IKEA has announced that it is launching a pioneering used furniture ‘Buy Back’ scheme next month in an attempt to promote recycling.
The Swedish furniture giant’s second-hand venture intends to buy back the items of its furniture that you no longer want or need in exchange for vouchers that are worth up to 50% of the original price of the piece which can then be spent at its stores.
The Buy Back initiative will launch in the UK to coincide with Black Friday on 27th November.
Offering an insight into the how the scheme will work on its website, IKEA said: “We’re giving furniture a second chance at life [because] contributing to a healthier planet is one of our key priorities here at IKEA [and] all of our products will be made from recycled or regenerative materials by 2030.
“We can help you give your IKEA product a second life at our Circular Hub and you could get a voucher for your efforts.”
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By making sustainable living more simple and accessible, IKEA has stated that it hopes the initiative will help its customers to “take a stand against excessive consumption this Black Friday and in the years to come”.
So, how exactly does it work then?
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The international scheme is set to run in 27 countries.
It applies to furniture typically without upholstery – such as the famous Billy bookcases, chairs, stools, desks and dining tables – and will see customers given vouchers of a value to which will depend on the condition of the items they are returning.
Customers wishing to return items through the scheme must log the item they wish to return via the online calculator here, where they will then be given an estimate of its value.
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According to the initial criteria laid out by IKEA, items that are “as new” items – which means they are presented with no significant scratches – will get a voucher for 50% of the original price, “very good” items with minor scratches will get 40%, and then “well used” – which will likely pertain to items with deep or several scratches – will get a 30% voucher.
IKEA has said that anything that cannot be resold will be recycled.
They should then return them – fully assembled – to the returns desk at a participating IKEA store, where they will be checked, have the final value agreed upon, and the voucher issued.
The trail is currently only running at IKEA Edinburgh and Glasgow, but details of further stores across the UK – to which the North West region is anticipated to see a participating venue – will be announced ahead of the scheme’s full launch on Black Friday, so keep your eyes peeled.
You can find more information about the IKEA Buy Back scheme here.
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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
19th October 2020 
