Sainsbury’s has announced that it is set to close two Argos distribution sites in the UK within the next three years.
The supermarket retailer is set to shut both its depot in the Heywood area of Greater Manchester, and its warehouse in Basildon in Essex, by 2026 – with more than 1,400 jobs believed to be at risk due to these closures.
On top of this, the retailer’s three remaining Habitat showrooms will also close later this year, as Sainsbury’s makes plans to launch a replacement digital showroom.
The group’s office in Milton Keynes is also to close as a response to the rise of flexible working.
Both Sainsbury’s workers, and those who work for Wincanton as part of an outsourced contract, may see their roles cut over the next three years due to distribution site closures, but only a small number of Habitat workers should expect to be affected, and no jobs at the corporate office HQ are at risk, the retailer has confirmed.
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Sainsbury’s says the closures are all part of its plan to “create a simpler business”.
Sainsbury’s to close huge Argos depot in Greater Manchester / Credit: Sainsbury’s
“We previously set out our intention to integrate our Argos and Sainsbury’s logistics networks,” explained Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts, “and over the last few years, we’ve been working hard to transform this network as we make our business simpler, more efficient and more effective for customers.
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“This also allows us to reduce costs, so we can invest where it will make the most impact for our customers.”
He added that the company understands this will be “an unsettling time for affected colleagues”, and assured that “we will support them however we can throughout this process,” – with workers impacted by the decision now able to “explore alternative roles” within the group.
The retailer’s announcement of the site closures has not been received well by industry figures, with officials at trade union Unite saying there’s “no economic justification” for it.
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Unite has said there is no “economic justification” for the announcement today (Tuesday 28 February) that Argos/Sainsbury’s plans to close two warehouses with the loss of over 750 jobs.
“Management has yet to provide any form of business case for the loss of these jobs,” said Unite national officer, Matt Draper.
“This is an incredibly wealthy company which should be investing in its loyal workforce rather than dumping workers in pursuit of short-term profits, and if Sainsbury’s doesn’t drop its closure plans, then Unite will pursue all avenues to preserve employment at these sites.”
He added that the union will “put forward an alternative business case to the company” to keep its members in their jobs.
Featured Image – Sainsbury’s
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You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
1st March 2023 
