Stockport is preparing to say goodbye to one of its shopping veterans as the once-popular hardware store and discount retailer Yu & Me is closing after more than three decades.
The beloved bits and bobs shop catered to virtually everyone’s needs, selling everything from homeware and DIY to garden furniture and toys, as well countless other essentials and random nicknacks, serving generations of Stopfordian families to earn a legendary local reputation.
However, the “handyman’s paradise” – which has also been described as everything from “Aladdin’s Cave” and a “gold mine”, to the place you go for “everything you didn’t know you needed” – is now set to shut down for good at the start of the new year.
Announcing the closure on social media, owner Warner Yu confirmed that 5 January will be their final day of business.
Credit: Warner Yu (via Facebook)Credit: AEW Architects via SMBC planning
The shop, located on Buxton Road in Great Moor, is set to be part of the expansion plans laid out for the Co-op situated next door, with the building set to be demolished and redeveloped from the ground up following a recent planning application.
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Writing in the post shared on Boxing Day, Yu said: “Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has a great new year, All the best to all our wonderful Customers.
“Sorry but we will be closing down on the 5th of January 2025 as our lease has finally run out. ‘The Great Yu and Me Sale’ is now on until then. Wish you all the best and thank you for everything.”
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The comments were flooded with love, support and sadness, with one person writing. “Oh no this isn’t what I wanted to read. What will I do without you guys? My heart is broken, at least your dad will be able to relax, he is a wonderful man – end of a special era.”
Another said in a lengthy response: Really awful to do this to Yu & Me honestly. Big companies like Co-op shouldn’t have [the] power to get rid of someone else’s business like this. If anything, they should at least build them their own space since… You know, it’s been there around 30/40 years. Pretty awful thing for them to do to Yu & Me, I hope they can find somewhere nearby to continue on honestly…”
One person even shared a somewhat tongue-in-cheek but still heartfelt tribute song, bidding farewell to the no-nonsense odds-and-ends institution.
Although it is obviously sad news, the number of people sharing memories of going in with their parents, grandparents, or even taking their own children in there over the years is touching to read.
Pulling funds from three different Yu & Me shops across Greater Manchester at the time, he said: “Money is no good to us when we die and we are lucky that we are not born in such places. Some customers may have only donated pennies but all together it’s raised a lot of money. One day these people may help us.”
As a Stopfordian born and bred myself, I can only thank the Yu family for their years of service and for being the only place nearby to find last-minute spray paint for my year 11 art project. Yu will be missed.
Featured Images — Google Maps/Warner Yu (via Facebook)/Peter Barr (via Geograph)
Stockport
Major incident declared as Greater Manchester hit by flooding
Daisy Jackson
Emergency services have declared a major incident in Greater Manchester after severe heavy rain overnight on New Year’s Eve has led to flooding in several parts of the region.
One such incident is in Stockport, where a newly-converted apartment building has been hit by flooding so severe residents say they are ‘trapped’ inside with no electricity or running water.
Shocking videos and photos from Meadow Mill, which stands on the south bank of the River Tame, show the car park almost completely submerged.
Video creator Hannah Beau, who lives on the fourth floor of the development, said: “My car’s underwater, it’s definitely written off.
“They’re handing water up to the first floor in a boat. We’ve got the emergency services on standby.
“We have no power, no transport, no clean water. So this is a really great start to 2025 everyone.”
In another post, she said she’s woken up to ‘a literal lake’ beneath her home.
Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have declared a major incident and are co-ordinating responses to the severe flooding.
Areas affected across Greater Manchester include Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan.
The Environment Agency, Highways England and mountain rescue are also helping the efforts as reports continue around damage, risk to life and stranded vehicles.
On the response, Chief Superintendent Colette Rose said: “Following events overnight a major incident has been declared. This is to ensure we can continue to keep people safe through a co-ordinated effort from our collective emergency services, supported by key partner agencies.
“Anyone affected should check the relevant detail being shared by their local council, the fire service and Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure they can get the support available, which include any road closures and information centres for those displaced. It is advised to travel if it is only necessary and to take care if out and about.
“Our officers with the fire service are in the key locations and can be spoken to if you need anything urgently, as we understand the distress those affected will be faced with as we begin 2025. It will be a continued team effort as we monitor how the weather and water levels progress throughout today.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We have been working closely with the police, fire service and Environment Agency through the night to monitor water levels across the city – and provide support and guidance to our residents who might be affected. Some residents have been asked to evacuate where the Environment Agency has issued flood warnings, and these residents have been contacted directly and supported.
“Thankfully we are seeing signs that water levels are beginning to fall, and it is unlikely that further evacuations will be necessary. However, water levels will continue to be monitored over the coming hours.
“We would ask anyone who is travelling today to take extra care and check the TfGM website for the latest updates and advice. And you can find information about what to do if your area is at risk of flooding on the Council’s website.
“I would like to thank our emergency services colleagues – alongside Council staff – for their efforts overnight and today in keeping Manchester residents safe.”
Flooding in your area
If flooding has affected your area, you can contact Floodline by phone on 0345 988 1188 or by text on 0345 602 6340, or contact your local authority if you have questions.
Anyone with information around any developments or in need of assistance are asked to call 101 quoting log 3258 of 31/12/2024. In an emergency, always dial 999 in the first instance.
A dozen major new openings coming to Greater Manchester and beyond in 2025
Thomas Melia
GreaterManchester is already bursting at the seams with wonderful restaurants, shops and buildings, but surely we always have room to squeeze in more new openings each year.
As 2024 comes to a close we can celebrate some incredible Manc wins like, getting our own Jellycat store in Selfridges or the innovative K-beauty store, Pureseoul, which landed in Manchester Arndale in November.
2024 also saw the St John’s neighbourhood take shape, with openings like Fenix, Courts Club and Caravan well and truly up and running.
And of course, who could forget the launch of Co-op Live? The huge new arena has already hosted some seriously big names and there’s plenty more to come in 2025.
Manchester’s landscape is an ever-changing one and with the list below already STACKED (hint, hint), it’s safe to say it’s never a dull day for new openings in Manchester.
So here are all the major new launches you can get excited about in the year ahead.
Big new openings in Greater Manchester and beyond | 2025
1. Soho House – Old Granada Studios
The rooftop pool at White City House, the London equivalent.CGIs of Soho House Manchester.Arguably the mother of all new openings for Manchester in 2025. (Credit: Supplied)
It really is out with the old and in with the new, as luxury member’s club Soho House prepares to roost in the Old Granada Studios building.
Set to be a multi-storey hub featuring everything from restaurants to a rooftop pool, this extravagant destination is on track to be one of the most glamorous when it opens next year.
If you’re thinking of lying by the pool and taking an ‘Instagrammable moment’ stop right there! Soho House Manchester, much like its London counterpart, will have a strict no-phones policy, giving everyone complete privacy.
Its opening has been delayed several times over but it’s looking like 2025 will be Soho House’s year.
Alongside Soho House, this once booming TV news building is also welcoming some neighbours in the form of Mollie’s Motel, fit with a contemporary art collection and live music venue.
The Manchester site is trialling out a first for the Americana-inspired motel company as this is not only set to be their first city-centre location but also features studio suites, unlike their two other locations.
However, they aren’t losing all their authentic touches, this Manchester Mollie’s will have a classic diner stocking ‘New Yorker’ peanut butter and jelly pie.
Inside Chotto Matte, the new rooftop restaurant at Gary Neville’s St Michael’s development in Manchester. (Credit: Supplied)
A cross of Japanese and Peruvian delicacies, Chotto Matte is big on flavours and sophistication, with each guest treated to a ‘culinary journey’ through every dish they serve.
They really meant business with this restaurant as not only is it ‘high class’ it’s also high altitude, situated on the rooftop of Gary Neville’s St Michael’s development.
Not so much one of most exciting new openings in Greater Manchester but more a rebirth. (Credit: Oldham Coliseum)
Launching the careers of many of our favourite soap stars and breaking the hearts of many locals with its closure in 2023, Oldham Coliseum is ready to return to reign supreme once again.
From Charlie Chaplin to Corrie greats like Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), this North West theatre has said hello to quite a few famous faces over the years.
After plans were announced not too long ago for a new multi-million pound but much smaller new site, it’s great to see this drama institution remain in its original and much-loved home instead, with a major refurbishment planned.
Opening in time for Christmas/Panto season 2025 – read more HERE.
5. Power Hall – Science and Industry Museum
The Light Lab at the Science and Industry Museum. (Credit: Science Museum Group)
Since 2019, this incredible part of Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has been closed for restoration works and has been dearly missed by all visitors.
The plan for this renovation sees the Museum preserve its original historic elements while making way for new spaces for playing and learning in.
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There will also be a gantry crane connected to the Power Hall which towers an impressive 8 metres high and 72 metres wide, wow.
6. National Portrait Gallery Unframed – MediaCity, Salford
Two people looking at a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I at FRAMELESS Manchester. (Credit: FRAMELESS)
The London-based gallery is moving up North to create a ‘ground-breaking’ new experience which sees paintings in a completely new light, literally.
Some of the world’s most famous paintings are about to be brought to life in an immersive digital experience, in collaboration with FRAMELESS Creative.
The long-term partnership which will be based in Salford is bringing new art experiences to wider audiences via an all-new digital exhibition.
This site will be designed around an expansive open plaza which will house a large stage, perfect for all varieties of family-friendly events and shows.
This Oxford Road hotspot is bringing a much-loved concept for visitors and locals alike combining street food with live entertainment and bars, a perfect city centre attraction.
Treehouse Hotel has confirmed details of its first Manchester restaurant, and a new summer opening date. (Credit: Supplied)
Nothing like a bit of shrubbery to break up the grey-scale skyscraper landscape of Manchester and this next new opening has taken it to the next level.
If there’s one thing ‘Treehouse Hotel’ is doing well it’s branding, from the restaurant titled ‘Pip’ to the decked-out green interior and exterior, this place is a nature lover’s paradise and will majorly transform a building that’s been a bit of an eyesore for years.
Making its grand arrival to the massive hotel scene in Manchester, their website seems to hint at a Spring launch with rooms bookable from April onwards.
A CGI mock-up of what the latest space will look like. (Credit: Supplied)
Get ready to make way for a Yorkshire favourite as next up on this list is the highly-anticipated launch of The Cut and Craft.
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The steak and seafood specialists will be opening their first site in Manchester and North West as a whole in the spring – this being their third location to date after the OG spot in York and the second site in Leeds, which our Hoot team vouches for wholeheartedly.
With a grand former banking hall being renovated for the new premises over on the corner of Mosley and New York Street, you can expect high-end ingredients turned into gourmet goodness. We’re talking freshly-shucked oysters, caviar; beef tartare, king scallops, fish and chips, steaks and so much more.
Undouvtedly one of the most talked about new openings in all of Greater Manchester. (Credit: Supplied)
From two football stadiums to Victoria Baths, a Grade II-listed swimming pool, Manchester has a lot to say for itself, even more so with Stockport Pyramid, a Northern landmark which is soon to double as an Indian restaurant.
This iconic symbol of Stockport is about to undergo a miraculous transformation into an Indian restaurant and banquet hall, perfect for all foodies SK1 or further afield.
11. More Terminal 2 additions – Manchester Airport
Credit: Supplied
Yes, we know a lot of T2’s large-scale refurbishment has already been completed over the past couple of years, but with the second and final phase of the update already well underway, there’s still a lot more to come in 2025.
Set to be completed by the end of the year, there are still various new shops bars, and restaurants due to open in the coming months – another 22, to be more specific.
A total of £1.3 billion has been pumped into this much-needed and long-awaited renovation and once all is said and done, it will benefit roughly 80% of all passengers travelling in and out of Manchester airport. Maybe 2025 is the year it gets off to a real flyer.
12. Chester Zoo Lodges – Cheshire
A mock-up illustration of the planned safari lodges. (Credit: Supplied)
And finally, we couldn’t forget our neighbours just down the road. From a green space-themed hotel to a lodge that sees you face to face with all kinds of different animals, 2025 is making us all be at one with nature, and none of us are complaining.
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There will be four different styles of lodges all inspired by and themed around traditional timber African safari lodges, with the first plans submitted in 2022.
Some of these incredible new staycation suites overlook a refreshing lake while others are set next to an enclosure full of free-roaming giraffes.
Danny Jones -
30th December 2024 
