Manchester’s beloved independent shopping hub Afflecks has reopened its doors to the public today following temporary closure amid England’s second national lockdown.
And it’s just in time to start getting the gifts in ahead of the festive period.
The reopening of the historic shopping emporium in the heart of the Northern Quarter marks the beginning of an “Afflecks Christmas”, and the whole eclectic Afflecks family will be open for the ultimate independent Christmas shopping experience, with Mancunians invited to shop local and small this festive season.
Over 50 local, independent businesses will be open for extra-special Christmas shopping.
All four floors of the building will be open seven days a week right up until Christmas Eve, and will be operating under all necessary COVID-19 safety guidelines.
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The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly presented an incredibly challenging time for the dozens of small, creative enterprises in the building, and the second forced closure of the year has had a huge impact on their businesses.
This means the retailers are even more delighted to be able to welcome their customers into the building again, with the support of the owners of Afflecks, Bruntwood Works.
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Speaking on the reopening today, Miki Christi – Manager of The Manchester Shop at Afflecks – said” We are so excited to be opening again, we actually cannot wait to see everyone’s lovely faces.
“It’s a weird Christmas and not the festive season we all know and love, but it’s more important than ever I think to give thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts and support local, independent businesses, so come and see us and let’s make this an Afflecks Christmas”
Andrea George – Director of Retail at Bruntwood Works – added: “We’re so pleased that our iconic Afflecks is able to reopen just in time for Christmas and a crucial trading period for the businesses.
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“We are proud to support the whole family of independent enterprises at Afflecks this Christmas, and they’re very looking forward to welcoming customers back”.
You can find more information on COVID-safety precautions ahead of your visit via the Afflecks website here.
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Stockport lad lands ‘world’s sweetest job’ as Aldi’s new Easter egg taster
Emily Sergeant
A young lad from Stockport has just landed himself the “sweetest job” in the world, as he’s been chosen as Aldi’s newest Easter egg taster.
It’s hard to see someone else live out your dream… but on the eve of what is undoubtedly one of the most chocolate and sweet treat-filled holidays of the year, a five-year-old from Stockport has been revealed the Aldi ‘Chief Easter Egg Tasting Officer’ for 2024.
And it really does sound like the “world’s sweetest job”, to be fair.
Little Levi Hallows has beaten hundreds of hopeful applicants to become the supermarket‘s newest recruit in-charge of easting Easter eggs.
As he assumes his new role, chocolate lover Levi will receive a selection of Aldi’s Easter eggs in exchange for reporting back his thoughts to the company’s Buying Team, and his feedback will be valuable, as it’ll help guide what goes on shelves for Easter 2025.
The cracking job generated hundreds of special entries on social media from all across the UK, with applicants sharing videos as to why they were right for the role.
Levi caught the attention of the judges after submitting a video entry where he sang a song dedicated to the role of a lifetime, and can be seen holding his favourite Aldi chocolate bar and belting out the words: “Do you have a sweet tooth? I do! I’ve had it since I was a boy!”
As well as being a massive chocolate fan and having a long-time sweet tooth, Levi is also a budding Karate star, and has a keen interest in all things outer space too.
Levi says he’s “so excited” to have been chosen for the coveted role and “can’t wait to taste the eggs”, before going on to add: “My mum and grandparents are very proud of me, and I can’t wait to tell all my friends at school.”
Five-year-old Levi Hallows will give his feedback to help Aldi’s Buying Team curate their 2025 Easter collection / Credit: Aldi
The Greater Manchester youngster’s mum, Mary, says her son was “absolutely over the moon” when he was told he’d landed the job.
Julie Ashfield, who is the Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, added: “Our Easter eggs are hugely popular, but it’s important that we continue to amaze shoppers with innovative, fun products each year, and that’s why the role of our Chief Easter Egg Tasting Officer is such an important one.
“The feedback provided really helps our Buying Team create a bigger and better range each year.”
Featured Image – Aldi UK
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Watch the wholesome moment Jude Bellingham gives his jacket to a young mascot to keep him warm
Danny Jones
England supporters are already getting very excited to see Jude Bellingham in the starting 11 ahead of Euro 2024 but the midfielder is winning over even more fans after a clip of a wholesome moment between him and a young mascot went viral.
The Three Lions ended up drawing 2-2 in their second friendly of the international break against Belgium (losing 1-0 to Brazil in the previous game) with Bellingham scoring the equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time.
However, as much as the home fans are looking forward to the Real Madrid star rallying his teammates at the Euros this summer, it was this small but touching interaction with a young kid as the two sides lined up with their mascots just after the walkouts.
Seeing the rain falling and quickly checking in with the small boy sitting in the wheelchair below him, Bellingham rightly offered his pre-match jacket to the little lad to keep him warm.
The reaction online was just as heartwarming too, as countless people jumped on social media to leave comments like, “This is how you know he is Brum, what a nice fella”, “makes me proud to be English” and “Classy as ever from the 20-year-old”.
One person even went so far as to add: “Make this guy captain, wrap him in bubble wrap and take care of him. All youngsters should watch how he conducts himself, absolute professional.”
He wasn’t the only one either, as many eagle-eyed viewers also noted that Manchester City stars Phil Foden and John Stones also gave their jackets to the young mascots standing with him prior to the match. We really do have some lovely lads in this team, don’t we?
Absolutely class from Bellingham, Stones & Foden giving their jackets to the kid mascots as pissing down! 🦁🦁🦁👏🫶
Elsewhere, another Greater Mancunian player once again delighted those in the stands and watching back home as Kobbie Mainoo not only made his second appearance and first full start in an England shirt but also earned himself the man of the match award.
The Man United starlet was a late inclusion into Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euros squad, which is likely to change again before the tournament starts, but you won’t find many fans Reds or otherwise wanting him anywhere else other than in the starting lineup.
We’re starting to really like the look of this squad both on and off the pitch and one thing’s for sure, they aren’t just nice blokes – there’s plenty of talent amongst them to win something.
You can watch the highlights of England vs Belgium in full down below: