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Argos brings out special Christmas gift catalogue after recently discontinuing them

At least some form of normality has been restored to this turbulent year.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 21st October 2020
Argos

Flipping through the Argos catalogue and circling the presents you’d like to see under the tree has always been a huge part of the lead-up to Christmas for children across the UK.

But earlier this year, Argos announced that it would be discontinuing the production of its iconic catalogues after 47 years of printing.

The Argos catalogue was staple of British homes since the 1970s and the chunky inventory was once one of the most widely-produced publications in Europe, but after one billion copies, 93 editions and almost fifty years, the printing presses stopped in July.

Argos confirmed the books would no longer be published in a move that signalled a sign of the technological times, with the retailer seeking to shift its focus online after 70% of its sales came from smartphones and tablets.

This left one important question looming over though – what about Christmas?

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Would a Christmas catalogue be printed this year?

Well, in what is an announcement sure to be well received by kids and the nostalgics among us, Argos has indeed brought out a 2020 edition of its annual Christmas Gift Guide – known as ‘The Book of Dreams’ – and it means we can get to work filling in our Christmas lists once again.

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At least some form of normality has been resorted to this turbulent year.

Argos describes this year’s ‘Book of Dreams’ on its website as: “Brimming with trending tech, stocking fillers, twinkling treasures and more. Get your hands on this year’s gift guide for all the ideas and inspiration you’ll need to make this Christmas mega.

“A one-stop shop for tree-mendous gifts everyone will have on their wish list.”

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As well as the catalogue itself, the ‘Book of Dreams’ also comes complete with your very own ‘Santa Wish List’ inside making it as easy as possible to “help you get a head start on the Christmas shopping” this year.

A picture by eagle-eyed shoppers of a rack full of catalogues in store posted to the ever-popular Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Group on Facebook has gone down a real treat with members this week, amassing over 2.4K interactions and thousands of comments, so it seems people are understandably excited by the release.

Argos

The ‘Book of Dreams’ Christmas Gift Guide 2020 is now available to pick up from your nearest Argos store, and you are advised to always check the opening times of your local branch before making any trips via the Argos store locator here.

You can also browse a wealth of festive gift ideas on the Argos website here.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United

Danny Jones Danny Jones Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only 3 Man United players have spoke to him since leaving

Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.

Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.

The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.

However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.

At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.

Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”

As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.

He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.

The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.

Now the boss at Besiktas, the 52-year-old has won 50% of his games so far, with the Turkish side on course for a third-place finish.

For context, he only took the job back in January.

What did you make of Ole’s revelations then, Reds? And, more importantly, how do you look back on his time in charge at the Theatre of Dreams?

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Featured Images — soccer.ru (via Wikimedia Commons)/BBC Sport

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Co-op Live has been named the number one arena in Europe following its debut year

Danny Jones Danny Jones Co-op Live arena best in Europe

Despite a rocky opening month or so, Manchester’s Co-op Live made the ultimate instant recovery and has now been named the number one arena not just in the UK but all of Europe.

Manc music venues being best in class? Sounds about right.

Yes, even despite some obstacles, delays and early hiccups, Co-op Live‘s debut year as a live music and indoor entertainment venue has seen it beat out the likes of the long-established and iconic O2 in London to take the top spot.

The inaugural 12 months of the arena have not only seen it welcome all manner of music legends, as well as live sporting events such as the UFC and WWE, but the arena welcomed more visitors than any other venue across the continent during that time.

co-op live top venue for ticket sales in europe
Credit: Press Shot (supplied)

Hosting 105 events since opening, Co-op Live was officially ranked the number one arena for gross ticket sales in the UK and Europe by Pollstar this week.

Names to have graced the industry-leading stage so far include Liam Gallagher, Stevie Nicks and Take That; Peter Kay, Elbow, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, and so many more.

Commenting on the successful start, Tim Leiweke (CEO and chairman of the Oak View Group behind the venue) said: “Our ambition was to bring the world’s best music arena to one of the world’s greatest music cities and we are thrilled with the reaction from fans and artists alike over this past year.

“Co-op Live’s revolutionary acoustics investment has already attracted some of the world’s biggest artists and events to Manchester, with many more to come.  And our sustainability commitment will ensure we remain responsible contributors to Manchester and the planet for years to come. 

“We believe that amazing venues can transform cities for the better, and Co-op Live has done just that.”

It’s fair to say we’ve had some truly unforgettable nights in there already – and that’s just in the last month alone. Case and point:

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Artists themselves have fallen in love with it as well, with LG himself putting it on a par with one of the most iconic arenas on the planet.

With a continued commitment to achieving ‘Net Zero’ status too, the venue’s carbon reduction technologies, solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting, not to mention the recently refreshed CityLink walking in partnership with the Climate Pledge, are all things we can be proud of.

Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, went on to add: “We are delighted with the success of Co-op Live’s first year, and to see it taking the top spot off London.

“It shows Manchester is the home of live music in the UK, with Co-op Live bringing so many exclusives from artists like Bruce Springsteen to the city and Oasis playing massive hometown shows this summer – 2025 is going to be one of the biggest ever for our city’s music scene.”

Meanwhile, things are feeling less fortunate at the grassroots end of the spectrum, as the Music Venue Trust is imploring people to get behind a vulnerable Manc music institution.

Music venue charity issues ‘shocked’ statement ahead of impending Manchester closure
We can’t forget about the small-cap venues that get things started.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group

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