Shopping

Urban Outfitters is FINALLY opening at The Trafford Centre

Our prayers have been answered.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 1st September 2025

Shoppers’ prayers have been answered – The Trafford Centre is finally getting an Urban Outfitters.

Despite being a staple retailer on the high street, there’s never been an Urban Outfitters at the iconic shopping centre before.

Instead, fans have had to rely on the huge three-storey store on Market Street in the city centre.

The American brand is famed for its trend-led fashion pieces, vintage and retro items, and its homeware and lifestyle pieces.

Urban Outfitters typically have thrift-shop-inspired interiors too, with industrial fixtures and custom-made display units.

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And now, all that looks set to open in The Trafford Centre soon, with huge hoardings now up for a unit on the first floor, right next to John Lewis.

It follows a busy summer of openings at the major shopping centre, which have included a supersized Zara concept store and neighbouring new openings for Pull & Bear and Bershka.

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Viral toy retailer Pop Mart, home of the Labubus, has also recently opened its doors there.

There’s also a new-look section of the food court, home to a Hello Oriental, Chit n Chaat, Blanchflower and more.

And across the way at Trafford Palazzo is that massive new Primark Home, the first in Great Britain.

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Shoppers have been begging for an Urban Outfitters to open at The Trafford Centre for more than a decade.

Tweets going back as far as 2010 say things like: “Do I need to start a petition for Urban Outfitters to open at the Trafford centre?”

Another person wrote: “trafford centre just needs to grow up and put an urban outfitters in it”

And someone else said: “Where in Trafford centre is urban fking outfitters?!”

An opening date hasn’t yet been announced, but watch this space.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Shopping

Opening date confirmed for long-awaited Urban Outfitters store at Trafford Centre

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The opening date for Urban Outfitters’ long-awaited Trafford Centre store has officially been announced.

And it’s opening much sooner than you think.

In case you hadn’t heard, the cult fashion giant – which already has a multi-floor store in Manchester city centre on Market Street – is set to open its second Manchester location over at the Trafford Centre, with the new site spanning more than 6,705 sq ft of space and ready to continue establishing the business as a leader in UK.

The new location will showcase a curated mix of ‘style, culture, and creativity’, with leading brands like BDG, iets frans, Kimchi Blue, Loom, and Ayker all set to line the shelves.

The brand is known for delivering ‘experiential’ stores that offer more than just shopping.

Urban Outfitters EU President, Emma Wisden, says the business has always prioritised creating designs and spaces that are ‘unique’ and inspire its customers to express their style – and that’s what the new Trafford Centre store is aiming to do.

“Our selection of standout proprietary brands, curated vintage products, global brands, and unique home and lifestyle items are individual to Urban Outfitters, and we want to continue to build on this momentum with further growth into Europe,” Emma concluded.

To celebrate the launch of the new store, Urban Outfitters will be hosting an exclusive preview event for fans on the opening day, featuring a live DJ set and lots of giveaways.

The opening date has been confirmed for the long-awaited Urban Outfitters store at the Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied

There’ll even a customisation station on launch day for products bought in-store too.

“We’re delighted to welcome Urban Outfitters to Trafford Centre,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre, adding that it’s a store shoppers have been requesting for a ‘long time’.

“Their unique offering will really resonate with our visitors, particularly as we continue to evolve our retail lineup with brands that bring something fresh and exciting.

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“We can’t wait to see visitors experiencing everything the new store has to offer.”

Urban Outfitters will be opening at the Trafford Centre next week on Thursday 2 October, so keep your eyes peeled for more details.

Featured Image – Supplied

Shopping

Massive student event to return to Manchester Arndale with discounts, DJs and a silent disco

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Last year's MCR Student Social

Manchester Arndale will be taken over by the MCR Student Social shopping event once again this month, with major retailers offering discounts, prizes, entertainment and loads more.

The annual celebration welcomes new and returning students to the shopping centre for a night of deals, offers and freebies across its shops, restaurants and leisure venues.

This year’s event features live DJs, giveaways, and a roaming Party Tuk Tuk, as well as the return of the Audio North x The Manc DJ truck on Market Street.

The Audio North x The Manc DJ truck will be manned by student DJs from dBs Institute Manchester, who’ll be spinning the finest hip-hop, funk and party anthems throughout the day.

The MCR Student Social will also be getting the Arndale dancing with a huge silent rave right outside Next, hosted by the Super Star MCs.

They’ll be pulling together an evening of dance challenges, shout-outs and a chance to win goodies.

There’ll be plenty more entertainment and freebies between 12pm and 7pm on the night too, like sittings to have a special portrait created by an artistic illustrator for your student digs, and a live DJ at Halle Place.

Roaming the Manchester Arndale all evening will be the Party Tuk Tuk, packed with giveaways and accepting song requests.

Looking for a refuel? The Food and Drink Zone on Market Street will have treats from Manchester Arndale’s top food and drink traders, including Barburrito, Creams, Franco Manca and Popeyes, while at Exchange Square Papa Johns and Tango will be in situ.

Last year's MCR Student Social
Last year's MCR Student Social
Last year's MCR Student Social
Last year’s MCR Student Social for Manchester Arndale. Credit: The Manc Group

Market Street will also be hosting performances from GFF Damian Dance Studio.

In the Party Zone, students can get stuck into games, prizes, freebies and giveaways from Fusion, Hollister, Iolla, King Pins, PureGym, Søstrene Grene and Urban Playground.

And head to the Info Zone for discounts, giveaways, and interactive games from 42nd Street, Manchester Central Library, National Football Museum, NatWest and Recycle 4 GM.

Not forgetting the shopping itself, with huge discounts available between 12pm and 7pm for students.

That includes up to 50% off at more than 130 shops and services, some of which are listed below.

  • 50% off one pair of glasses from the £70 & above range at Specsavers* in the Arndale.
  • 40% off laser hair removal and skin treatments at Laser Clinics
  • 35% off hair styling tools at Amory London
  • Up to 30% off at shops including JD, Footasylum, AllSaints, Levi’s, Adidas, The North Face, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Space NK, Nike Flying Tiger, Mango, Victoria’s Secret, Barbour and more
  • Up to 50% off food, drink or leisure* at the likes of Michaels Coffee House, Barburrito, HOP Vietnamese, Popeyes, Archie’s, Immersive Gamebox and King Pins

Organised by Manchester Arndale and Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, the annual student shopping event will once again welcome new and returning students to the city.

The MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 25 September from 12pm until 7pm – find out more HERE.

T&Cs apply

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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