Two increasingly popular clothing brands, UN:IK and bound, are joining forces to bring a week-long celebration of independent business and indie fashion culture to Manchester with an exciting pop-up which opens this week.
From this Friday (27 October) until Saturday, 4 November, the UN:IK x bound hybrid pop-up shop will be open throughout the day in one of the city centre’s newest mini-districts and tourist traps Road, Circle Square over on Oxford Road.
Already home to various exciting and similarly thriving independent bars and restaurants, as well as growing gig venue Canvas, the area will soon play host to the new pop-up event where shoppers can check out lines from both burgeoning brands.
They can do all this whilst also enjoying complimentary treats not only from Manc favourite dessert spot, Gooey, but the likes of Allpress and Companio, as well as some cheeky free booze from Sly Dog Rum and another local fave, Shindigger. You had us at free.
The pop-up itself kicks off on Friday with an exclusive preview for friends, family and special guests from 4pm onwards, where there will be free coffee courtesy of Allpress and pastries from artisan bakery Companio, not to mention a few pizza slices from Nell’s.
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However, the week-long event as a whole promises plenty of freebies for everyone, as well as performances from resident NAM DJs such as Stell’s Selections, Mezrec’s and Didds; Neil Summers, Disco Stu, Enos, Shadev.
Once again, there will be a range of beverages (both alcoholic and soft ) served by Shindigger, Laid Bear, Intune CBD and Seven Brothers, and when the pop-up opens to the public on Saturday, customers can grab their free coffee and a famous Gooey cookie on the house. We’d go for that alone, to be honest.
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While the collaboration officially ends next Saturday, there’s plenty of time to stop by and make the most of the limited-time-only showcase and on Tuesday, 31 October, shoppers can enjoy a special Halloween-themed event taking place with Sly Dog Rum and Shindigger — and more cookie, of course.
The UN:IK and bound pop-up’s closing Party will take place on Friday, 3 November, which will be soundtracked by the local DJs mentioned above, along with the freebies we’ve already mentioned.
In the time between Friday and then, however, all visitors can get their hands on a free coffee at the very least, as well as a co-branded coffee bag by bound x Allpress available to purchase in-store.
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There will also be a special Mele x Club Bad release for UN:IK Clothing, as well as three new in-house brands on show at the store, not to mention an exclusive sale rail of existing lines.
It doesn’t stop there either; a range of different cuisines throughout the week is yet to be unveiled (we’d put our money on some tasty snacks from NAM since they’re already attached), as well as more local DJs supplying sounds and free gifts being handed out.
The pop-up will be open from 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am-4pm on Sunday, but the venue will still open later on the days of the special events. See you there.
There’s no denying that Pilates is one of the most popular workouts of the moment, especially the Reformer discipline, which is even being hailed as the ultimate workout for 2025, with social media currently flooded with influencers taking up the practice and new Reformer Pilates studios popping up left, right, and centre across Greater Manchester and the UK.
If you’re unfamiliar with what Reformer Pilates is, it’s a low-impact form of Pilates exercise performed on a specialised Reformer machine – which adds resistance to exercises, making it suitable for various different fitness levels – and it focuses on strength, flexibility, core stability, and overall body awareness.
But while popular, there’s also no denying that it’s expensive.
Aldi is launching a collection of Pilates products in the middle aisle next weekend / Credit: Aldi
Though many people see their choice of workout as something they prioritise and budget for, for others, the price of regular Reformer Pilates classes are not financially feasible.
Which is why the news that you’ll soon be able to pop down to your local Aldi store, head to the middle aisle, and pick up your own Reformer Pilates machine to take home with you that very same day, is music to our ears.
In a UK supermarket first, Aldi is bringing Reformer Pilates to the middle aisle, and it’s perfect for those looking to elevate their fitness routines in a long-term affordable way, as it offers professional-grade workouts without leaving the house.
Featuring adaptable resistance levels with five resistance bands, adjustable height settings, smooth gliding functionality, transport wheels for easy movement, and foldable storage capabilities, Aldi says its versatile Reformer Pilates Machine ‘caters to all fitness levels’, making it a must-have addition to any home gym or exercise space.
Outside an Aldi store / Credit: Aldi Corporate
It even comes complete with an introductory exercise chart too, so whether you’re looking to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, or tone muscles, the machine is designed to help anyone achieve their fitness goals.
The viral Reformer Pilates Machine has already taken the internet by storm when it launched in Australia last year, with Brits begging the budget supermarket to bring it across the pond, and now it’s finally set to launch in UK Aldi stores nationwide on Sunday 25 May.
The Reformer Pilates Machine will set you back £149, which we know isn’t cheap, let’s say, but it’s certainly cheaper in the long run if you’re an avid Pilates practicer.
Shoppers better limber up though, as is the case with all Aldi Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone, so if you’re keen to get your hands on a machine, you’ll need to act fast.
Head down to your local Aldi on Sunday 25 May and get checking that middle aisle.
Featured Image – Aldi
Shopping
Two Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer
Two new Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer.
With the long-awaited live action adaptation of the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch hitting cinemas this month, both Primark cafes in Manchester are receiving a Hawaiian-themed makeover.
Everyone’s favourite in-store cafe is back with another much-loved franchise, and this time its one of Disney cutest cartoon duos.
Both of Manchester‘s Primark cafes – the one off Market Street in the city centre, and inside Trafford Palazzo – will be transformed with themed decor and will receive an updated menu featuring food items inspired by Hawaii, which is where the film is based, of course.
Two Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer / Credit: Primark
Diners can expect a variety of Stitch-themed treats, including grilled toasties and waffles, and even refreshments like shakes, smoothies and lemonades.
All food and drink ordered from the themed cafes will be decorated with tropical-inspired packaging featuring some cute little stickers of the main blue guy himself on drinks.
The arrival of the Lilo & Stitch cafe does, of course, mean that Primark’s popular The Simpsons-themed cafe may be no more, but they couldn’t get rid of Homer’s favourite delicacy that easily, as instead, this sugary staple has been kept on the menu but just given a Lilo & Stitch twist.
Not only that, but the fashion giant will continue championing this much-loved franchise with over 100 new products ready for you to say ‘Aloha’ in style this summer.
Primark has a soft spot for Stitch, stocking products inspired by the adorable Disney character since 2016 – with everything from sleepwear and accessories to swim costumes and suitcases.
You can even buy an exclusive plush of Stitch that recreates his iconic pose from the upcoming live adaptation.
The ‘Lilo & Stitch’ cafe is coming to both of Manchester’s Primark locations including Market Street and Trafford Centre from 9 May ahead of the live adaptation coming to cinemas on 21 May.
Danny Jones -
27th October 2023 
