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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Image — UN:IK Clothing/Circle Square (via Instagram)/bound
Shopping
Walkers launches TWO new permanent crisp flavours for the first time in decades
Emily Sergeant
Walkers has launched two new crisp flavours to its permanent lineup for the first time in decades.
We all know the legendary crisp manufacturers have been no strangers to bringing out weird and wonderful concoctions and collaborations over the years – with Marmite, spicy tomato ketchup, fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and even Christmas pudding being just some of the foods turned into crisp form by the company over the years.
These limited-edition Walkers flavours usually have shoppers flocking to their nearest supermarket to stock up before they sell out.
But this time, there’s no need to dash, as these two new flavours are staying for good.
Walkers has launched two new permanent crisp flavours for the first time in decades / Credit: The Manc Group | Mustafa Bashari (via Unsplash)
It’s been a long time – decades, in fact – since Walkers announced permanent crisp flavours that would be stocked on UK shop shelves for years to come, but all that’s set to change, and we have a feeling they’re going to be pretty well-received.
Inspired by the authentic flavours of Japan and India, the two new Walkers crisp flavours are Sticky Teryaki and Chicken Masala.
These new additions come following a year of ‘rigorous’ testing of 63 different potentials, and Walkers said its research and development team finally landed on two flavours that are ‘so delicious’, they simply ‘had to be added’ to the permanent lineup.
The new Sticky Teriyaki flavour provides a balance between sweet and tangy, and it’s sure to hit your senses with an array of flavours from Japan.
The new Masala Chicken, on the other hand, packs a punch of flavour and provides the rich and spicy taste that makes Tikka Masala a firm favourite dish in the UK.
“Our development team has been on a mission for the past year to find two new flavours that meet the highest standards,” commented Wayne Newton, who is the Senior Marketing Director at Walkers, ahead of the crisps being launched.
“After thousands of crisps crunched, flavours tested, and bags rustled, we’re pleased to bring something entirely new to the table”.
Walkers’ new Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken crisps are available to buy now in stores across the UK, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Esperanza Doronila (via Unsplash)
Shopping
Inside the UK’s largest Bershka store that has just opened inside the Trafford Centre
Clementine Hall
Bershka has opened its first-ever Manchester store this week, and it’s a fashion lover’s paradise.
Spanning an absolutely massive 1200 square meters, the Spanish fast fashion clothing retailer has touched down in the Trafford Centre with a bang.
Known for its on trend and affordable pieces, Bershka caters to a younger audience who are looking to dress to impress.
From camouflage mini skirts to buckled biker boots, if you’ve seen a fashion trend online and you’re wanting to try it out for yourself – Bershka is the place to spend your money.
Images: Supplied
The new flagship store located on Peel Avenue next to John Lewis is organised into three independent sections: BERSHKA, BSK, and MAN collections.
The store concept aims to integrate the building’s interior with a groundbreaking store prototype already used in other locations across the world.
Featuring a sequence of product display modules designed to showcase the different collections while changing materials depending on the section.
Images: Supplied
Each section is designed to be your own personal shopper, so you really don’t have to go far to find your perfect fit.
Spending money has never been so easy, with the brand new streamlined checkout sections that include plenty of both traditional and self-checkout counters meaning you’ll never find yourself queueing.
Another standout feature is the store’s lighting, specifically designed for this supersized flagship store. Small rectangular LED spotlights with warm and comfortable lighting have been used to enhance the customer’s shopping experience, so you can say goodbye to harsh changing room lighting.
Images: Supplied
Custom sound panels have been designed and installed in central areas of each section, as well as AR mirrors that us AR technology allowing you to try on products through different filters created exclusively by the brand. How cool is that?
So grab your wallets and get yourself to the Trafford Centre to browse Bershka to your heart’s content.
Danny Jones -
27th October 2023 
