It’s been a tough year for Manchester’s small businesses, with many of the city’s hardworking creatives struggling to survive due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Christmas is almost upon us, we need to look out for one another – supporting the Mancunian independents that our creative city is renowned for wherever we can.
Manchester is filled with unique businesses offering festive, fun gifts, so if you’re braving the busy high streets and frantically searching for last-minute Christmas presents, why not support some of these local creators?
Everyone deserves to feel indulged and spoiled around Christmas, especially after the insane year that 2020 has been.
Soapy J, which is based in Afflecks, is selling some amazing bath bombs that are handmade and kind to your skin, whilst still packing an incredible punch with their striking scents and vibrant colours.
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This relaxing range will go down a treat on a winter evening – as well as their classic mini-figure range of bath bombs which will hopefully be back in stock in the new year.
Our time in lockdown loungewear doesn’t seem to be entirely over yet – so it’s likely that comfy jumpers and joggers will still be a staple going into the new year.
As holidays abroad still feel like a distant dream, fellow Mancunians shouldn’t have to forfeit their sunkissed look.
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If you need an injection of bronze now more than ever, Holly Hagan’s collaboration with Mancunian brand Rose and Caramel is exactly what you need.
This set has got you covered for the ‘ultimate tan up’, with everything from products to prep your skin to their revolutionary 3-minute tan remover.
If you know someone who’s sick of scrubbing off patchy fake tan, this gift set is an absolute necessity.
For the plant mum…
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIqAKIKAkpJ/
Glass House on Princess Street has launched a ‘plant gang pack’, offering everything you need to keep your greens alive this winter.
This is perfect for anyone who’s developed a greenfinger and has been steadily transforming their home into a tropical paradise.
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Glass House is also selling a variety of houseplants, succulents and dried flowers from their Manchester-based boutique, as well as hosting workshops in the run-up to Christmas.
Buying someone a gift set of shower gels can seem quite impersonal, but opt for a zero-waste alternative and suddenly your prezzie has a lot more thought behind it.
Grüum is a Manchester brand aiming to create planet-friendly skin and body care, and these gifts would be the perfect addition under the Christmas tree for anyone who is environmentally conscious.
Although Gruum offer various gifts, you can’t beat ‘The Sustainables‘ set of zero plastic pamper products, including their award-winning shampoo bar.
For the jewellery obsessive…
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If you plan on giving some elegant jewellery this Christmas, or you know someone who takes pride in these lavish accessories, then having somewhere to display these items is essential.
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Not only is Benji’s boho face jewellery stand practical as it stops them from getting tangled, it’s also the height of trendy interiors right now.
Gorgeous jewellery deserves to be adorned for all to see (that is, when we’re allowed visitors in our homes again), and what better way to do so than with this stunning holder.
Candles are quite an obvious gift idea, but why not spice things up a bit and opt for a set of wax melts instead?
These super cute stocking fillers provide a great opportunity to try out some new scents and give your home a fresh feel as the new year approaches.
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Although there are many on the market, you can’t beat WIFF’s selection of unique fragrances with hilarious names that’ll definitely be the topic of conversation around the Christmas dinner table.
For the face mask fiend…
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If you know someone who is into creative, reusable face masks, rather than the disposable, surgical-esque ones, then this is a thoughtful and extremely practical gift.
It’s the gift that we never could’ve seen coming last Christmas – but is now an absolute necessity for everyone.
The Norah Store in Stockport are selling these stylish options that will become the focus of any outfit, allowing you to be both confident and cautious when heading out
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Manchester United home kit for 2026/27 ‘leaked’ online in unboxing video
Danny Jones
Manchester United’s new home kit for the 2026/27 campaign has reportedly been leaked online in a YouTuber’s unboxing video ahead of next season.
We know fake shirts and dupes can be pretty accurate these days, but it looks very much like this could be the real deal.
Shared by dedicated football kit reviewer, ‘Retro Man‘, who has seemingly revealed the latest Man United jersey, this unveiling lines up with the previously rumoured designs circulated on social media.
A Red Devil himself, the creator has teased previous releases that turned out to be true in the past, so we’ll leave it up to all of you to decide how bona fide you think this supposed home strip is. Ever-reliable footy fashion peers, Footy Headlines, have also shared these images:
Uploaded to the channel on 25 April, Retro Man did a full overview of the United 26/27 home shirt, highlighting key features such as a red-forward collar with black and white accents.
That same trim is repeated on the ends of the sleeves – reminiscent of the 2011/12 iteration, only differing in the more crew neck style – and the back of the neck now simply reads “UNITED”.
It is worth noting that this is specifically the replica shirt that most fans will purchase.
Should it prove to be the genuine article, this will be the 11th Manchester United kit by adidas since they returned as manufacturers over a decade ago, a.k.a. the start of the Louis van Gaal era.
Retro Man has since posted another video showing off what he claims to be the ‘authentic’ version, too; you can check it out in more detail down below.
Looks pretty legit…
As you can see, the official player edition that will be worn on the pitch by actual United squad members (though they are still available to purchase by the public) appears to hold some key distinctions.
Besides some differences around the panelling and stitching, there is also a noticeable textured section along large sections of the interwoven fabric as part of the brand’s breathable and trademark ‘Climacool’ technology.
Elsewhere, the badge itself also looks to have a more embossed/raised finish. If this is the real deal, what do you make of it?
This isn’t the only United kit that’s caught some attention of late, either:
Featured Images — Retro Man (screenshots via YouTube)
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Claire’s is closing down stores in the UK and Ireland with more than 1,300 jobs set to be lost
Danny Jones
In another hit to domestic shoppers, Claire’s Accessories is closing down en masse across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration once again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire’s will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay of British high streets up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire’s closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded way back in 1961 over in the United States, Claire’s has operated across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they’ve struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They most recently filed for bankruptcy in the US this past August (2025), with their Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch divisions having already called it quits.
Manchester location(s) have changed a lot over time, but now they’re on the way out (Credit: Arndale)
For many, the outcome isn’t all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.