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…
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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 reportedly set to release first-ever fourth kit for 2026/27 season
Danny Jones
In what will be a club-first, it’s being claimed that Manchester United will be releasing a fourth kit for the 2026/27 campaign.
And no, we don’t mean a special one-off pre-match jersey or training shirt; this will be an additional alternative Man United strip to be worn in games next season.
With the current term set to conclude in just a couple of games’ time, and the Red Devils having now secured a return to the Champions League, they’re marking their comeback with their inaugural fourth kit – one for each of the competitions they will be playing in this year.
Football clubs often rotate between two or even three kits, but it’s not all that often that you see a side springing for another one.
💣💣💣 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Adidas to Release First-Ever Manchester United 4th Kit in 26-27: https://t.co/xDJa8inmPG
As broken by reliable football fashion source, Footy Headlines, while there isn’t much information around what the kit will look like, or even what the colour will be just yet, it is believed it will be a variation on the classic trio of red, white and black used for home shirts, shorts and socks.
Historically, most teams that have opted to take on an extra kit usually do so when competing in more tournaments than most terms – such as Manchester City in the most recent Club World Cup – for special anniversary matches, milestone derbies, cup-ties or some kind of limited-edition collaboration.
However, according to the online outlet, this fourth kit will be match-worn at some point in 2026/27, though we are yet to get a clear timeline.
Meanwhile, posters for the new MUFC home shirt are currently going up outside Old Trafford.
Footy Headlines state that the launch is expected in early next year, rather than for the start of 26/27, and many supporters are already speculating that it will be worn primarily for European/cup fixtures.
Shirts like these are always likely to become collectors’ items, and it goes without saying that, besides being a helpful rotation when it comes to potential kit clashes, this will no doubt serve as yet another money spinner for both them and Adidas.
United’s current deal with the German kit manufacturers runs until 2035, and if this proves to be a popular addition to their sportswear lineup and the ever-growing ‘casual culture’ among fans, we wouldn’t be surprised if you see even more fourth shirts coming out of Manchester in the future.
Speaking of footy kits, for those who haven’t seen it already, he’s a close-up look at the aforementioned Manchester United home strip for next season.
Featured Images — Matt Bloomfield (via Flickr)/The Manc Group
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The Manchester-born clothing brand being worn by some brilliant Northern sporting talents
Danny Jones
Back in 2020, HEX MCR burst onto the casualwear and sporting apparel scene and quickly became a cult favourite not just around Greater Manchester, but within the boxing and combat sports world as a whole.
They may have been away for a little while, but now under new ownership and hoping to venture even further out into the fashion industry than ever, they’re definitely ones to watch.
We wouldn’t quite call it a comeback fight, but they’re definitely starting to make a splash on their return to the scene.
Having been acquired by Craig Chiocci, a Wigan-based entrepreneur who owns a telecommunication company of the same name, 2026 looks set to be the year you’ll see more of their label out and about than ever – in fact, they’re already teaming up with some more British boxing talents once again.
Calvin Moyo wearing HEXThe worker bee insignia is never far away*Adds to basket*HEX hoodies have always been popularCredit: HEX MCR (supplied)
Continuing their trend of backing Northern fighters, in particular, they’ll be backing Doncaster-born boxer, Dave ‘The White Rhino’ Allen, for his hometown bout against top heavyweight, Filip Hrgović.
Allen, 34, will face off against the Croatian pugilist at the Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday, 16 May – donning the latest HEX MCR gear ahead of the fight, of course.
It’s far from the first time their casualwear will have been worn by a well-known face, either; the Manc brand has also been represented by the likes of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship star Luke Brassfield – who’ll be fighting at BKFC Birmingham on Saturday, 30 May – as well as plenty of boxers.
Joe Howarth, Kian Hamilton, Liam Carrigan, and many others have all pulled on their hats, hoodies, graphic t-shirts and more.
Crediting the original founders, Luke Powell and Andy Gibson – who started the company as a pandemic project in 2020 – Chiocci said: “They did a fantastic job getting HEX to where it is. It grabbed my attention as I was a consumer first, who simply appreciated the exceptional designs and premium quality.
“Manchester and the North West are a hive of activity at the moment, producing the best creative people who are developing fantastic brands and designs in the fashion industry. HEX is one of those brands that has the potential to truly make an impact.”
Craig has made it abundantly clear that he’s got big plans for the future of the already popular independent business moving forward.
For instance, as part of this revival, they’ve just released a new line of headwear to their clothing range, made more premium than ever and with each piece showcasing the ‘HEX Worker Bee’ logo design on the side panel as a nod to the Northern Quarter and the city’s industrial origins.
Speaking to The Manc, he went on to add: “This is just the start, Dave has been very helpful to us in supporting our growth and seeing our vision for HEX within the Boxing scene, we can’t wait to repay the favour in supporting him in his upcoming fight.
“We think he will surprise a lot of people and get the result. He’s in fantastic shape. We are a brand formed from the back streets of Manchester, and we feel that the brand is suited to fighters who have to show true grit and resilience.”
If you fancy adding their latest stuff to your fits, you can help support a rising local indie by checking out the full HEX MCR collection right HERE.
Their new Hybrid Sports HatActor Adam Thomas wearing HEX(L-R) Dave Allen, Craig Chiocci, Liam CarriganWill ‘Brasshammer’ Brassfield win in HEX this month?Credit: Supplied
Daisy Bradbury -
17th December 2020 
