Shopping

The Trafford Centre was ‘a bad decision’, Boxing Day sales shoppers say

No thank you I'll wait.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 26th December 2023

The Trafford Centre might have been the busiest place in Greater Manchester, with shoppers flooding to the huge shopping centre for the Boxing Day sales.

While a lot of us will have spent the day picking through leftovers and eating blocks of cheese as a snack, some of us simply can’t resist the lure of a bargain.

And there were some serious bargains to be found at many of the shops based at The Trafford Centre.

Despite several big names – like Next and M&S – remaining shut for Boxing Day, the retail business still drew in massive crowds.

Lush, Selfridges and JD all had queues forming outside before the doors even opened.

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And several shops had to install ropes and a queue system outside to monitor customers heading in and out.

One person said that attempting to shop the Boxing Day sales at the Trafford Centre is ‘physcho behaviour’ while another said it was ‘the worst place on earth’.

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Someone wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: “First time in trafford centre. Very cool however never go on boxing day.”

Another wrote: “idk why tf we thought coming Trafford Centre would be a good idea today lol.”

Someone else said: “trafford centre boxing day sale has cattlepen queues are you joking.”

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One person commented: “Eldest has just got back from Trafford Centre, she said it was rammed. What happened to people playing party games on Boxing day?”

One user wrote: “A bad decision was made today. Trafford Centre. On Boxing Day. Hungover and tired.”

And someone on TikTok simply said: “Never again.”

So hey, it might not be for everyone, but at a time where everything costs a fortune, the next few days will be the perfect time to shop for less.

@szh2002

Never again #foryou #fyp #traffordcentre #manchester

♬ original sound – Whitney Stone-Steen

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Featured image: TikTok, @szh2002

Shopping

KFC have launched their own perfume – oh, and a new burger

Danny Jones Danny Jones KFC launch new BBQ-scented perfume

Fast food giants KFC have launched their very own perfume in one of the weirdest marketing stunts we’ve seen in a long while.

That being said, we definitely want a bottle.

KFC‘s fried chicken-themed fragrance launches next month and is fashionably named ‘No 11 Eau de BBQ’, a nod to their newest menu item, the Ultimate BBQ Burger, which we also want in our possession as soon as humanly possible.

The franchise’s new signature scent launches in just a week’s time and, yes, you can genuinely buy it along with the new burger for a limited time only.

kfc no 11 eau de bbq
kfc perfume
Again, this is a real thing you can pay actual money for. (Credit: KFC UKI)

The UK-only release actually sold out when it came to pre-orders but Brits will be able to get their hands on another batch when the second lot drops on 7 May.

Promising a charcoal and smoky wood-scented aroma that immediately transports you to your mate’s back garden as he turns cheap burger patties into overly blackened dry pucks of meat that you definitely would’ve cooked better if you were in charge, the stunt is also helping raise money for non-profits.

Available in 100ml bottles and for just £11, 100% of the proceeds of every sale will go towards the KFC Foundation, which supports grassroots organisations empowering young people to unleash their potential and build a positive future in local communities across the country.

As for the burger that inspired it, the special edition menu item is a nod to BBQ season gradually approaching and they’ve even made a nod to our famously reliable British weather and its attempts to derail the art of outdoor grilling in a new advert.

KFC perfume and a new burger? Christmas has come well early this year.

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The Ultimate BBQ Burger has already launched and will be on the menu until 9 June, priced at £6.49 or £9.99 for a box meal which comes with the burger, a regular mini fillet, regular fries, BBQ sauce and a drink.

And don’t worry, it’ll be available on delivery too — we know we’ve had problems with that when it comes to specials in the past.

As KFC’s No 11 Eau de BBQ perfume, you can wait in the online queue like everyone else HERE and let’s just say you’ll be fighting us and plenty of other Mancs for every last drop.

Anyone else suddenly in the mood for a Zinger?…

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — KFC UKI

Shopping

River Island reopens Manchester Arndale store – and it’s unrecognisable

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson River Island has reopened in the Manchester Arndale after a refurbishment. Credit: The Manc Group

River Island in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre is ready to reopen after a major makeover, and it’s bigger than ever.

The stunning space now spans 13,947 square feet and comes with interactive fitting rooms where you can order extra sizes on an iPad, self-checkouts, and a limited-edition collection exclusive to the Arndale.

The huge shop’s refurb follows a similar move at their Trafford Centre store, where River Island moved into the former Topshop unit.

Now, the three-storey store in the heart of the Arndale has been given a lick of duck-egg blue, and transformed into a beachy paradise.

Officially throwing its doors open this morning, Thursday 25 April, with Lucy Mecklenburgh cutting the ribbon, the huge shop is already welcoming hordes of shoppers.

Over the weekend, you’ll spot plenty of activations to celebrate River Island’s relaunch.

There are people carrying gigantic shopping bags handing out scratch cards with different discounts on, a Spin the Wheel with prizes, free coffees, a pop-up flower cart and loads more.

And the first people to spend more than £55 on each day between 25 and 28 April will receive a limited-edition tote bag.

High-tech changing rooms at the new River Island in the Manchester Arndale
High-tech changing rooms at the new River Island in the Manchester Arndale
Accessories in River Island's new Manchester Arndale store
Accessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale store
The kids' clothing collection in River Island
The kids’ clothing collection in River Island
Accessories in River Island's new Manchester Arndale store
Accessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale store

This new River Island store has a limited-edition collection of one-off, premium pieces featuring exclusive fabrics and luxury detailing.

The 19-piece, bohemian-inspired collection starts at £45 and will only be available in the Arndale store.

Inside you’ll find all the usual River Island goodies, including a huge amount of holiday shop items, plus denim, occasion-wear, shoes, handbags, and kids’ clothing.

The new River Island store will open on 25 April in The Arndale shopping centre in Manchester.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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