Another year, another chaotic Boxing Day in the Trafford Centre…
While many of us choose to spend our Boxing Days in our pyjamas eating cold turkey, or visiting the relatives we’ve not had chance to see yet this Christmas, for some it’s the chance to dive head-first into the shops.
Many big retailers slash their prices straight after Christmas, offering bargain-hunters a chance to scoop up clothes, electricals, beauty and more for less.
While Black Friday may have overtaken in terms of discounts and scale in recent years, there’s still something about the Boxing Day sales that lures people out of hibernation and into the shops
Yesterday, things looked like they were going to be off to a quiet start at Trafford Centre, with only a few hardy shoppers in the shopping centre before anything was even open.
ADVERTISEMENT
People have shared a video of a long queue forming outside Lush from 7.30am, but otherwise it looked like things were going to be calm.
Silly thought.
ADVERTISEMENT
Unfortunately I work in Trafford centre and witnessed this at 7:30am. People queueing for Lush!
By mid-afternoon, videos started to emerge that showed the Trafford Centre packed with Boxing Day shoppers.
Some people shared videos of products scattered along floors and displays, with large queues outside popular shops like Sephora and JD.
One person wrote: “My claustrophobia said no.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Another said: “Whoever said go Trafford Centre on Boxing Day you owe me an apology. Actual chaos.”
Someone else said: “I work in jd there, bad day in the office.”
Inside the Trafford Centre on Boxing Day 2024
Other people reported having to park on the pavement because the Trafford Centre parking was so full (this is definitely an exaggeration and you should never ever park on the pavements), and someone even said they saw a fight break out.
One smart person said: “Went at 8am absolutely no one there in and out got exactly what I needed.”
It honestly all looks not too bonkers compared to some years, but we all love a moan, eh?
ADVERTISEMENT
Would you ever brave the Trafford Centre on Boxing Day?
Poundland relaunches its £1 engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day
Emily Sergeant
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Poundland has hatched a plan to help those on a budget this year.
You can propose to your other half at any time of the year, but it’s fair to say that Valentine’s Day is a date much more popular than others – especially for those who want to surprise their partner with a gift they’ll never forget for the special occasion.
But with the cost of living crisis sadly still making its impact felt across the UK, a costly engagement ring is not something everyone is able to afford.
Luckily, for anyone keen to make the grand romantic gesture but while saving a few pennies at the same time, Poundland has decided to bring back its £1 engagement rings ahead of the season of love, so you’ll have plenty of time to get planning how you’ll pop that all-important question.
The budget retailer first launched its affordable engagement rings back in 2020, and they proved massively popular.
Poundland has brought back its £1 engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day / Credit: Poundland
At just £1 each, Poundland says these symbolic rings – which are available in more than 10 different designs – are a “thoughtful” way to showcase your love for Valentine’s Day and beyond, and can help make the occasion “unforgettable”, all without breaking the bank and keeping your budget intact.
From timeless solitaire designs, to romantic heart-shaped details, each ring in the 2025 range is “uniquely crafted to add a touch of charm and elegance to your Valentine’s Day proposal”, according to the retailer, so whether your partner adores classic simplicity or something with a playful edge, there’s supposedly a ring to match every style.
And the best part? Each £1 ring comes beautifully presented in a red velvet heart-shaped box, so your proposal can “feel as special as the love you’re celebrating”.
Poundland’s £1 engagement rings are now available both online and in stores nationwide, and you can view the full range here.
Featured Image – Poundland
Shopping
LEGO-loving little Mancs can now compete against the world to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’
Emily Sergeant
Little Mancs who love LEGO can now enter a worldwide competition and battle it out to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’.
Is your child a LEGO super fan? Do they reckon they could build impressive LEGO creations in their sleep? Well, if they’re feeling brave enough and are ready to put their skills to the test, then you’ll want to take them down to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, as the hunt is one for a talented youngster to be crowned the UK’s newest ‘Mini Master Model Builder’.
Young LEGO fans will have the chance to let their imaginations run wild in a “bricktastic” competition, by building the most epic creation entirely out of LEGO bricks in an attempt to take home the coveted title.
Participants are invited to “demonstrate their imagination and creativity” by constructing something extraordinary that will leave the judges in awe – with the judges particularly interested in an array of building techniques and a strong creative flare, so entrants should “think outside the box” and let their personality and interests shine through.
Little Mancs who love LEGO can now compete to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’ / Credit: Supplied
Finalists will be chosen by the LEGOLAND Master Model Builders and Playmakers.
Each Discovery Centre in Manchester and Birmingham will then crown its own ‘Mini Master Model Builder’, and the winners will work with the local Master Model Builder to create their final models, which will then compete in the global final.
Winners will be given the unique opportunity of having their creation displayed at the iconic LEGO House in Denmark, plus a prize of £100 to spend in the LEGOLAND store, and a Local Annual Pass for them and their family too.
Up to the challenge then? All hopeful Mini Master Model Builders will need to get themselves down to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester at Trafford Palazzo – which is next to the Trafford Centre – any weekend up until the start of February.
Entry into the competition is included in the price of one standard admission ticket to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester.
All entries must be made by those under the age of 18, and only one entry per person can be made.
Daisy Jackson -
27th December 2024 
