Supermarkets up and down the country are preparing plans to close their doors for Queen Elizabeth II’s on Monday, it is being reported.
According to The Sun, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose and Morrisons are finalising plans to close up shop for a few hours in a mark of respect to the late Monarch.
Supermarket bosses are also believed to be planning the closures so that staff can use the time to mourn themselves and watch Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on TV, if they wish.
Current reports are suggesting that the big supermarkets will close between the hours of 10am and 2pm on Monday 19 September whilst the funeral procession and service take place.
Whilst nothing has been formally announced as of yet, unnamed sources in The Sun say that the big five supermarkets are now at the stage of finalising their plans.
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Elsewhere, The Expressreports that Marks & Spencers is also considering closing its stores across the country in observance of the Bank Holiday.
John Lewis, meanwhile, is said to be closing its 34 department stores and 321 Waitrose stores for the day, but planning to keep the ten food shops it has on the procession route open.
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Andrew Murphy, chief operating officer, The John Lewis Partnership said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“We will be closing our stores on the day of her funeral as a mark of respect, and because we believe this is the right thing to do for our Partners and customers.”
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Primark has also announced that it will be closing all of its stores on the day.
A spokesman for The British Retail Consortium said: “Retailers are taking their lead from Government and are choosing to mark the Queen’s passing in ways they deem appropriate for their staff and customers.”
Space NK to give away hundreds of free goody bags at opening of new Trafford Centre store
Emily Sergeant
Space NK is set to open its new store in the Trafford Centre this weekend, and hundreds of shoppers are expected to turn out.
As the leading beauty retailer – which also recently just opened a swanky new store in Manchester Arndale – prepares to welcome cosmetics fans through the doors of its newest Greater Manchester home this weekend, customers are being told they’re in for a real treat, as the brand has now confirmed some exciting launch day plans.
The first 300 people to visit the new Trafford Centre store on Saturday (21 September) when it opens at 10am will receive an exclusive Space NK goody bag filled with items from some of the world’s best beauty brands.
Not only that, but the first 200 shoppers to spend £150 in store will also receive a goody bag that’s worth an incredible £300.
Known and loved by millions of shoppers all across the country for offering a wide range of products, including skincare, cosmetics, and even beauty ‘gadgets’ too, Space NK stocks more than 130 world-renowned brands.
Drunk Elephant, Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, and Diptyque are just some of the big names the retailer is known to stock, alongside a whole host of exclusive products.
The new Trafford Centre store will feature 18 makeup ‘gondolas’, more than 300 shelves of the most in-demand brands, and dedicated areas for customers to try products at their leisure.
Space NK is opening a new store in the Trafford Centre this weekend / Credit: Space NK (via Facebook)
To make sure no launch-day customer walks away empty handed, Space NK branded tote bags will be handed out to Trafford Centre shoppers, alongside a selection of different beauty samples for anyone joining the queue.
Across the opening weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, any customer who makes a purchase in-store will also get the chance to play the ‘Spin to Win’ wheel game, and there’s loads of amazing prizes set to be won – including a much-coveted Space NK advent calendar, just in time for the festive season.
DJs will be blasting tunes to entertain shoppers all weekend long, and there’ll also be an exclusive set from TikTok sensation, the Altego twins, as well as complementary croissants and cookies for the first customers in the queue.
Space NK will be located on Lower Peel Avenue in the Trafford Centre, and it officially opens for business from 10am on Saturday 21 September.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A popular Manchester bar is giving away hundreds of FREE beers next week
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most popular city centre bars is set to give away hundreds of free beers for just two days only.
And it’s all to celebrate the long-awaited return of Oktoberfest.
In case you hadn’t heard, Manchester is gearing up for a two-week “Bavarian extravaganza” starting at the end of this month, as popular city centre hangout, Albert’s Schloss, unveiled its programme of Oktoberfest-themed events a couple of weeks back, and it’s packed with plenty of bier-fuelled fun, foodie classics, and round-the-clock revelry.
The much-loved venue has become “the ultimate purveyor of Bavarian bliss” in Manchester over the years, and 2024 is expected to be absolutely no different.
Revellers are invited to head on down to Schloss for a whirlwind of celebrations.
Throughout the 16-day event, which is kicking off from next Thursday 26 September, you can get stuck into everything from ‘Keg Tapping’, and sipping specially-selected beers, to experiencing must-see “eclectic” entertainment, a live Oompah brass band, best dressed competitions, and a whole host of other games and activities.
But it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without the beer, right? Or should we say, ‘bier’.
Luckily, Albert’s Schloss will be serving Munich’s ‘Big Six’, making it the only venue in Manchester to serve all six of the legitimate Oktoberfest beers synonymous with the festival this year.
Annual Oktoberfest celebrations are returning to Manchester with a two-week ‘Bavarian extravaganza’ / Credit: Supplied
To celebrate the festivities in true Bavarian style too, Schloss will be giving away 100 free biers to the first 100 guests through the door on both Thursday 26 September and Thursday 3 October.
Eager bier-lovers will need to be ready to enter the venue from 5pm on both Thursdays if they want be in with the chance of getting to sip on a pint of Höfbrauhaus, Löwenbräu, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, or Spaten-Franziskaner from the classic lineup, all without having to spend a single penny.
Schloss’ beloved Cook Haus will also be offering Oktoberfest classics too, like crispy Bavarian Schweinshaxe pork knuckle, and a whole section dedicated to Schnitzels and the traditional Bratwurst.
Oktoberfest 2024 is running at Albert’s Schloss Manchester from Saturday 21 September – Sunday 6 October, and you can find out more on the venue’s website here.
Georgina Pellant -
12th September 2022 
