its store.
“This demonstrates the confidence that major retailers have in Manchester Arndale as every year it attracts millions of visitors from across the North West and beyond thanks to its prime city centre location, excellent transport links, and its eclectic mix of leisure operators, F&B providers, and international brands.
“Sports Direct is a key driver of footfall for the centre, as it appeals to Manchester’s love of sport and especially to the younger demographic in the city.
“This latest letting is set to be the start of an action-packed year for Manchester Arndale as we look forward to growing our diverse mix of tenants to ensure it remains the North West’s premier shopping destination.”
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The new Sports Direct store will open at the Arndale, on the corner of Market Street and High Street, at the end of 2022.
Featured image: Supplied
Shopping
SpudBros are returning to the Trafford Centre following HUGELY successful debut
Emily Sergeant
Viral internet sensation SpudBros are returning to the Trafford Centre following their hugely successful debut.
Following the ‘overwhelming’ success of their first Trafford Centre residency earlier this summer, the UK’s most-followed jacket potato creators SpudBros are returning to the iconic retail destination for a second pop-up later this month.
Shoppers will once again be able to tuck into freshly prepared, fully loaded jacket potatoes served up in minutes, all without compromising on quality, flavour, or portion size.
The SpudBros – also known as Jacob and Harley Nelson – will, once again, be returning as part of Trafford Centre‘s annual summer fair.
At the pop-up, you’ll be able to pick from fan favourites like the Tram Classic, which is loaded with garlic butter, the signature three-cheese mix, beans, crispy onions, and world-famous ‘tram’ sauce, to the Spudfather topped with chilli con carne, tuna, and coleslaw.
There’s also a range of other flavour-packed options to tuck into, alongside the option to build your own potato, allowing every customer to create their perfect lunch.
“The response to our first week at Trafford Centre was incredible, so we couldn’t be more excited to return,” commented SpudBros co-founder, Jacob Nelson.
Viral internet sensation SpudBros are launching a special pop-up at Trafford Centre this summer / Credit: The Manc Group
“Manchester has always shown us so much support online and it was amazing to finally bring SpudBros to the city. We’re looking forward to serving even more visitors and welcoming back everyone who came to see us the first time around.”
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: “SpudBros was a fantastic addition to our summer line-up and proved hugely popular with our visitors, so we’re delighted to welcome the team back for a second pop-up.”
The SpudBros pop-up will be located outside The Great Hall next week from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 August, serving signature loaded potatoes daily from 12-8pm.
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
IKEA is launching its own online marketplace full of second-hand furniture
Emily Sergeant
IKEA has announced it’s launching its own online marketplace full of second-hand furniture.
Just like the ever-popular Facebook Marktplace, the IKEA second-hand marketplace is a dedicated space where pre-loved IKEA products can find a new home.
In bid to make affordable second-hand home furnishings easily accessible, the new online platform will enable customers across the UK to connect with one another directly, so they can buy and sell pre-owned IKEA items locally.
Designed specifically for IKEA products, the marketplace will provide everything shoppers need in one place.
The Swedish retailer is already known and loved for its ‘functional’ and ‘affordable’ home furnishings, all produced with care for people and the environment, but the launch of the new IKEA second-hand market place will make it just as easy to pass on an old favourite as it is to find a new one.
IKEA is launching its own online marketplace full of second-hand furniture / Credit: Supplied
“At IKEA, we are always looking for new ways to make life at home even better and help our customers discover products they love,” a spokesperson for the retailer said.
“With the launch of IKEA second-hand marketplace in the UK, we’re taking a meaningful step toward creating a destination that simplifies access to pre-owned IKEA furniture.
“Our goal is to make passing on beloved IKEA pieces as seamless as possible.
“We’re creating a trusted and vibrant space to make it quick and easy for our IKEA Family members to trade directly with one another. We want the process for buying and selling pre-owned IKEA products to be simple, accessible and rewarding.”
Detailed information regarding the official launch and how customers can get involved will be made available in the coming months.
Daisy Jackson -
8th February 2022 
