Great news for the figurine enthusiasts amongst you as a brand new shop dedicated almost entirely to the world of Funko Pops has just opened up in Stockport town centre.
Be it little toys, vintage coins or something as simple as an eye-catching beer mat or cool glass from a local pub, we all like to collect little bits and bobs here and there, but for lovers of Funko Pops, it’s serious business.
Probably up there with one of the most popular categories of collector’s items in the world of hobbyists, Funko Pops have been huge for over a decade now and even if you don’t recognise the name right away, you’ll almost certainly have spotted them in the likes of HMV, WHSmiths, supermarkets and more.
Now though, for fans of the small plastic statues, you no longer have to only head into the city centre and the likes of Forbidden Planet, Travelling Man or Be More Geek to get a glimpse at the wider collection of Funko Pops available here in the UK as a new store has just opened up in 0161.
Online merchandise retailer Titan Pops UK has been around since 2021, specialising in selling officially licensed Funko Pops, plushies of your favourite TV, film and gaming characters, Pokémon cards and a plethora of other stuff.
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After a few years of building up a regular and dedicated customer base and popping up (see what we did there?) at the local market, the brand has now unveiled its flagship brick-and-mortar shop, putting down roots at Graylaw House on Chestergate over in Stockport – no, not the pub…
Situated as one of only a small handful of dedicated Funko Pop shops in Greater Manchester, local fans will be able to get their hands on popular ranges Star Wars, Marvel, Disney and Pokémon, just to name a few. Trust us, they’ve got plenty.
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Opening for business at the end of March, Titan Pops SK not only boasts some rarer Funko Pop collectables that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the ten boroughs but plenty of other merchandise too.
Popular among kids and adult collectors alike, Funko Pops are a much-loved pastime for many and now Stockport locals can get involved.
From t-shirts, Loungefly rucksacks, Tubbz figurines too and a wide variety of other officially licensed merchandise – we’re even talking things like Iron Man soda (cans of fizzy pop to us Northerners) – you’ll find plenty of pop culture goodies to be enjoyed here.
Starting off by opening from 9am-5pm on Saturdays and 10am-4pm on Sunday, as well as late-night shift on Wednesdays from (4:30 until 7pm), they’re the new go-to destination for you Funko Pops fanatics when the smaller selections here in the likes of the city centre have been exhausted.
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They’re even selling off mystery boxes of mixed items for an added bit of fun and excitement.
We always love it when a new opening caters to a niche that people are passionate about and they’re also a local family-run business, so even better. That being said, if you’re into your Funko Pops, now you know where to go find a shedload of them.
Entire Blossoms band rock up to independent takeaway for ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’
Daisy Jackson
Blossoms have hailed a Manchester takeaway as having the ‘best sandwiches’ in town.
The Stockport band popped in – all five of them – to Ad Maiora in the Northern Quarter, to sample one of their authentic Italian sandwiches.
Ad Maiora shared a picture of the five-piece outside their Tib Street sandwich shop, saying it was a ‘special’ moment to have the band visit.
The humble sandwich business started life in the apartment of Sardinian couple Daniela Steri and Enrico Pinna, who quit their jobs to dedicate their lives to sandwiches.
It then expanded to open its first proper site in February last year, where they create beautiful butties with freshly-baked schiacciata – a Tuscan flatbread – and top-quality Italian ingredients.
It’s not just Blossoms who have fallen for Ad Maiora’s incredible food.
The sandwich business is also a firm favourite with several Manchester City stars, including Erling Haaland, who even has a sandwich on the menu named after him.
Blossoms hailed Ad Maiora as having the ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ve had several visits from Pep Guardiola, too, while he was manager of Man City.
Sharing the picture of Blossoms, Ad Maiora wrote: “A special visit from Stockport’s finest.
“It was an absolute pleasure welcoming @blossomsband to Ad Maiora for some proper Italian schiacciata!”
Blossoms commented to say: “I migliori panini di Manchester!! Grazie mille ragazzi” – which translates as: “Best sandwiches in Manchester!! Thank you so much guys.”
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Danny Jones -
11th April 2024 
