Don't worry, when you become a uni student you will have more free time than you've ever had before! :D

Ya so i have heard and also remember from siblings going to uni

This is what we could possibly expect when the new Next at The Trafford Centre is unveiled after there refurbishment/ rebrand and possibly for when they refurbish/ rebrand the Arndale store (but maybe on a grander scale seeing as it is there flagship store).

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1176/newnextstoresim6.jpg

Don't worry, when you become a uni student you will have more free time than you've ever had before! :D

Understatement of the century - especially if you're doing town and country planning.

Saying that, CAW disappeared from these forums when he took up his MTCP course (the same one I'm on) a year ago...

Blend has offically closed down at the Arndale there is now mention on Blends website or the Arndale's website anymore.

We could possibly see the store rebranded under another brand that Blend own these are

Blend http://www.blendofamerica.com/
Blend She http://www.blendshe.com/
4You http://www.4youmen.com/
Psycho Cowboy http://www.psycho-cowboy.com/

Out of those it could possibly be 4You or Psycho Cowboy or the unit could be relet to a new tennant.

A new letting plan for Chill Factor e is now online shows the location of Nandos which will be next to Billabong and also shows that Subvert has moved location into a unit next to the one they used to be at, there are now just 2 stores Available and 3 Under Offer.

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6283/newlettingplansept07hj7.jpg

http://www.chillfactore.com/lettings/contact/planPDF.pdf

No place like home

John Ryan reports on Marks and Spencer's new homewares store in Northern Ireland

M&S opened a semi-standalone homewares store inNorthern Irelandlast week, which looks like a blueprint for the future. John Ryan reports

Northern Irelandis not on the map for most retailers when it comes to innovation. Indeed, despite of the vibrancy ofBelfastin particular, there are some significant retail absentees when compared with the central areas of large cities over on the mainland. Yet much is happening inUlsterand it is a sign of the times that last week an M&S Home opened as a, well, almost standalone proposition on the Sprucefield retail park just outside Lisburn, about a 20-minute drive from the centre ofBelfast.

From the outset, a spokeswoman for the company is at pains to emphasise that while this may be a 35,000 sq ft (3,250 sq m) space selling only M&S homewares, this does not mean that it is a discrete format that will exist in splendid isolation from the M&S main store, with which it shares a common entrance. The phrase that best describes M&S Home is "separate, yet joined". And there is a reason for this.

Home head of design Sally Bendelow says that the customer for M&S Home is an M&S customer. While this may sound obvious, it is worth reflecting on the recent history of standalone homeware stores at M&S. Less than five years ago, the retailer opened and, fairly shortly afterwards closed, the Lifestore inGateshead. Many will recall the highly wrought interior where turnover proved to be almost as minimalist as the design of the ill-fated store.

Accompanying that moment of corporate hubris was an offer that was not just in a different store from the main M&S branch inGateshead, but was completely different from anything that had gone before.

Fast forward to 2007 and M&S Home may be housed in an adjacent structure, but it is very much an adjunct to the M&S main store. With a few exceptions, in terms of products, what shoppers will see is the same as they will find in the catalogue.

The difference is that while homewares has been an integral part of the M&S offer for some years, there has, to date, never been a space of sufficient magnitude to allow everything that can be found in the catalogue to be shown under one roof.

Commenting on the decision to open the first M&S Home in theUKinNorthern Ireland, Neil Hyslop, divisional executive for M&S inIreland, says: "We’ve always had strong homewares sales here. So we’ve got great loyalty. That tied in well with the opportunity."

The opportunity referred to is a former Homebase unit. Standing outside, you could be forgiven for not being able to spot the new store’s retail antecedent. In its former life, the shop-front was glazed from the ground up to a height of about 3m. Above this, it was a mixture of standard shed cladding and logo. Today, it is fully glazed with a black glass surround that frames the window and provides a contrast for the lime green and white M&S Home logo.

For a shopper visiting M&S Home, there are two options to get inside and check the action: via an open doorway, accessed by the entrance to the 95,000 sq ft (8,825 sq m)ain store, or by using a dedicated entrance to the extension.

Step through either and there is little sense of a barn – always a danger in spaces of this size. There are about 25 roomsets and the floor has been laid out to capture the notion of a journey through a house, according to Niall Trafford, executive in charge of store design and specification. Almost everywhere you look there are small walls, which are used to lend a domestic scale to the interior.

Glancing from the front, one of the first things to strike you is the colour scheme. The floor has been covered with neutral brown terrazzo tiles and this has been picked up around large areas of the perimeter, which are clad in a slightly lighter brown. Bendelow says: “We’ve chosen a hard-wearing material, which actually reflects a colour that you would use in your home. It works across every roomset, so it is neutral. It’s not too cold and it’s got a bit of variation in the stone as well.”

While the choice of palette may sound downbeat, it provides a highly effective canvas for the graphic navigation package where, for the most part, words are boosted by brightly coloured images. Staring beyond the furnishings that dominate the storescape as you enter, it is child's play to pick out the kids' area, for instance, or the kitchen department, at the far end of the shop, both of which feature bold graphics.

Trafford observes that in previous homeware department incarnations the centre-floor equipment had been described as "too big, too high and too clumpy". He points out that while the equipment wheel has not been reinvented in Lisburn, the height of the equipment is substantially lower. This means that while the notion of distinct roomsets and product areas can be maintained, there is no feeling of enclosure and the sightlines are clear.

It also means that lifestyled segmentation, which has been a personal mission for Nayna McIntosh, director in charge of store presentation, can be more easily effected. “Stuart [Rose] was particularly challenging about why the homewares looked so bulky,” says McIntosh. “His view was that he’d go to the press shows, he’d go to the product reviews and see fantastic products and then he’d go into a store and ask, ‘Why does it never look like that?’.” Stand anywhere in this M&S Home, however, and it is apparent that Rose ought to be pleased.

There are also a number of noteworthy one-off features. At the centre of the shop is an ordering area with a swatch bar allowing customers to choose different fabrics for the furniture that is on display and to take the swatches home for consideration ahead of any purchase. This zone also contains the red service desks that have become such a feature of the new-look M&S stores. But instead of the squared-off counters that feature in other stores, here they are curved. Trafford says that if these prove successful, they may be used in other branches.

Sitting alongside the roomsets, a number of the walls that divide the areas have been turned into display points by McIntosh and her team. Mention has to be made of the towel wall in the bathroom area at the rear of the store. This space is about colour blocking and brings to the fore the guiding principle in all M&S store redesigns of the “product being hero”. This is something of a cliché in terms of store design mantras, but here M&S does it with aplomb.

When shoppers have had enough, given the pricing and ambience, it seems likely that they will head for the 160-cover restaurant. This is housed in an entirely enclosed part of the store and with graphics taken from the M&S product archive and soft leatherette banquettes it seems almost impolite not to visit.

On opening day last Thursday, there were smiles all round as the 11 am till readings were taken. M&S is always coy when it comes to revealing its figures, but one of the executives went as far as remarking that sales were three times larger than at the best performing homewares store in the UK– in Camberley,Surrey.

A good start then – and one that bodes well for the future of M&S homewares as a separate, yet connected proposition. Five more related homewares offers are due to be unveiled before the year is out.

http://www.retail-week.com/Stores/theres_no_place_like_home.html

Can give us an idea of what the M&S Home store at Barton Square could possibly be like.

A retail update now with pictures of course

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9143/sunp001200011hd6.jpg
Signage for Boost Juice Bars at Piccadilly Station is now in place.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1716/sunp00150001kl4.jpg
Pret a Manger at One Piccadilly Gardens.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/470/sunp00160002pb5.jpg
Work still ongoing at The Triangle for the second Zizzi in Manchester City Centre.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3801/sunp00170003kx1.jpg
Work starting on the Tampopo restaurant at The Triangle again the second in Manchester City Centre.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7655/sunp00180004ad9.jpg
Were Zizzi will be located in The Triangle on the Lower Ground Floor which seems to becoming the new food quarter of the centre.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6945/sunp00190005vu9.jpg
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/9471/sunp00200006ne3.jpg
Were Tampopo will be located in The Triangle again on the Lower Ground Floor next to Pizza Express.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2176/sunp00230009zj0.jpg
And finally i can now confirm that Disney will indeed be opening a brand new Disney Store at Manchester Arndale.

I think that's confirmation enough if you need it lol Can't miss it!

Does this mean the st.annes stores is on its way out?

Ya i would imagine so this store is easilly going to be bigger than the St Anns store and even The Trafford Centre one and also as others have said most of the St Anns store is just stock room with this store i doubt that will happen.

A new store could be opening in Barton Arcade where Futon Limited used to be it will aprently be General Store

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/5153/generalstorebartonarcadaz6.jpg
This is what the store will look like on Deansgate it also has the new look shopfront that will be going into place at Barton Arcade soon.

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/7155/generalstorebartonarcadqn7.jpg
And an interior sketch of the store.

Here is the planning application from where these images are from
http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JLOECCBC70000

£10 for 2 Courses at Tampopo

Albert Square, Manchester - http://www.tampopo.co.uk

1997 is not only the year of the first Manchester Food and Drink Festival, but it was also when Manchester’s favourite noodle bar Tampopo opened.

To celebrate, Tampopo would like to offer the people of Manchester a special two course menu for only £10. Come on in to our Albert Square restaurant between 5th and 15th October and enjoy some of the authentic tastes of East Asia in a relaxed a friendly atmosphere.

On the 9th and 10th October you can also come and try some of the tastes of Vietnam at our food stall in Albert Square.

Tampopo are also celebrating their 10th year anniversary by opening a new restaurant in the Triangle Shopping Centre so look out for us in November.

http://www.foodanddrinkfestival.com/2007/events_info.asp?event=720

So looks like Tampopo at The Triangle will open in November.

Abercrombie sibling to shop in Regent Street

31.08.07

Abercrombie & Fitch is to bring its sister brand Hollister Co to the UK and is in talks for a first store on the Crown Estate’s Regent Street.

Abercrombie’s Hollister Co brand is cheaper and more casual than Abercrombie & Fitch, and is aimed at a younger, teenage market.

The roll-out of Hollister, following its Regent Street opening, will include regional shopping centres as well as city centres. Abercrombie & Fitch is only searching for high street city locations.

The retailer appointed PBS Real Estate, a New York-based property services consultancy, to conduct the search for store locations in Europe this summer.

Its affiliate NB Real Estate will lead the search in the UK.

Cushman & Wakefield, which had previously been working with Abercrombie to search for stores, will complete the purchase of a London store for Hollister before it hands over to NB Real Estate.

Abercrombie & Fitch debuted in the UK in March, with a 13,000 sq ft flagship on the corner of Savile Row and Burlington Gardens.

Hollister will take stores of around 10,000 sq ft, mainly in shopping centres. Abercrombie & Fitch prefers stores of 15,000 sq ft and is close to picking sites in Manchester city centre. It is also looking in Dublin and Scotland.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3094309

Past Times are coming back to Manchester City Centre they are going to be opening a new store at Manchester Arndale. They used to have stores at The Trafford Centre and St Anns Square but they closed down.


Position: Store Manager
Company: Manchester Arndale
Closing Date: 28/09/2007
Type: Full-time , Permanent
Hours: 39 Hours
Rate of pay: Negotiable

Details: Store Manager required for a brand new gift business coming to the Centre very soon, Past Times. Role involves maintaining effective day to day control over all areas of Store Operations through forward planning, organisation and delegation. As well as the achievement of goals for profitability through increased sales and careful monitoring of costs under direct control. Also ensuring sales promotional and visual merchandising guidlines are implemented. Retail Management experience essential.

contact info:Please email CV to recruitment@pasttimes.com or send to Recruitment, Past Times Ltd, Windrush House, Windrush Park, Witney, OX29 7DX

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/jobs.htm

Dont know where they could be opening yet though.

Hamleys at House of Frazer on Deansgate will be opening on Saturday 29th September.


Hamleys is coming to Manchester!

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8986/hamleysux3.jpg

The world’s most famous toy shop is opening a new concession store in House of Fraser on Saturday 29th September.

The Hamleys department on the 6th floor will be jam packed full of specially selected toys made up of Hamleys own brand range and other favourite toy brands.

True to form, Hamleys, renowned for its magic, theatre and entertainment will deliver much more than toys, promising a host of amazing activities for children and a fun launch party for all the family.

Come along and join in the fun!
Saturday 29th September



Launch parties will be held throughout the day on the following dates:

House of Fraser, Oxford Street: Now Open
Jenners, Edinburgh: Saturday 8th September
Frasers, Glasgow: Saturday 15th September
House of Fraser, Birmingham: Saturday 22nd September
House of Fraser, Manchester: Saturday 29th September

From http://www.houseoffraserclub.co.uk/hamleys.php

Puma and DKNY Jeans are now advertising for jobs on The Trafford Centre website

DKNY http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/careers/stores/info.aspx?ID=3222

Puma http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/careers/stores/info.aspx?ID=3236

Another new gifts store is set to open at Manchester Arndale they are called Menkind

Menkind are a mens gift store and there store are currently based in the South East the Manchester store will be there first outside of London area.

http://www.menkind.co.uk/default.asp


Position: Branch Manager
Company: Manchester Arndale
Closing Date: 07/10/2007
Type: Full-time , Permanent
Hours: Min. 40 hours per week
Rate of pay: £26k per annum

Details: Menkind is a multi channel gift retailer specialising in a diverse range of mens gift and accesssory products. The position requires the applicant to be an experienced retailer who is required to run the new store to be opening soon in the Arndale Centre. Working with the directors you will help develop the store to maximise its potential. Commitment and reliability are essential. Duration is a 16 week temporary contract, with possibility of a permanent position.

Contact Info: Visit the Arndale House and ask for a Career Centre registration form, or send a CV to: vince@menkind.co.uk, or in writing to- Personnel Dept, Menkind Stores Ltd, The Atrium, Curtis Road, Dorking, Surrey. RH4 1XA

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/jobs_results.htm

From the last lines of the job details it sounds like Menkind could possibly be a temporary store over the christmas period like Hawkin's Bazaar was last year but there could be the option for the store to become a permanent store within the centre possibly.

Bagel Nash are going to be opening in Manchester soon


Coming soon - A new Manchester branch - You can start getting excited!

Details to follow very soon. Following many requests from Bagel Lovers across the M62, this will be our first Manchester branch and we can't wait to get it open, so watch this space!

http://www.bagelnash.com/BranchDetails.php?BX=||lll&S=3

Mentioned about Bagel Nash opening in Manchester soon at the end of August, well now they are advertising for jobs at there new store that will be opening at Manchester Arndale.


Position: Store Manager for Bagel Nash
Company: Manchester Arndale
Closing Date: 28/10/2007
Type: Full-time , Permanent
Hours:Up to 48 hours
Rate of pay: Dependant on experience

Details: Bagel Nash is a fast growing Bagel company operating a unique and exciting retail cafe concept focused on healthy eating. Store Manager role includes; effective management of the store and staff, ensure compliance with all aspects of the stores operating procedures, provide a high level of customer service, have overall responsibility for all processes in store providing consistent brand standards, and other managerial duties. For managerial roles applicants must have high levels of experience within the catering industry and a passion for quality food.

Contact Info: Please send CV and covering letter to cv@bagelnash.com, or pick up a Career Centre registration form from the Arndale House.

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/jobs_results.htm

looking forward to Bagel Nash arriving, I used to visit the one in Leeds alot back when it was called Bagel Bagel.

Regarding the Abercrombie and Fitch site. I'm not entirely sure as to how big 15,000sq ft is but i would guess that a potential site would be on The Avenuein Spinningfields. What you guys think.

Regarding the Abercrombie and Fitch site. I'm not entirely sure as to how big 15,000sq ft is but i would guess that a potential site would be on The Avenue in Spinningfields. What you guys think.

ya possibly remeber the main building on The Avenue 2 Spinningfields Square has already been pre let to Armani and Hugo Boss so they could possibly open on The Avenue street.

Posh shop Aquascutum on St. Anne square is selling up that branch. No idea if its leaving Manchester or relocating. Soundslike the former.

Not good news for St. Anne's square's reputation as a place for maintaing/attracting classy shops.

Ya not good news for St Anns Sq at all, alot of shops have left the area in the last few year with Waterstones, Disney and now Aquascutum lets hope they get tennants quickly i know that the old Waterstones store is now in the occupation of HSBC but they are having problems with the planning permission for the store.

'New Town' in East Manchester Is A Step Nearer

Manchester City Council has given compulsory purchase powers for the £40 million redevelopment of the Openshaw district centre in east Manchester.

Urban regeneration specialists, Dransfield Properties Ltd, are working in partnership with Manchester City Council and New East Manchester Ltd to transform a large mixed industrial, commercial and residential area into a new shopping, leisure and commercial centre that will create over 700 new jobs.

Consent for the scheme was secured earlier this year and will provide an 83,000 sq ft food store, ten retail units from 1,765 sq ft to 22,500 sq ft, a 22,500 sq ft leisure unit, 57, 000 sq ft of office accommodation, café and restaurant facilities and 670 car parking spaces.

Today’s compulsory purchase decision will ensure delivery of the scheme and certainty for the development that is also expected to act as a catalyst for the further regeneration of the area. It is currently one of the country’s largest transformations. A key objective of the urban regeneration company, New East Manchester Ltd is to double the population of the area over the next ten years.

Tom Russell, chief executive of New East Manchester Ltd, said:

“I am delighted that the city council’s executive has given its backing to today’s CPO. It is the clearest indication from all our partners of their commitment to this exciting scheme. The area is already seeing major investment in new health and leisure facilities and major new housing renewal programmes are scheduled for the coming months.

“These improvements wil be greatly enhanced by the new shopping centre and we look forward to working closely with Dransfield to bring it to fruition”.

Andrew Malley, retail and property director at Dransfield Properties, said:

“Today’s decision by Manchester City Council is a significant moment in the delivery of the scheme and these powers are being used because of the wide-spread regeneration benefits that it will be bring to East Manchester”.

http://www.dransfield.co.uk/news.php?id=333

BT store without walls

A brand new BT store ‘Without Walls’ is opening at Manchester Arndale on 28th September.

At the store you’ll be able to experience BT’s latest products and services live. The BT team will help you unleash a whole new world online with BT Total Broadband – their packages include unlimited downloads from only £19 a month.

Using live demonstrations and trials you’ll also learn about BT’s next generation Wi-Fi mobile service, BT Fusion, and their flexible digital TV service, BT Vision - which allows you to pause, rewind and record live TV from over 70 freeview digital TV and radio stations. You can also add custom pay-per-view packages to your service at very low prices!

You’ll be able to check out the latest digital goodies for around the home, and you’ll get one-to-one expert advice on choosing BT products and services to suit your needs. The store will be located on the Upper Mall, next to Burton and Dorothy Perkins.

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/events-3877.htm

The 220ft tall Barton Square campanile style tower was topped off today, the top piece was lifted up into place in one piece.

Famous Manchester (Sportizus Manchester) as has already been mentioned are going to be moving to the Royal Exchange well i can now reveal where the new store is going to be in the Royal Exchange.


Unit 10, Royal Exchange Arcade
Manchester. M2 7EA

https://www.famousretail.com/fr/store/questionaire_details.jsp?qid=6



They will be opening inbetween Blooming Marvelous and C Aston

Radley and Co (http://www.radleyandco.com/) for the old Rockport Unit on New Cathedral St?

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JNUBMTBC62000&searchtype=WEEKLY

Ya i noticed that aswell Sleepy One they are a bag shop

http://www.radleyandco.com/

They own the brands

Radley http://www.radley.co.uk/

Tula http://www.tula.co.uk/

Hidesign http://www.hidesign.co.uk/

They are all bag stores i think that the store will open as a Radley store as there are only 2 offical Radley stores and they want to expand the Radley stores, also if it is Radley then it will be there first store outside of London.

Went past The Trafford Centre today and saw the Barton Square campanile style tower since it had been topped out, it certianly is a feature and stands out alot you can see it very clearly from the junction for Sale and Stretford on the M60.

Guys.. just out of interest... what was manchester retail ranking position before the redevelopment of the arndale?

Here you go danz013 it is the 2004 report one year before the first phase of the Arndale redevelopment opened.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/5633/manchesterretailrankingap2.jpg
from
http://www.ratescalc.co.uk/asp/uploads/uploadedfiles/1/1829/prime%20retail%20flyer%202004%20(for%20website).pdf

I'm looking for a table based on retail spend alone though... if you pass by one let me know

Virgin Megastores sold to management

Stores to be rebranded under Zavvi name

Virgin Megastores has been sold as part of a management buy-out, led by managing director Simon Douglas and finance director Steve Peckham, and will be rebranded Zavvi.

The buy-out team, Zavvi Entertainment Group, has bought the 125-strong retail chain from Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group to create the UK and Ireland's largest independent entertainment retailer. The group’s existing UK stores will be renamed by November and its recently revamped web site, along with its Irish stores, will be rebranded in January. Zavvi will continue to be supplied by Entertainment UK, the company's primary supplier.

Managing director of the new company Simon Douglas said: “We have a workforce of 2,500 people who are absolutely passionate about the products we sell and we will continue to harness that passion and energy. With an independent ethos and modern outlook, we will deliver a new brand that lives and breathes entertainment and delivers a high-quality service to customers.

“This deal secures an exciting future for Zavvi and all our staff. Despite escalating competition, there is still very much a place on an increasingly homogenised high street for an independent entertainment specialist that puts customers, product, service and personality at the top of the agenda.”

Branson, chairman and founder of the Virgin Group, said: “In the past six years, we have been withdrawing from entertainment retailing, which is no longer viewed as core to the group's future. We now choose to franchise our global entertainment retail operations, rather than own them, and this was the last significant wholly-owned Virgin retail business in the world.

“The Virgin brand will continue to be represented in-store through the Virgin Mobile and Virgin Media in-store concessions.”

http://www.retail-week.com/News/virgin_megastores_is_sold.html

So expect to see the Manchester Arndale and Trafford Centre stores rebranded before Christmas.

Red5 are going to be opening a concession in Selfridges at The Trafford Centre in October, jobs are now being advertised on Red5's website and the Trafford Centres website

http://www.red5.co.uk/RED5-Jobs-p-13.html

I would expect to see a Red5 concession at Selfridges Manchester before Christmas probably seeing as the Trafford Centre one will open in October.

Here is a picture of the Barton Square campanile style tower from flickr (not my picture)

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1392249173&size=l

I'm looking for a table based on retail spend alone though... if you pass by one let me know

Check it Danz, CACI figures for 2006, Top 10

London West End 3943 ( £ millions )
Birmingham 2270
Glasgow 2056
Manchester 1333
Nottingham 1280
Leeds 1252
Bluewater 1245
Norwich 1170
Liverpool 1155
Newcastle 1152

Outside of the City Centre to East Manchester now for this


Flower centre to boom

A MASSIVE new wholesale flower market is to bloom in east Manchester.

The 20,000 sq ft building will include a 10,000 sq ft refrigerated area at New Smithfield Market.

Trafford-based Russells Construction has been appointed to construct the new premises for Manchester Wholesale Flowers.

Manchester Wholesale Flowers has been trading for over 20 years, and will consolidate all its operations in one unit.

The self-contained unit will incorporate a showroom, a 10,000 sq ft refrigerated storage facility and an external service area for distribution services and customer car parking, all of which were formerly at different locations around Manchester.

The project is due to be completed by February, 2008, and total investment value is £1.4m. It is expected to rally support for further regeneration at New Smithfield Market.

Manchester Wholesale Flowers already sells more than 250,000 stems a week. Director Mark Window said: "We're expecting our turnover of £7m a year to grow. It will mean a huge improvement and be more environmentally friendly."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1016735_flower_centre_to_boom

Check it Danz, CACI figures for 2006, Top 10

London West End 3943 ( £ millions )
Birmingham 2270
Glasgow 2056
Manchester 1333
Nottingham 1280
Leeds 1252
Bluewater 1245
Norwich 1170
Liverpool 1155
Newcastle 1152

thanks ;)

Check it Danz, CACI figures for 2006, Top 10

London West End 3943 ( £ millions )
Birmingham 2270
Glasgow 2056
Manchester 1333
Nottingham 1280
Leeds 1252
Bluewater 1245
Norwich 1170
Liverpool 1155
Newcastle 1152

Where does the big discrepancy between the Manchester and Birmingham/ Glasgow figures come from? Would that be the Trafford Centre factor and is this a good thing, or a bad thing for the city?

Thanks guys.

Tomorrow the world

The Tescopoly saga continues in Chorlton with Esso and Tesco submitting a second application relating to a new Tesco Express store opposite the Barbakan on Manchester Road. Despite the main application being delayed until the October Planning Meeting it appears Tesco are keen to start making progress. Of course in Chorlton the spread of Tesco is opposed by many residents who see it as an invasion threatening the independent shops in the suburb. Given the modest scale (essentially a slightly bigger, corporate corner-shop) it appears this might be another battle Tesco might win.

from http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6Iw7kJ0qiNwF6IHqi&realname=Food%20and%20Drink%20Roundup%2018/07/2007



Here is the planning application

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084294/AO/2007/S1

Where does the big discrepancy between the Manchester and Birmingham/ Glasgow figures come from? Would that be the Trafford Centre factor and is this a good thing, or a bad thing for the city?

Thanks guys.

I guess it doesn't take into account the full opening of the Arndale.

The Arndale is now currently as large as the Trafford Centre (pre-Barton Sq.)

Aquascutum has closed down. They've moved into Kendals. They blamed the lack of other upmarket retailers in St Annes Square and the state of it.

Posh shop Aquascutum on St. Anne square is selling up that branch. No idea if its leaving Manchester or relocating. Soundslike the former.

Not good news for St. Anne's square's reputation as a place for maintaing/attracting classy shops.

ya macc mentioned last week jrb but is good to have it known that the shop is now closed i saw on the House of Fraser website that they were mentioned in the menswear area

So know Aquascutum, Waterstones, Disney, Past Times and Sportizus have moved out or are getting ready to move out of St Annns Square and open up in other areas of the city centre not good at all, lets hope that there we get some new lettings in this area and bring it back to the way that it used to be.

I am glad all these shops are moving out of St Ann's Sq. I would like to see the place turned into an area of nice cafe's a restaurants. Like a Canal Street Area with loads of outdoor seating. I think GAP will make the move to Arndale sooner rather than later. It's time the council really looked at the area and what could be.

Plenty of empty units appearing on King St too. Both King St and St Anne's square seem to be in a period of transition. No doubt the letting and imminent construction of the retail street at Spinningfields will send things into flux once again.

One thing for me is abundantly clear. The way they have gone about the redevelopment of the Arndale Centre has been shortsighted and, to a degree, bad for the city. To have such a concentration of retail in what is still an inward looking and poorly connected shopping centre is bad for the city centre. Footfall is increasing concentrated within the Arndale Centre to the detriment of surrounding streets. Why they didn't take the opportunity to open it out and more fully redevelop the Northern section, building essential connctions with Brown St, Spring Gardens, High St and Shudehill I do not know. This sort of cheap, unimaginative and short sighted development really seem to be compromising the vitality of the whole of the central core rather than invigorating it as ought to have happened.

The old All:Sports unit on Market Street could soon be getting a new tennant, the unit has been up for sale for a while well it is know Under Offer but i dont know who to.

Webpage http://www.shopproperty.co.uk/DisplayShop.aspx?TenancyCode=40000003462HHHH

Brochure http://www.shopproperty.co.uk/Pdf/40000003462HHHH.pdf?id=564a2738f5604c4bbae5cb2088993080

Lets hope that the store does get relet to whoever it is that it is Under Offer too as this store really lets down Market Street i think.

Not sure if it's been posted before, but there's a video on the Spinningfields website (under "take a walk" link) with plenty of animations of new shopping street in Spinningfields and of the new building with overhang. Although you do have to look past the slightly smarmy bimbo and her hunk splashing their cash...

http://www.theavenuemanchester.com/

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/sirdavidofbeverley/Spin1.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/sirdavidofbeverley/spin2.jpg

From images we've seen I think I'd prefer Kings Street to remain as the upmarket area - I believe it will have more charm than the slightly clinical look (going on the renders) of the new street.

Do people think Manchester handle all this retail space? And won't it be a bit of a trek from one end of town to another? At least without any decent transport system to whisk you there.

Two retailers returning to the City Centre. Ecco and Laura Ashley. Both after staff in todays MEN jobs section.

Here is the Laura Ashley one


LAURA ASHLEY

New Store Openings Manchester - City Centre Altrincham - Town Centre
Laura Ashley will shortly be opening two brand new stores in Manchester & Altrincham and are now looking for talented and committed individuals to join us.

MANAGERS

We're building a dedicated sales team to increase the volume and value of every sale. You'll need to be confident, flexible, and enthusiastic and have a real flair for making our customers feel relaxed and cared for. These roles are perfect for those looking to further their career in the retail industry.

The rewards are exceptional - attractive salaries, substantial staff discounts, superb training and development programmes. Closing date for applications is the 4th October 2007.

We regret that we are unable to acknowledge the receipt of applications. If you do not hear from us within four weeks, please assume you have been unsuccessful.

Send your CV with a covering letter to: Marie Black, Laura Ashley Ltd, Unit A, Cheetham Hill Retail Park, Elizabeth Street, Manchester, M8 8BB

So 2 new stores one for Altrincham and one for Manchester and remeber there is already a new Laura Ashley store at Cheetham Hill Retail Park that opened in July

http://www.lauraashley.com/bin/venda

A little bit more searching and it turns out that the new Laura Ashley stores will infact not be new stores they will be Concessions in Departments stores

http://www.lauraashley.com/content/ebiz/lauraashley/resources/images/File/VACANCY%2020070920.doc

Under Altrincham and Manchester they both say 'Department store concession,' know the only deparement stores that are in Altrincham are M&S and Rackhams (House of Fraser) so i think the concession will be in Rackhams (House of Fraser).

As has already been mentioned the new store that will be in Rockports location could be Radley well know i can confirm that the store will be a Radley branded store as the planning application is now online

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084360/AO/2007/C1

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/8069/radleyrx1.jpg

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8167/radley2jm5.jpg

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2888/radleycashpointjn4.jpg

The hoardings are now down around the new Boost Juice Bars at Piccadilly Station

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5729/boostjuicebarszf6.jpg

The photo is from my mobile so not the best quality i would imagine an opening within the next 2 weeks or so as they are going to have to train the staff and there is still a few things left to do in the interior.

A piece in latest Retail Week mentions that Abercrombie & Fitch is after an 'iconic building' for a store in Manchester, along with Glasgow

Here you go...

Abercrombie London sales beat US flagship
US fashion group Abercrombie & Fitch’s debut UK store is generating higher sales and margins than its flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

The London shop, which opened in March, was greeted with scepticism by some industry observers because of higher prices charged than in the US, its unusual Savile Row location and lack of prominent branding.

However, Abercrombie & Fitch chief financial officer Mike Kramer confounded doubters by providing the first details of London’s performance. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs investors’ conference in New York last week, he said that the shop was doing “exceptionally well” and “tracking to generate higher sales per selling foot and four-wall profit margin than the Fifth Avenue flagship”.

However, some rivals continue to harbour reservations about performance. One fashion chief said that the results may simply reflect the high prices being charged in London rather than spectacular demand.

The retailer has also launched a transactional web site in the UK as it narrows its search for further stores. It is seeking iconic buildings in Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin to open destination stores and expects them to fuel online sales.

Kramer said that the London opening had driven sales at sister fascia Hollister’s online store. He said: “We’re very pleased with our direct-to-consumer business internationally, particularly as we put in brick and mortar with A&F in London and what that’s done to our Hollister direct-to-consumer business – very spectacular.”

A&F’s global property adviser PBS Real Estate has appointed NB Real Estate to search for Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister store sites across the UK.

NB Real Estate divisional director Richard Collyer said: “Abercrombie & Fitch wants to find landmark buildings that are unique like the Savile Row shop. That way, each store will be a destination and will reflect its brand values.

“Hollister is targeted at a different customer, so could well take stores in shopping centres as well as high streets, unlike Abercrombie & Fitch,” he said.

No comment was available from Abercrombie & Fitch.

New Piccadilly Gardens Starbucks (opening Monday)
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/045-3.jpg

Piccadilly Station Retail
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/017-5.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/016-5.jpg

Thanks marky again great pictures been wondering when the Starbucks would be opening the last time i saw it was when they were still reworking the unit to make it two stores, also as i have already said Threshers will be opening next to Boost so i would imagine the hoardings will be up for that store when Boost opens and then also more cash machines will be opening next to Threshers, also Dr & Herbs at Piccadilly Station has been closed every day i have got the train so i think it might be closed down.

Have found a little bit of information regarding the new Disney Store that will be opening at Manchester Arndale.

It's opening in October, and unfortunatly, the store in St Anne's Square is indeed closing. But the new store is gonna be incredible apparently. It's the first new Disney Store to be opened in the UK for 7 years, so they're making a huge deal of it!

from http://www.photosmagiques.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3235&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15&sid=4c585ed6fed9f088dd2121fcc71136ce

This article can give us an idea of what we could be seeing in the new Disney Store at Manchester Arndale.


Disney unveils first revamped store at Lakeside

by Alex Donohue Brand Republic 18-Sep-07, 12:00

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4116/disneyne7.jpg

Disney: interactive plans for UK stores

LONDON - Disney has opened its first revamped Disney Store at the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex, featuring plasma screens, interactive performances and a comprehensive range of Disney products.

The store, which is the first of the entertainment company's UK-based "concept" outlets, will include a 10-foot high tower in the middle of the shop called the Heart of Disney, featuring a 360 degree wraparound screen, plasma televisions showcasing new Disney films and products, and LED displays telling customers what in-store events will be happening each day.

The design brief was handled by Fitch, which was asked to create a retail environment that reflected Disney's strategy for the future.
Disney said the refurbished store would promise "the magic and theatre" of the brand, while offering a more interactive experience for visitors.
The company said it planned to roll out the redeveloped stores in selected locations, and was looking at markets outside the UK, including France, Spain and Italy.

Among the other newly introduced features are an overhead moving rail with Perspex pods containing toy Disney products, including Minnie, Mickey Mouse and Winnie The Pooh, and a fibre- optic lit "Pixie Arch", framing the entrance to the store.

Disney UK said the store design would aim to give more interactivity for visitors by adding a more contemporary and cutting-edge feel to the current Disney Store format.

Teresa Tideman, joint managing director of The Disney Store, said: "The company's plans for Disney Stores across Europe are ambitious, and our new and impressive Lakeside stores show exactly what is possible.
"We are now looking at using this concept or variations of this concept in selected new and existing stores."

http://www.brandrepublic.com/RetailMarketing/News/738427/Disney-unveils-first-revamped-store-Lakeside/

So we could see the new Disney Store at the Arndale being exactly like the new concept store or including certain ideas from the new concept store.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7821/sunp0024ro5.jpg
Boost Juice Bars at Piccadilly Station opened today (Tuesday)

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6300/sunp0025pb6.jpg
Hoardings up around the store inbetween Barratts and Quiz in the Arndale, i think that this could be the location of Past Times.

Mexx in Manchester

Another week and news of yet another store opening in the recently re-vamped Arndale Centre, where the new extension is fast becoming the place to start all shopping trips.

This time it's the turn of funky fashion brand Mexx, which is opening its first city centre store on November 1.

After a peak at their forthcoming autumn/ winter lines we reckon it will make a great stop for a chic new monochrome work wardrobe. Of course, we'll be checking it out in full to bring you a verdict when it opens its doors.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/lifestyle/health_and_beauty/health_and_beauty_feature/s/1017407_mexx_hits_manchester



Remeber that Mexx were originally supposed to open were the G Star Raw store is now, i think that the new Mexx store could possibly be opening next to New Look as the advertisments that were on the hoardings there have now been taken down and the hoardings are back to being white.

Remeber that Mexx were originally supposed to open were the G Star Raw store is now, i think that the new Mexx store could possibly be opening next to New Look as the advertisments that were on the hoardings there have now been taken down and the hoardings are back to being white.

They were ment to open in the G Star Raw store as they had the adverts up for ages. The Outlet store at the Lowry Mall closed this week, today they packed up the last of the clothes and were moving all the fittings to one corner.

We knew Bagel Nash would be opening one store in Manchester and we all know that the first one will be located at Manchester Arndale, well know it has been confirmed that Bagel Nash will be opening 2 stores in Manchester before the end of the year.


New Stores opening soon in Manchester

Due to ever increasing demand we're expanding into a brand new territory in Manchester. With two new stores due to open before the end of the year we’re continuing to spread our love of bagels into a city near you! We are due to open in the Arndale Shopping Centre and the Spinningfields district. Keep checking back for opening dates and times and come along to join the queue!

http://www.bagelnash.co.uk/NewsDetails.php?NX=||lll

The Spinningfields deal must have been signed very recently because there has been no rumors at all over them opening in that area is good though as it builds up the list of shops opening there and makes it another independant store to add to the list with Shimla Pinks and Sams Chop House opening at Spinningfields.

BOOST OPENS STORE NUMBER 200…

Australian juice bar phenomenon, Boost Juice, will be celebrating the opening of its 200th store globally next week with the launch of the new Manchester outlet in the UK. This exciting milestone marks yet another major achievement in what has been an incredible success story for the brand, since its inception seven years ago.

The largest juice and smoothie chain in the Southern Hemisphere, and operating in more countries worldwide than any other juice bar chain, Boost has stores established in Chile, Indonesia, Singapore, Kuwait, Macau, South Africa, Portugal and the UK, and by November new stores will also be open in Estonia and Thailand.

The Boost UK team plan to celebrate the opening of their Manchester store as Boost’s 200th with a number of promotional activities. The store is located in the main concourse of Piccadilly Station, Manchester.

http://www.breakfastandbrunch.com/

The JJB Sports store at The Trafford Centre will be refurbished in November


A new-look retail layout with 'more appealing' product displays will be trialed at JJB's Trafford Centre store in the second week of November. It will incorporate the merchandising of products by sports category and signals the end of Knight's previous strategy of developing branded shop-in-shop areas.

http://www.hemscott.com/news/latest-news/item.do?newsId=51002736678037

6. Joy store

Coming soon to Manchester, another new store for the Arndale Centre as funky fashion boutique Joy opens a flagship shop in the city. We're thinking certain competition for Urban Outfitter's retro appeal. Plus, there's a cheeky touch when it opens its doors next week, as the first 25 customers to turn up in their undies receive a whole new outfit/

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/lifestyle/health_and_beauty/style/s/1018115_the_new_musthave_ecobag

I dont know where Joy could be opening but one possiblity could be this location

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6300/sunp0025pb6.jpg

Also with Joy already having a store at The Triangle i would imagine that store would be closing down due to them being so close to each other.

Also with Joy already having a store at The Triangle i would imagine that store would be closing down due to them being so close to each other.

Joy are taking the Unit next to New Look. Also Ideas actually closed yesterday. Maybe Mexx will take this unit?

Ya they could be as it is a big unit and i think last week when i was there half the store seemed to under contruction boarded off so maybe they have already started working on the unit thanks uklad1979

Jake quits King Street

THE decision by designer shoe store Jake to leave King Street for the Arndale Centre does not mean that the chi-chi street has lost its sparkle.

So say property experts, although they warn that King Street's future would be in jeopardy if Kendals department store, now branded House of Fraser, was ever to move.

The latest defection from King Street - once hailed as the Bond Street of the North - comes as a question mark hangs over both the street and neighbouring St Ann's Square.

The revamped Royal Exchange Shopping Centre has proved slow to let almost a year after the marketing campaign began. Despite a £10m refurbishment the arcade below the Royal Exchange Theatre has failed to turn into the playground for the north west's big spenders which the developers predicted.

Retailers in St Ann's Square complain that the area is no longer attracting so many upmarket customers, blaming the presence of McDonalds and the Disney Store and competition from New Cathedral Street.

Senior property professionals have declared St Ann's Square a blot of Manchester's retail landscape, saying it was deterring luxury retailers from coming to the city.

Jakes Shoes will leave King Street in December and concentrate on its new 2,500 sq ft store at Prudential Property Investment Management's Arndale Centre. A new 10-year lease subject to a five yearly rent review has been agreed at a commencing rental of £155,000 sq ft a year.

The existing store at 28 King Street will be re-let by landlords Royal Liver.

Alun Jones, partner at Edwards & Co who advised on the deal said: "Jakes Shoes relocation to the Arndale Centre is by no means a negative reflection of the strength of King Street's retail market. The decision to relocate was prompted by the desire to be positioned in a covered mall, with a more mass market clientele."

" King Street continues to remain one of the city centre's key retail destinations and Jake's will maintain its presence there until Christmas 2007."

"The non-pedestrianised area of King Street, has historically attracted some high fashion retail outlets. Some of these `big names', such as Emporio Armani, Collezione and DKNY, have now signed leases in the new Spinningfields development, and if they chose therefore to close their exiting branches on King Street, there may be a void left at this end of the King Street, that could be difficult to fill with the same high fashion tenants."

"The pedestrianised side of Kings Street, has been ever changing, and is continuously being re-defined as new tenants come in. King Street will continue to draw in custom as long as the well-established House of Frazer is situated at the bottom of the street."

The current rents on King Street are among the higest in the city as more than £220 a sq ft. A new multi-million pound upmarket shopping street, anchored by Italian fashion giants Armani, will soon be open for business a few yards from King Street.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1018229_jake_quits_king_street

I noticed the other week that Fopp instore were playing Manchester classics? What's that about?

[url]

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6300/sunp0025pb6.jpg


This unit now has SuperDry hordings up.

Also the Job Centre has closed down on Fountain Street.

I knew Cult/ Superdry were on an expansion drive but i did not know that Manchester was going to be a location for them, will be good to have another clothing store, the new mall seems to be alot more clothing then anything else.


21 July 2007
Cult Clothing and Superdry are embarking on a 21-outlet expansion drive over the next year. Cult Clothing will open stores in sites including Canterbury, Leamington Spa, Exeter and Plymouth before Christmas. Superdry stores in Bristol and Bath are expected to open before the end of the year.

Thanks uklad1979

http://www.superdry.co.uk/
http://www.cult.co.uk

Something seems to be going on with the Ideas unit. Someone was playing with electrics and someone measuring walls today. Mexx maybe?

I forgot to mention it seems the unit on the corner next to Greggs across from Aldi seems to have had the walls expanded out which means it must be being worked on.

I have heard rumors that the unit next to Greggs could be BB's Coffee & Muffins as i have seen them mentioned on some recent letting plans or maybe this could be the possible location for Bagel Nash.

With the Ideas unit i think it probably will become Mexx as we have said so many times it is a huge store and i think would be a perfect store for them also it will bring a new name into the older part of the mall.

Counting down to Krispy Kreme

My obsession with the American donut maker Krispy Kreme has blighted my personal life for many years but my excitement levels are now off the scale. Their first Manchester (and first Northern) outlet is set to open in December and How-Do have just a ran a piece on local ad agency M2 picking up the contract...but more importantly they've confirmed that the new Krispy Kreme outlet (located next to the Trafford Centre) will have a drive-thru!

If you're wondering why on earth the outlet is in Trafford Park (not even inside the Trafford Centre) then the answer was given by reviewer Adam:


"They are opening there because of the size of the factory that will be attached to the retail outlet, it will produce 290 dozen doughnuts per hour! and will supply Tesco extra stores in the north west, Leeds will follow shortly after Manchester, not sure where though."

MC2's "Abby Wright" said: “There is a high demand already in Manchester (for the doughnuts)". Abby did not say that winning the contract filled a hole in her life, nor did she have a glazed expression. To suggest so would be cru(e)ller.. Sigh.

http://manchester-clubbing.blogspot.com/2007/10/counting-down-to-krispy-kreme.html


MC2 scores sweet victory over rivals as Krispy Kreme comes to Manchester

Manchester’s first Krispy Kreme outlet is on the brink of touching down in Trafford Park, and local agency MC2 has picked up the coveted launch PR brief.

The iconic - although ultimately, in global terms, troubled - doughnut maker plans to open its new drive-through ‘Hot Light’ store in December. MC2 will have the task of managing the no-doubt glittering launch and ensuring that crowds are on hand to sample the famously sweet KK confections.

The agency won the assignment following a competitive pitch against a host of local rivals, that are believed to have included Brazen, Golley Slater and Connectpoint. Krispy Kreme’s Pierre Meyer said that it was the team’s “creativity and strategic focus” that secured them the business.

Speaking about the win MC2’s Abby Wright added: “There is a high demand already in Manchester (for the doughnuts) and we have some really exciting things planned to make sure that everybody is talking about them."

Krispy Kreme has been making doughnuts since 1937 but has recently been hit hard by global trends towards healthier eating and lifestyles. Shares in the US company fell by 25% last month after its second quarter losses grew to $27million from $4.6million in the same period the year before.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-media-news/north-west-marketing-services/mc2-scores-sweet-victory-over-rivals-as-krispy-kreme-comes-to-manchester-200710031052/

Anyone know if the new Disney store is open yet?

No still under contruction, job interviews/ call backs are now taking place should be opening mid to the end of October probably.

Store Detective: Children's World at House of Fraser

WHAT: Children's World

WHERE: House of Fraser Manchester, Deansgate, tel: 0161 832 3414

WHY GO? This is going to be the place to shop for Manchester's yummy mummies.

After months of renovation House of Fraser has reopened its sixth floor - dedicated entirely to cool kids with their fabulous new Children's World department.

The biggest news being that they are now playing host to world-famous toystore Hamleys, creating the city's biggest toy box packed with all the latest games and gadgets guaranteed to keep your little darlings happy.

Just what Manchester has been crying out for after the closure of the Daisy and Tom toystore last year. For months there has been nowhere to grab those kiddie-friendly pressies. And, with Christmas just around the corner, Hamleys has arrived in the nick of time.

Not only have they got all the most fashionable toys in town, they have their own Hamleys range of classic teddies and old-fashioned games too. Perfect for a bit of nostalgia for grown-up kids as wel.

But that's not the only treat in store as the new Children's World welcomes a host of high profile children's wear brands, including Ted Baker, DKNY, and Ralph Lauren ranges for kids.

Not to mention Gap Kids, Green Baby, and Pumpkin Patch across the rest of the 10,000 sq ft of space.

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE BUYS:

1 Who wouldn't love a cute old fashioned teddy like this one from Hamley's own range?

2 For the boys who love to be cool, DKNY striped polo £36 with black denim jeans £63.

3 So sweet that we would actually like one of these Ted Baker jackets for ourselves! Coat £70, skirt £31.50

4 Smarten `em up for the party season. Girl's sequin dress £49, boy's suit £160 from the Ted Baker kids range

BEST FOR: Cool kids with yummy mummies

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/lifestyle/health_and_beauty/style/s/1018112_store_detective_childrens_world_at_house_of_fraser

Harpoon Louie’s 3rd shop is now open at The Triangle


NEW STORE LAUNCH PARTY!!!!

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4746/harpoonlouiseinviteuf0.jpg

Hey guys and girls!

We are very proud to announce our 3rd Harpoon Louie’s shop is now open, and what better way to celebrate than having a party Harpoon Louie’s style!

THIS COMING SATURDAY (6TH OCTOBER) FROM 4PM, we will be having the party with a 10% OFF promotion!

Free beers and light refreshments when you arrive, as we showcase our new store and new stock for Fall / Winter 2007.

So come and see what all the fuss is about at the triangle this Saturday!

All the usual brands, Volcom, Nixon, Etnies, Fenchurch and and many more...

Don't miss out on the 10% OFF on all NEW STOCK!

It will be great to see all our regulars and new customers,

See you Saturday,

Harpoon Louie’s.


http://www.harpoonlouies.com/index.php

Retail new regarding Manchester Airport now


Manchester airport reveals £46m retail revamp

28.09.07

Airport to extend retail expansion to all three terminals, boosting space to at least 180,000 sq ft

By Mark Shepherd

Manchester Airport is set to significantly expand a £46m project to double the retail space on offer to passengers.

Work is under way at Terminal 1 to double the retail space there to 95,000 sq ft. A similar project is scheduled to start by the end of the year at Terminal 2 to double the retail to 70,000 sq ft.

Now plans are being drawn up to extend the scheme to Terminal 3, which handles up to 5 million passengers every year and has 18 gates and 46 check-in desks.

The airport is weighing up the option of either submitting a planning application to extend the building or carry out a refurbishment to increase the 15,000 sq ft of shops there.

Any application to increase the footprint of Terminal 3 would cause controversy in a climate where airport expansion is being closely monitored by environmental groups.

In July, campaigners at Manchester airport successfully blocked plans to extend the car park on to Green belt land when a planning inspector supported the decision of Macclesfield Borough Council to stop the scheme from going ahead.

The retail revamp is being carried out by operator Milligan, which is in partnership with the airport. In Terminal 1 it will include a 25,000 sq ft tax and duty-free outlet selling tobacco, fragrances and cosmetics.

There will also be a high street brand zone, along with restaurants and bars.

Andrew Harrison, commercial director of Manchester airport, said: ‘We definitely have plans to redevelop Terminal 3 from the point of view of what we are providing to passengers.

‘If you talked to anybody who had used the terminal they would tell you that it is quite tight in there.’

He accepted that an extension to Terminal 3 would need the backing of Manchester City Council a 55% stakeholder in the airport but said it was one of several options under consideration.

The plan in all three terminals is to move the security and check-in areas closer together to free up retail space and give passengers a better experience. The airport said the increase in retail in Terminal 1 alone would create turnover of £110m a year in retail revenues.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=39&storycode=3096117

Fairytale start for new Disney Store concept

The new concept Disney Store at Lakeside Shopping Centre is performing ahead of expectations one month after opening with iterations of the design now scheduled to roll out across the rest of the company's estate beginning with Manchester's Arndale store.

Joanne Webb, marketing director of The Disney Store, says: “Lakeside is doing very well and is performing better than elsewhere. And the initial research has shown it to have absolutely changed the perceptions of the Disney Store with 85 per cent of customers saying it has been improved and we're thrilled at that.”

Although she says the quantitative results that will show how it has affected profitability have yet to be fully analysed Webb says it “looks good and we will roll out other variations within Europe”.

The issue - especially outside the UK - is with the size of the smaller stores only being able to take some components of the new concept. “It's not possible to put everything into the smaller stores,” she admits.

What is likely to be included is the centrepiece of the new concept - the 'Heart of Disney' - that consists of a central column that has a wraparound 360 degree screen at the top which shows footage of Disney films.

The openness of the Lakeside store will also likely be rolled out as Webb says it is a much better environment for children to run around while still being in full view of their parents. And the new merchandising has also proved to be very successful whereby it is done by “franchise” with say all the Winnie the Pooh related items placed together rather than through themes such as Halloween.

The Lakeside store also has a 'photo opportunity' that enables children to have their photographs taken with 3D characters in-store that will be changed periodically. This has initially begun with a life sized model of the Jack Sparrow character from Pirates of the Caribbean. There are also a number of plasma screens located throughout the store.

http://www.theretailbulletin.com/?tag=5699ea73cda4c69b17c2255ec26db204



I think most of the ideas from the Lakeside Disney concept Store will find there way into the Manchester Arndale store seeing as it is a pretty big space for the store, it looks like it will definitely be bigger than the Trafford Centre store.

Hawkins Bazaar will be reopening again at Manchester Arndale


Position: Various Roles for Hawkins Bazaar
Company:Manchester Arndale
Closing Date: 31/10/2007
Type: Various, Temporary
Hours: Various
Rate Of Pay: Dependent on job role

Details: Mail order company, Hawkins Bazaar, are opening a brand new store within the Manchester Arndale. They sell gadgets and retro toys for all the family and are after enthusiastic and fun-loving people for their new team. Roles include: Supervisor- A full time position which involves ensuring the daily operation of store procedures ie; handling customer quieries, cashing up of the till, with possible key holding responsibilities. Sales Advisors- Part time and seasonal work available. Role involves customer quieries, till operation, and general house keeping of the store.

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/jobs.htm

It will probably be another temporary store as they are doing the same as last year opening lots of new temporary holiday stores, but it would be good if they could get a permanent store in the Arndale.

The Upper Level of Next at The Trafford Centre has now reopened after being refurbished under there new style fascia the Lower Level will reopen end of October start of November.

Also the Job Centre has closed down on Fountain Street.


I dont know if this has any relation to the Job Centre closing down but Adecco are going to be opening an Adecco Premier in one of the spaces at the City Tower Mall, a planning application has gone in to split to the unit to the right as you walk in from the Gardens into two units and Adecco will be taking one of the spaces.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084562/FO/2007/C2

I have heard rumors that the unit next to Greggs could be BB's Coffee & Muffins as i have seen them mentioned on some recent letting plans or maybe this could be the possible location for Bagel Nash.

I mentioned that BB's Coffee and Muffins could be opening at the Arndale well i can now confirm that they will be opening at the Arndale but not were i thought, they will be opening next to Peacocks opposite from TK Maxx and BHS

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6905/bbslocationplanbo6.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2898/bbshopplanqd0.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9421/bbshopplan2bj4.jpg

Here is the Planning Application

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084211/FU/2007/C1

By the way the unit right above this one is also being worked on. Not sure what it will be but at one point a Card Warehouse was due to open somewhere in that area but never did.

BB's closed down sometime ago in the food court and at that time they were never busy. I wonder why they are coming back.
Dolcis on Market St is having a closing down sale and should be gone soon. The Job Centre has closed because the building it is in is going to be demolished soon ready for the a new highrise office building that Bruntwood are building. I would imagine that the Job Centre will move into a new office in the city but for now the nearest office is Riverside at the bottom of Bridge St which is in Salford. I can see them moving into a unit in Piccadilly Plaza as it's close by and is also a Bruntwood Building.

Card Warehouse were rumored to open next to Timpsons Shoe Repairs but it never happened.

Both Dolcis stores (Market Street & Arndale) are up for sale so maybe the Dolcis on Market Street has been sold to a new tennant.

Maybe BB's are coming back as with the centre now redeveloped and reopen they see that the centre is busier and that area around Peacocks will probably start to get alot more stores soon seeing as most of the main mall has been let.

Another new indie for the burgeoning Northern Quarter... for the girlies.
EDIT. I should say they are fitting out a new store on Church St.


JUNK SHOP

http://www.junkshopuk.com/images/content/junkshopcover.gif

Vintage inspired clothing & prints, shirtdresses, vintage girls clothes, retro surfwear, polo shirts & retro bags.

Junk Shop Clothing is a new Manchester based label designed to brighten up your day. Our original clothes are cut to flatter the female figure and feature a uniquely soft crinkled cotton fabric with vivid colours and bold designs. An ever-changing variety of vintage inspired clothes & prints with 100s of new designs each year are available at easily affordable prices from our onlineshop. Keep checking back for new designs.



http://www.junkshop.co.uk

Bella Italia is fitting out the unit next to Nandos and a new xmas gadget type shop has opened in the old Bratz unit. I fotgot the name of the place now.

Any1 know if the Royal Exchange Shopping centre is opening anytime soon?

Here is a review about the shop


Junk

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/9804/junkshopua5.jpg

Vanessa Lees goes treasure hunting in Junk

Where is it:

Junk
Church Street
Northern Quarter
Manchester
www.junkshopuk.com

The history:

Like all savvy retailers Charlotte Keyworth and Dan Clark tested out if there was a demand for their merchandise via setting up an internet company and selling at markets and festivals. Although as Stef Elrick who works at Junk puts it “V-Festival wasn’t very lucrative this year. Everyone was too wasted to buy anything. It didn’t bother us, we had a great time.” In May last year they opened their first Junk on Burton Road in West Didsbury and didn’t waste any time in opening their second one in the Northern Quarter as of last week.

Who shops there:

Junk are very specific about their target market. The name of their business may have had more aliases then a KGB spy but their stock and style remains very consistent attracting students, hippies, vintage lovers or anyone who enjoys playing around with their look. Prices also reflect their clients’ budget. You can pick up a badge for £3 and the most expensive item in there is £62 for a Big Fluff sweater. If you’re searching for the ultimate little black dress (LBD) you won’t find it here, Charlotte has an allergy to sombre colours.

What does it sell:

Junk don’t pander to the whimsical nature of fashion. They feature reworked vintage clothing, screen printed urban wear, retro bags, badges, jewellery, belts and cards. Think of anything that might be slightly kooky and Junk are bound to sell it.

Why go there:

It’s perfect for a good ol’ rummage. Junk is the retail world’s answer to the Red Cross, people can’t help donating to them, whether it’s clothes, fabric or radiator pipes used to hang clothes on. The staff shop-fitted the store themselves using all reclaimed or recycled materials such as a telephone receiver as the door handle, school coat hangers and there’s even a Narnia wardrobe you enter to get changed in. Very exciting.. Charlotte, who studied fashion in Manchester has her own label called Label of Love which features some fab Barbarella style dresses plus she features young designers looking for a foothold in the industry.

The Future:

The immediate future lies in placing lots plants above the door, trailing down. After that who knows what will happen in the weird and wonderful world of Junk.

Verdict:

If you’re solely a labels girl or a slave to the high street then move on, there’s nothing to see here. But if you’re a little more kitsch and opt for the more customised look, then allocate some time in your diary… you could be there for some time.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6JwTmNwB6IaqiNwA&

Its called Menkind uklad


MANCHESTER ARNDALE
(Opposite Virgin Megastore)
Unit L29 Withy Grove
The Arndale
Manchester
M4 3AQ


http://www.menkind.co.uk/OurShops.asp

The Royal Exchange has apprently struggled to get tennants, so i dont think anyone really knows a possible opening date, it has been over a year since it should have opened.

I forgot to mention that a doorway has been cut into a wall next to the FX shop across from the toilets. Usually this is a sign something is coming soon.

Maybe that unit could be the location for Bagel Nash it seems a big enough unit as they usually go for Kiosk Size units and they can easily put a few chairs and tables just outside that area Barefruit Juice do it easily enough in this area.

Maybe that unit could be the location for Bagel Nash it seems a big enough unit as they usually go for Kiosk Size units and they can easily put a few chairs and tables just outside that area Barefruit Juice do it easily enough in this area.

It would be good if it was as that area is becoming like a mini food court with the seating areas. I wish they would do something better around Nandos rather than a load of Tensa barriers I would like to see a small fence or hedge or something nice. Also the Arndale should add more seating like they have downstairs around the lifts.

Arcade re-born in style

BARTON Arcade is to be reborn - as a style junkie's paradise.

The grade II listed Victorian arcade at Deansgate - originally designed to look like Milan's famous fashion haunt, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - is to be transformed into a magnet for trendy shoppers.

David Mallon, the Manchester designer behind the inconic Ringspun meanswear label, is to open a new store on the site. The 3,000 sq ft General Store will be the first of its kind.

Deals are close to being agreed with two other high-gloss retailers.

David Mallon started his clothing career with a small unit in Afflecks Palace in 1991. He started the Ringspun brand in 1995.

After period in Yorkshire, the label returned to Manchester in 1999. It has been associated with Northern Quarter fashion house, Red Inc.

Barton Arcade was bought earlier this year by Limerick-based investor Morgan Leahy in a £17m deal.

The building is being refurbished along with neighbouring Lancaster Buildings, also bought earlier this year by Mr Leahy, in a £12.7m deal with Manchester-based investor Nabeel Chowdry.

Remodel

The new owner has just won planning permission to remodel shop fronts and are now aiming the arcade at lifestyle and high-fashion retailers.

Chris Jones, partner at Manchester property investment specialists Christopher Dee, and a close adviser to Mr Leahy, said: "The Barton Arcade is a gem that has been left to rust for too long. It has been in the hands of institutional owners for ten years and needs some careful hands-on management, which is what we are trying to give it.

"We already have a 3,000 sq ft letting to General Store, and we have two others stores close tro deals. We are also talking to existing tenants about refreshing the entire arcade as we re-orient it towards the fashion market."

Office space at both Lancaster Buildings and Barton Arcade is also being refurbished.

A long lease, valued at around £2m, has been granted to Preston-based developer Marple Grove, which will refurbish around 13,000 sq ft of offices on the second and third floor at Lancaster Buildings.

Butterfield Architectural Design, which has been involved with designs for Barton Arcade, say that removing unsuitable 1970s shop fronts will reveal the arcade in its original glory.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1018929_arcade_reborn_in_style





http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/3489/bartonarcade1xr3.jpg

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1055/bartonarcade2vy5.jpg

^^ Here is a reminder of what the new shopfronts at Barton Arcade will look like ^^




http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/5153/generalstorebartonarcadaz6.jpg

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/7155/generalstorebartonarcadqn7.jpg



^^ And here is a reminder of what General Store will look like ^^

Joy at Manchester Arndale opens this Saturday


JOY Manchester Arndale Store Opening

October 13th, 2007

This Saturday sees the opening of another new JOY store! The Manchester Arndale Centre is the place to be, with a special event on Saturday and some great promotions running throughout the weekend.

Midday, Saturday 13th

JOY Will Clothe You!

Free outfits for the first 25 fearless guys & gals to come into the store wearing only their underwear or swimwear!

Sunday 14th & Monday 15th

WIN Clothes! On the Hour, Every Hour!

Be sure to collect your entry form from the store, for a chance to win an MbyM Trench Coat worth £95 for the ladies, or a CHUNK T-Shirt for the lads.

Where to find us:

JOY
U19A
Winter Garden
Manchester Arndale Centre
Manchester
M4 3AJ

(Upper Level, next to New Look)

http://www.joythestore.com/website/event.php

This is a picture of the store front of the new concept Disney Store at Lakeside, the new Manchester Arndale store will possibly look something like this, sorry about the size of the photo.

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/6527/disneystoreiy8.jpg

If anyone wants to try and resize the image on photoshop or something else and then repost it here then please do, i cannot due to not having the software.

It looks very open like the Apple store next door to it. I like it as it welcoming plus I am a big Disney fan.

Ya the new design is supposed to be a very open one

The open design of the Lakeside store is also likely be rolled out elsewhere as Webb says it is a much better environment for children to run around while still being in full view of their parents.

Apprently employees start next week at the store so i would imagine that next week will be staff training and then maybe the week after the store will open.

Article about The General Store opening at Barton Arcade

http://www.bradys.co.uk/images/Draper_Records_Article.pdf

The store will be taking one unit of the ground floor and also 3 units on the first floors each unit will be stocking a seperate brand from each founder of The General Store Ringspun found David Mallon, Religion owner Darren Collins and All Saints founder Stuart Trevor

Acquascutum on At Anne's square is to reopen as....wait for it.....a mobile phone shop.

No doubt that one where the cunts stand outside in suits trying to hassle you into buying something.

tourist: Can you tell me where St. Anne's Square is, please?

macc: Why of course, its just down the pan.

Is it just one of those independant mobile phone shops or proper branded one like 3, Vodaphone, etc we already have Orange and T Mobile in St Anns the area really needs to get sorted out

I think it might be 3. I'll be down there today, I think. I'll have a look.

Since we have added in the Trafford Centre I will give an update on the Lowsey Outlet Mall.

Little Bambino closed a few weeks ago
Mexx closed 2 weeks ago
Nike closed today
Seasons closed last week

Just opened are USA Pro and Kurt Muller are going to open a womens shop in the unit next to M&S. M&S used this unit for storage but don;t need it anymore. M&S have also been reducing their menswear.

Gossip is that the next shop to close will be Virgin xs as the unit has poor sales. Thomas cook is one that will be cut as part of the merger with Mytravel. Both of these will be when their lease is up.

Ya alot of the Going Places/ Thomas Cook stores are up for sale they are

Trafford Centre (near Debenhams)
Lowry Outlet Mall
Central Retail Park
Manchester Arndale (BHS corner)

Is Disney store open yet i'm waiting to take my fiancee?

Is Disney store open yet i'm waiting to take my fiancee?

No
You'll have to take her to a Harvester or somewhere else equally posh instead.

That is one lucky lady.

The disney store? I'd rather shop at netto :P

The disney store? I'd rather shop at netto :P

Lidl is more your level Dan!

Philpotts are going to be opening 2 new Manchester branches, one in Portland Street at the Portland Chambers and another in the new City Tower Mall in the unit next to Heathcotes facing New York Street.

The planning application for the Portland Street branch is online but there are now documets yet

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JMK7XOBCW1000

And the letting plan showing were Phipotts will be opening in the City Tower Mall

http://www.bruntwood.co.uk/assets/52/ower_retail_phase2final.pdf

http://www.philpotts.co.uk/home

Here is a retail update with pictures

As uklad has said Menkind has opened in the old Bratz unit

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8875/sunp00280001lg1.jpg

Also uklad said about Superdry hoarding up around the unit inbetween Quiz and Barratts

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4197/sunp00290002gr4.jpg

Joy is now open

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5872/sunp00300003dv5.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3204/sunp00310004if2.jpg

Subway will be opening there 2nd Manchester Arndale store opposite BHS on the upper floor.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9440/sunp00320005ct3.jpg

With Subway opening here and Barefuit Juice and Millies in this area it make me think even more that unit next to the Currency Exchange will be were Bagel Nash is located and a possible new mini food court will be created around this area as uklad has said.

Also the old Blend unit now has hoarding around them without any signs of who will take the unit as it is just the plasterboard, i think that this could be the location of Mexx as it has the capacity to have a mezzanine and is in the new mall, also when walking past the unit you could quite easily here the workmen working in the unit.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3439/sunp00330006tg6.jpg

And a final point all vacant units around Peacocks and other areas around the Arndale have now had doors punched through there hoardings and also i think that the empty unit inbetween Orange and Topman in New Cannon Street Mall will be the next unit to open up and could maybe be Past Times.

The mainstream shopping scene is getting a little avante garde nowadays innit. A bit quirky, a bit New York. Glad the manc's like it, lets hope it continues.

Thomas Cook at the Lowry Outlet closed today. I expect the rest on the list will be closing soon.

Brasserie Palmes D'Or is now open at The Great Hall at the Trafford Centre

http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/dining/directory/palmesdor

New information and renders about The Avenue at Spinningfields

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9607/avenuestreetaj3.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5240/avenuestreettextrc8.jpg

Avenue North

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4168/avenuenorthfn7.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3209/avenuenorthtextpo2.jpg

Avenue South

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/403/avenuesouthga4.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5145/avenuesouthtextor9.jpg

1 Crown Square (i dont think a render of this building has ever been seen)

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/151/1crownsquaresn5.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9683/1crownsquaretextxx6.jpg

This information has all come from http://www.theavenuemanchester.com/

So we know now that Armani, Hugo Boss, Brooks Brothers, Church's and Hardy Amies will open at The Avenue at Spinningfields.

All these 3 new stores have only got stores in London, so these are really good lettings and shows the type of stores that Allied are attracting to Manchester.

Brooks Brothers - http://www.brooksbrothers.com/
Church's - http://www.church-footwear.com/
Hardy Amies - http://www.hardyamies.com/

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8682/spinningfeldsmapsm4.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4715/spinningfieldsmaptextzz7.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9472/theavenuemapfq4.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4849/theavenuemaptextjk8.jpg

Again from

http://www.theavenuemanchester.com/

And now to add even more names to The Avenue

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5605/theavenuestoresch1.jpg

from http://www.3hardmanstreet.com/

We now have

Prada
Chanel
Paul Smith
Tiffany & Co

added to the ever growing list of possible retailers

but it looks like

Hugo Boss
Giorgio Armani
Brooks Brothers
Church's
Hardy Amies

Could be confirmed retailers so far.

NQ (wonky angle)
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/015-7.jpg

New Cathedral Street
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/010-5.jpg

King Street/South King Street
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/030-4.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/007-7.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/006-8.jpg

St. Ann's Square
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/008-9.jpg

Thanks marky that Duo store has taken over the old Shoes by Topshop unit and has only recently opened.

http://www.duoboots.com/

As we have already said it is not good to see another bad shop taking a unit in St Anns Sq.

But it is good to see that Radley are starting the construction of there new store also i know that with New Cathedral Street two stores will be leaving but dont know when and cannot say who will be leaving.

The plans for Philpotts at Portland Chambers are now online

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084157/AO/2007/C2

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1323/phillpottsportlandchambkq2.jpg

Have there been any reports recently about how the development of the Trafford Centre/ Dumplington Precinct has affected retail in the city centre? I was wondering whether I can go there on Monday with a clear conscience

(mainly thinking of the free parking and the fact I hadn't been there in two years- wanted to see how Chill Factor e is coming along).

Looks like the new Krispy Kreme drive thru at Trafford Park will open on Friday 14th December.


Coming Soon

Portsmouth
Opening 11th December

Leeds
Opening June 2008

Manchester
Opening 14th December

http://www.krispykreme.co.uk/Store-Locator

An Artists Impressions of what the new Philpotts at the Portland Chambers will look like

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4397/phillpottsportlandchambct7.jpg

from http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084157/AO/2007/C2

Much better than KFC

Yes it is defiantly better having Philpotts opening there than having a KFC there, Philpotts should be open around end of November start or December time.

Am not sure when Phillpotts at City Tower will open but i think when that branch opens that maybe the Mosley Street branch will close seeing as they will be so close together.

Some stores will become rebranded soon at the Arndale

Shoe Express will be converted to new fashion discount concept Pose.

And Stationery Box and Partners are to disappear from the high street as the stores are to be converted to the Ryman brand.

Duo

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3150/duo3tg2.jpg

Vanessa Lees finally gets the boot

Where is it?

20-22 King Street
Manchester
M2 6AG

History:

Duo isn’t an unfamiliar brand to those accustomed to swanning down Saville Row with gay abandon. However 30 years after the first store opened, Duo has now set up shop in Manchester. It’s a fab concept. The shop is more of a fitting room. You can’t actually take the boots away with you, as they order them for you online and then they’re posted out to you.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2424/duo2zc1.jpg

Who shops there:

Anyone who values a good fitting boot, so that’s pretty much everyone. They’re not cheap with prices starting at £80 but they are boots for life – that’s what you tell yourself to cushion the blow.

What does it sell:

Like Jones the Boot Maker who sell shoes as well as boots, Duo also follow suit. There's 33 different styles to be precise, all beautifully made and little chance of your heel falling off or you developing unsightly bunions.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2531/duo1zv7.jpg

Why go there:

A good boot is like a trusty friend – they’ll always give you the utmost support. The range is massive to suit all preferences and they have 21 different calf sizes to address the problem of skinny pins and curvaceous calves. If you’re more of an online shopper, the website gives you specific instructions on how to measure your calf size and once you’ve bought a pair of boots, then your measurements are logged in the system (although this might be an issue for yo-yo dieters).

The future:

Along with Manchester, Duo in Edinburgh has recently been launched and they also have a store in Amsterdam. We’re sure it won’t be long until they’re trampling across the rest of Europe.

Verdict:

It was the busiest shop on King Street last Saturday, which is a fairly good indication of its popularity and reputation.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwF6JwfiNwB6IaqiNwA&

Good to see South King Street at least is maintaining its niche with empty units being filled with good tenents. St Anne's Square is another matter entirely though with the spread of ubiquitous mobile phone shops further diluting the square's identity and pitch. :ohno:

Anyone know any more about possible new tenents for the present Armani store on Upper King St once they relocate to Spinningfields? It would be a shame if the present refurbishment programme being carried out on Ship Canal House converted the retail unit into offices. Its such a spectacular building and deserves a prestigious tenent.

http://www.catalystcapital.com/it/images/SCH-005.jpg

Good to see South King Street at least is maintaining its niche with empty units being filled with good tenents. St Anne's Square is another matter entirely though with the spread of ubiquitous mobile phone shops further diluting the square's identity and pitch. :ohno:

Anyone know any more about possible new tenents for the present Armani store on Upper King St once they relocate to Spinningfields? It would be a shame if the present refurbishment programme being carried out on Ship Canal House converted the retail unit into offices. Its such a spectacular building and deserves a prestigious tenent.

http://www.catalystcapital.com/it/images/SCH-005.jpg

Not sure Sleeps.
Hard to keep track, but has there been any developments with the Midland building (slap bang next to the Armani store in your pic)?
I assumed this and the Royal Exchange would be all fancy pants up and running by now...but it's looking like Barton Arcade & 'The Avenue' will carry the sound of posh clogs before these two? :(

btw - stirling work flange.

Thanks Northbeach regarding the Armani store i dont think it has actually been confirmed yet if the King Street store will close when the Spinningfields store opens in 2009

My understanding -- and I might be completely wrong here -- was that those two stores would remain and the new store in Spinningfields was to be a mainline Giorgio Armani (ie, rather than Emporio or Collezioni)

Ya that is what i heard aswell, the new Spinningfields store will become the flagship store and be a Giorgio Armani store and the rest would stay, so we would have the following -

Giorgio Armani - Spinningfields
Collezioni Armani - King Street
Emporio Armani - King Street
Armani AX - Trafford Centre

2 Spinningfields Square

A headquarters style office building designed for smaller corporate or professional operators. The building completes in Autumn 2008. An entirely self-contained and separately accessed area is now available for pre-lease, with 7,500 sq ft floor plates ideally suited for cellular or open plan format.On the ground floor it incorporates a flagship Giorgio Armani store.

from http://www.spinningfields-manchester.com/spinningfields/buildings_2ssq.htm

Has any progress been made with the Midland being turned into a shopping arcade or have the plans changed?

Centre nears completion

A £70m extension to the Trafford Centre is nearing completion.

The £70m development is adjacent to the Trafford Centre and is being created as a specialist homeware shopping destination.

With some of the ultimate names in the homeware sector due to open flagship units, Barton Square looks set to fit in perfectly with the £1.5bn shopping and leisure destination next door.

Says Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre: "The Barton Square campanile is a little bit of Italy away from home, and will stand proudly above the piazza.

"The tower stands at 53 metres high, and the view from the top is magnificent showcasing The Trafford Centre, Chill factor E and the whole of the Trafford Park area right through to Old Trafford and the city centre.

"The style ties in perfectly with the Romanesque architecture already familiar to shoppers at The Trafford Centre, and is modelled loosely on the campanile in St Marks Square in Venice."

Barton Square is set to reflect the UK's increasingly sophisticated tastes for home products and offers an exceptional retail opportunity by creating a development devoted to lifestyle retailing.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1021016_centre_nears_completion

Region attracting developers

A SQUEEZE on consumer spending is not deterring developers intending to build new shops in Greater Manchester.

In the city centre, in Stockport, Oldham, Wigan and Ashton, developers are investing heavily in new shopping schemes.

Two city centre developments are leading the way, both of them off Deansgate.

The historic Barton Arcade is to be transformed as Irish investor Morgan Leahy leads a refurbishment intended to bring the Victorian arcade back up to international standards.

The arcade is home to 13 shops and 23,000 sq ft of offices, all of which will be upgraded.

The owners have applied for planning permission to improve the shop frontages. When complete, the Arcade will be worth £20m.

It will form part of a programme of upgrade work which will also include Lancaster Buildings, owned by the same group.

Progress

A few hundred yards south Allied London are making progress on their new multi-million pound upmarket shopping street, anchored by Italian fashion giants Armani.

The £70m project, touted as the new Bond Street of the north, will include around 100,000 sq ft of new bar and restaurant space and around 300,000 sq ft of new shops.

The street will include new stores from high fashion retailers including Vivienne Westwood and Louis Vuitton.

Outside the city centre, Stockport is set to see the most ambitious redevelopment.

The £500m Bridgefield town centre scheme will be created by Australian developer Lend Lease.

The scheme will include 650,000 sq ft of new shops, 80,000 sq ft of leisure and dining outlets, a multi-screen cinema, 250 residential apartments, as well as 1,750 car parking spaces.

The Bridgefield scheme is central to Future Stockport, the council's vision for the town centre, and the site is adjacent to Merseyway shopping centre and the M60 motorway.

If the development goes ahead, construction would start in 2010 and be completed in 2013.

Richard Lucas, retail partner at GVA Grimley, says: "On the whole, Greater Manchester towns realise that they must remain competitive and see the need to enhance their retail offer in order to maintain and strengthen their position in the retail hierarchy."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1021017_region_attracting_developers

Thomas Cook sells 100 shops

13:34 | 23.10.07

Thomas Cook has appointed Tushingham Moore to off-load 100 stores in the UK.

By Laura Chesters

Thomas Cook merged with MyTravel in June and has completed a review of its entire estate.

Fleet Street to Gateshead

The 100 units on the market include Thomas Cook and Going Places units in locations from London’s Fleet Street to Richmond and Kensington High Street, as well as stores in Plymouth, Swansea, Meadowhall and the Metro Centre in Gateshead.

Leases up for sale

Tushingham Moore has sold some of the unwanted leases in groups while others are being sold in single packages.

German-owned Thomas Cook completed the £8bn merger of MyTravel rival in the summer.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3098187&c=1

Five star addition

A NEW five-star hotel, a new upmarket shopping street and millions of square feet of the city's most expensive office floorspace: Spinningfields has been hard to miss.

But the massive Deansgate development has more growing to do in 2008, say bosses at Allied London, the force behind the mighty city centre scheme.

The latest moves see Allied London beef-up the leisure and retail side of the 4.6m sq ft project which, until now, has been better known for scooping lettings to some of the city's biggest banks than for its shops and hotels.

The hotel will be close to new stores from high fashion retailers including Armani, Vivienne Westwood and Louis Vuitton.

The 24-storey building named The Manchester will be situated on Bridge Street at the northern gateway to Spinningfields.

The Manchester's lower 12 floors will be dedicated to a full service, 200-room hotel complete with conference facilities, restaurant, bar and lounge and an exclusive spa and health club situated on the 11th floor.

The upper 12 floors will be occupied by approximately 200 residential apartments, with private entrance, roof garden and full access to all hotel services.

The decision to mix apartments and hotel together in one building follows the completion two years ago of the Beetham Tower, at the southern end of Deansgate.

The Manchester has been designed by Make Architects - the architectural practice set up by Ken Shuttleworth, designer of London's famous Erotic Gerkin building, the Swiss Re tower.

Compliment

Mike Ingall, Allied London chief executive said: "The Manchester will complement the premium offering of international fashion retailing and shopping within Spinningfields and will also be a valuable asset for the top flight financial and professional services companies occupying the 2.37 million sq ft of flexible office space."

Allied London is currently inviting expressions of interest in The Manchester from operators and investors

"Spinningfields presents a rare opportunity for an international hotel group to establish their brand in an exciting new cityscape of award-winning architecture and dynamic public realm at one of the UK's most highly sophisticated, managed estates."

Dominic Mayes of Knight Frank, appointed by Allied London to find the hotel operator, said: "This is an exceptional opportunity for an international hotel brand to gain representation in one of the country's most dynamic cities".

Earlier this autumn allied London revealed that the UK's largest bank, HSBC is set to occupy the remaining 30,000 sq ft of office space at No 4 Hardman Square. They signed up for a 15-year lease at £28 per sq ft.

The same building will also become home to Grant Thornton, which agreed to take 25,000 sq ft last year.

They join office occupiers including Royal Bank of Scotland, accountants Deloittes, Guardian Media Group and a major 750,000 sq ft civil and criminal courts complex for the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Landmark

"We are delighted to have landed such a high profile organisation for this prominent landmark building", said Michael Ingall.

"Spinningfields has set a benchmark for office accommodation in Manchester and this has been reflected in the level of success we have achieved at the scheme. HSBC will add to the mix of companies located at Spinningfields and I have no doubt that the development will continue to attract similar high quality occupiers."

Ken Bishop, director at Manchester property consultants DTZ, said: "Spinningfields is without doubt the best regional office led scheme in the country."

King Sturge advised HSBC whilst Jones Lang LaSalle and Erinaceous/Dunlop Haywards acted on behalf of Allied London. DTZ have since replaced Erinaceous.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1021015_five_star_addition

Another new furniture store opening in Manchester soon i mentioned it quite a while back now Roche Bobois they will be opening in the MM2 building next to Central Retail Park on Great Ancoats Street.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/8933/rocheboboispn3.jpg

It will be there first store to open outside of London, and it will carry all there ranges of furniture LES CONTEMPORAINS and LES VOYAGES, LES PROVINCIALES

http://www.roche-bobois.com/home3.php?langue=en&pays=gb

http://www.roche-bobois.com/ville.php?langue=en&pays=gb&codeVille=267

Ya that is what i heard aswell, the new Spinningfields store will become the flagship store and be a Giorgio Armani store and the rest would stay, so we would have the following -

Giorgio Armani - Spinningfields
Collezioni Armani - King Street
Emporio Armani - King Street
Armani AX - Trafford Centre

That's great news if that's the case (although I thought all their central manchester brands were being consolidated into one store). That would mean King St keeps 2 high profile tenants and Manchester gains another unique selling point in having representation from all Armani brands and the only Giorgio and Collezioni stores outside London. If Allied London manage to attract all of their targeted brands its not inconcevable that The Avenue could become the premier high fashion street for the whole of the North.

Bagel Nash is coming soon!

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1016/baglenashmk4.jpg

Look out for us on the upper level in Manchester Arndale. We look forward to serving you soon.

For over 20 years our customers have been telling us how much they love our great food and our friendly staff. In fact the only complaint we ever hear is that we don’t have a store in Manchester!

Well the good news is you don’t have to wait much longer before we open our newest Bagel Nash Espresso and Bagel bar in Manchester Arndale. Serving you freshly filled bagels, wraps, panninis & salads along with mouth watering smoothies and a great coffee menu, Bagel Nash Manchester Arndale is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy our finest quality food & drinks.

Our delicious range of bagels (16 fantastic flavours) are freshly baked in store and made from 100% natural ingredients, with no G.M.O or preservatives and 99% fat free. It doesn’t get any healthier or yummier!

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/news-5390.htm

Autumn opening for Mexx

Mexx is delighted to announce the opening of a new store in mid November in Manchester Arndale.

Visit the new Mexx store in November for promotional activities throughout the opening week that will appeal to all who enjoy fashion.

The store is simple in design with sophisticated black store facia and natural wood. It will showcase the stylish Mexx womenswear collections, designed for confident individuals who enjoy stylish yet affordable clothing of the highest quality. The range also offers professional work-wear, as well as easy to wear pieces for weekends and leisure time.

The Autumn 2007 collection blends masculine tailoring with sporty equestrian influences as women lose themselves in the city streets. Stovepipe pants, dresses and layered silhouettes are must-haves for the season, as natural and techno fibres combine to form a protective cocoon that guards against the autumn chill and the inevitable return to reality.

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/news-5391.htm

It looks like Hawkins Bazaar is now open in the old Stationary Box store next to JD and Lacoste, interesting that they didnt take the same unit that they used to be in last christmas.

http://www.hawkin.com/rkmain.asp?PAGEID=36520&art_def_Code=SHOP&art_def_sys_lang_Code=GB

Bagel Nash to open not only in the Arndale but also Spinningfields (as per the news page on www.bagelnash.com)

Ya i mentioned it a few pages back marky is good that they are opening there as it builds up the independant side of retail for Spinningfields and also we get double the oppurtunity to see what there stores are like.

We knew Bagel Nash would be opening one store in Manchester and we all know that the first one will be located at Manchester Arndale, well know it has been confirmed that Bagel Nash will be opening 2 stores in Manchester before the end of the year.

http://www.bagelnash.co.uk/NewsDetails.php?NX=||lll

The Spinningfields deal must have been signed very recently because there has been no rumors at all over them opening in that area is good though as it builds up the list of shops opening there and makes it another independant store to add to the list with Shimla Pinks and Sams Chop House opening at Spinningfields.

This is an Aidan photo of the new Barton Square development
http://aidanorourke.fileburst.com/lgx/McrTrafCtrCampnl7X20.jpg

Hmm, looks taller than I thought. Looks good.

Ya it does seem alot taller than i thought aswell, you can see the tower when your are on the motorway just after Sale Water Water.

New Terminal 1 food hall opens

CORONATION Street's latest tycoon opened the first phase of Manchester Airport's £35m redevelopment... but didn't pass on any tips.

Jane Danson, whose character Leanne Battersby runs a pizza restaurant on screen, cut the ribbon at the new mezzanine food and bar area at Terminal One.

But the 28-year-old actress said she was sure the sparkling new outlets would be fine without her advice.

She added that there was no doubt they would be in for a brighter future than her own fledgling venture.

"I'm pretty sure they will be a lot more successful than Leanne's restaurant!" she said. "It's early days yet for her new business but I'm sure there may be trouble around the corner."

The glittering new dining area includes a self-serve food court with a difference.

The Real Food Company provide food from across the region including Lancashire Hotpot and Manchester tart - and it's all made on the premises.

Panoramic views

Elsewhere, passengers can enjoy a pre-flight pint at Bar MCR or a sit-down meal at a Giraffe Restaurant, while taking in panoramic views of the runway.

And when it is due to be completed in summer 2009 the airport's busiest terminal will have a new look aimed at relieving the stress of going on holiday.

The whole security process will be moved forward to behind check-in.

After being screened passengers will then be free to explore restaurants and bars without worrying about further checks.

The airport's commercial retail director, Andrew Harrison, said: "The whole thing is two-fold. We want to make the airport a less stressful place for customers and by going through security first they are then free to relax, do some shopping and maybe have a couple of drinks.

"Also, as an airport we need to make the most out of people who come here. We now make very little from the flights themselves so it is important to find revenue in other ways."

He added: "We've worked very hard to get the mix right and we're expecting more than five million passengers a year to eat and drink here so it's an important part of our redevelopment."

The new outbound control area is scheduled to open next spring. But it's the new duty free store and shopping mall, scheduled for 2009, that grabbed Jane's attention.

"I've been told that when the shopping area is finished it will be as big as Market Street," she said. "How amazing would that be? - I'll be paying it a visit."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1021379_new_terminal_1_food_hall_opens

These pictures are from M.E.N

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2829/giraffeairportpk4.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5255/giraffeairport2sm3.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1783/giraffeairport3fv6.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4772/giraffeairport4co1.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6588/giraffeairport5mk6.jpg

Also regarding Barton Square the Signage and Shopfronts for the stores are now starting to go into planning with Trafford

These are M&S Home and also one we did not know about Next Home, no application is in for Habitat yet but i would imagine that one will be going in soon.

M&S Application (has become a proper application today)

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/MVM/Online/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningTechAppraisalPK.xml&PARAM0=100273&XSLT=/MVM/SiteFiles/Skins/trafford/xslt/PL/PLTechAppraisalDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/MVM/SiteFiles/Skins/trafford/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

Next Home Application (is still a temporary application)

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/MVM/Online/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningTechAppraisalPK.xml&PARAM0=100228&XSLT=/MVM/SiteFiles/Skins/trafford/xslt/PL/PLTechAppraisalDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/MVM/SiteFiles/Skins/trafford/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

Christmas Markets open 15 November
Published Wednesday 24th October 07 in Business news

Manchester is already looking forward to one of the highlights of the city centre’s event calendar, the Christmas Markets.

Famous as a meeting place before the office party or an oasis to de-stress in the pre Christmas frenzy, the markets are also the perfect place to buy an unusual gift and in 2007 the choice is wider than ever.

This year Albert Square is delighted to welcome new stalls to its winter wonderland. New additions include: Selfridges who will be selling a range of food, gifts and accessories. Marketing Manchester , who will be taking a chalet to promote their new line of merchandise with a Manchester theme including a Manchester snow globe, an 'I Love Manchester' range including mugs, fridge magnets, pens and key rings and an accessory collection featuring the Manchester bee symbol. For that extra special touch, media partners Smooth Radio will be offering a gift-wrapping stall where donations can be made to Macmillan Cancer Support.

As part of the Christmas package Smooth Radio will also be announcing where the Christmas Fairy will appear who will be dispensing Christmas cheer and free gifts and vouchers.

Carrying on the fairy theme, the hugely popular Forget Me Not Fairies , one of 2006 most popular gifts, can be found in Albert Square and New Cathedral Street. The Good Bag Company returns selling their jute bags the green alternative to the Christmas stocking and there is a wide range of gifts for men including handmade jewellery and clothes.

Albert Square is set to be the centre of festivities with the return of the Talking Christmas Reindeer and the German Beer Tent . The ever popular line up of chalets will offering sizzling bratwurst, speciality beers and wines, continental cheeses, British hog Roast, fabulous food from Switzerland, cakes, biscuits, fresh crêpes and hot, spiced Glühwein, plus new for 2007 a champagne bar where you can celebrate the festive season.

St Ann's Square sees the return of the original German Christmas Market from Frankfurt, where Manchester tasted its very first Glühwein! As ever, bratwurst stalls abound, interspaced with stalls offering authentic wooden toys and handcrafted gifts including decorative pottery, glassware, jewellery, crafts and unique accessories.

Once again there will be a market in Brazennose Street , and those in the know who want to beat the crowds in Albert Square will discover a brand new wine house in Lincoln Square, serving festive specialities surrounded by chalets selling gifts and hot food plus a Christmas tree stall next to Deansgate. An Arts and Crafts Market will also take place in Exchange Street and New Cathedral Street, where there will be a new Gluhwein House with seating for up to 40 people.

The markets, a regular part of the City's events calendar, have continued to attract visitors from all over the UK.

Councillor Eddy Newman, Executive Member for Markets, said: "For a truly festive experience Manchester Christmas Markets are a must. They are now considered to be among the best in Europe and each year we are committed to building on their success. Soak up the atmosphere with the traditional wooden chalets and hot chestnuts. The markets are a great place to buy gifts and they make Christmas shopping a real pleasure."

Dates, times and venues:

Manchester European Christmas Market, Albert Square , 10am to 9pm daily
Christmas Gifts and Food Market, Albert Square , 10.am - 9pm Thursday - Sunday weekly
Manchester German Christmas Market, St Ann's Square, 10am to 8pm daily
Manchester Christmas Arts and Crafts Market: Exchange Street, 10am to 8pm
Manchester Christmas Market: New Cathedral Street, 10am to 8pm daily
Manchester Christmas Market, Brazennose Street, 10am to 7pm daily

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=1654

The empty Unit next to Cafe North at Shudehill is become a shop Nisa Metro. Yes it's something that's really needed in Shudehill with Spar, Premier and Costcutter already open all we need now is a Tesco Express and a Sainsburys Local!

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/newssanta190.jpg

New Santa centrepiece of city lights
Published Thursday 25th October 07 in Leisure, libraries and culture news


The centrepiece of Manchester’s Christmas Lights will be a fabulous new Santa figure covered in 100,000 low energy lights.

It is ten metres tall, eight metres wide and six metres deep. It will sit on a platform over the main entrance to Manchester Town Hall ten metres above Albert Square. The new figure was designed and specially made in France.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council's city centre spokesman, said:

"Our new Santa will be the biggest and best in England. It has been specially made for us and will be the only one of its kind in the country. It's a top class Santa for a top class city and will make our Christmas even more special than usual. It's ten metres high and covered in 100,000 low-energy lights so it will be a fantastic spectacle for the kids.

"Our Christmas lights are bigger and better than ever this year, too. And combined with the open-air ice rink in Piccadilly Gardens, the fabulous Christmas Markets across the city centre and the Wheel of Manchester, it makes our city the place to be this Christmas with something for all the family.

"The new Santa will also be linked to a fund-raising drive for The New Children's Hospital Appeal, which the Council is supporting. More details will be announced on the night.

" Getting Santa into his pride-of-place position in front of the Grade One listed Town Hall will be a major engineering operation.

The figure weighs six tonnes and was brought from France, where it was designed and built, in 89 pieces on four articulated lorries. It will take six men two days to assemble before being hoisted on to its platform.

The platform itself is 10 metres high and ten metres across and eight metres deep. It weighs 15 tonnes and will take three days to pre-construct off site and two days to put together in Albert Square.

Santa will be lit up for the first time during the big Christmas Lights Switch-on event in Albert Square on 8 November.

Manchester's own chart-topping pop heart-throb Shayne Ward will be the star attraction at the event, which starts at 6.30pm.

The 2005 X Factor winner, whose latest single No U Hang Up/If That's Ok With You is riding high in the charts, will sing three numbers to entertain the expected crowd of thousands.

He will be joined by stars from seasonal shows at the city's leading theatres in a fun-filled extravaganza featuring singers, dancers and a Panto Idol contest, rounded off with a fabulous firework finale at around 7.15pm.

Manchester gets its skates on!
Published Thursday 25th October 07 in Leisure, libraries and culture news

Visitors to Manchester city centre will have the chance to get their skates on again this Christmas – with a bigger-than-ever ice rink in Piccadilly Gardens.

This year's rink will be 810 square metres, with room for 250 skaters at the same time - and will feature spectacular lighting.

On Ice at Piccadilly will open on Thursday 8 November - the night of Manchester's big Christmas lights switch-on event - and will be open from 10am to 10.30pm every day except Christmas Day until Sunday 6 January.

Bookings for skating sessions are already being taken. Contact Quaytickets on 0870 066 6841 or visit www.quaytickets.com (with booking fee).

On Ice at Piccadilly is a Manchester City Council event in association with two of the North West's major property companies, Argent and Bruntwood, and supported by Cityco, Manchester's city centre management company.

The aim is to provide an attraction that is 'family friendly' and will bring Christmas right to the heart of the city.

During your visit to the rink, you can also relax and enjoy drinks and snacks in the KRO On Ice chalet.

Manchester city centre spokesperson Councillor Pat Karney said: " On Ice at Piccadilly will attract many thousands of people to the city centre over Christmas and the New Year.

"It is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy themselves and combining ice-skating with the other seasonal attractions the city has to offer will make an unforgettable day out.

"We're turning Manchester into a winter wonderland. Make sure you book early because last year the ice rink broke all records."

Ice skating is just one of the festive attractions for visitors to Manchester city centre.

Manchester's Christmas lights will be bigger and better this year, providing a colourful backdrop to the season's celebrations.

Gifts galore and a cosmopolitan selection of food and drink will also be on offer at the city's famous Christmas Market in Albert Square, St Ann's Square and surrounding streets from 15 November to 19 December.

And visitors can get a bird's-eye view of the city from the Wheel of Manchester, which rises 60 metres (180ft) above Exchange Square.

Just after piccadilly gardens is starting to look nice and develop a genuine vibe they bring that piece of shite back. It's almost as bad as their insistence on constantly bringing the wheel back and cramming it into exchange square. There must be more appropriate places for these two, eg. outside the g-mex or great northern, places that are central but could do with more of a spotlight drawn on them.

Poggenpohl Porsche kitchen designed for men

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9820/porchekitchenqb0.jpg

Since the world’s marketers have become aware that women account for more purchasing power than they’ve previously been given credit for, there’s been a distinct lack of “women’s domain” appliances designed for men. Recognizing that men are showing an increasing interest in developing the kitchen as part of their habitat, Porsche Design Group and Poggenpohl Mobelwerke have taken the covers off their first co-designed kitchen, the P’7340.

Back in October 2005, Porsche Design and Poggenpohl signed a co-operation agreement for the purpose. Says Roland Heiler, Managing Director of the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See: “Our studio already had long-standing experience in designing kitchen and home appliances as well as furniture. In Poggenpohl we have found a partner capable of implementing our idea of what a modern kitchen should look like.”

With their new kitchen, both companies intend to live up to the trend that shows an increasing number of men displaying an interest in 'kitchen and cuisine’. “In recent years, kitchens have turned into event and representation areas frequently equipped with audio systems”, explains Elmar Duffner, Managing Director of Poggenpohl. “Our co-operation with Porsche Design enabled us to design a kitchen whose sleek and functional design language specifically addresses male customers.”

The new kitchen will be on display as a show kitchen and sold in Poggenpohl studios around the world as of spring 2008. It will be available in the USA as of summer 2008.

Aluminum profiles of different sizes, which permit individual styling, constitute the basic framework of the new kitchen. Within the aluminum frames, customers can position cabinet elements any way they like. The result is a modular, spacious and extremely versatile system of frames and carcasses that deliberately integrates clear spaces into the overall design concept.

The use of aluminum, a material typically used by Porsche Design, gives the kitchen an innovative and technical look as the material lends a high degree of originality to the surfaces of both the furniture carcasses and the frames. The frames come with integrated lights that directly and diffusely illuminate the worktop and the surroundings respectively. Another material used is glass, which – painted unobtrusively on the rearside and available in a satin or glossy finish – embellishes the front surfaces or fills the frames.

The two wood varieties available for the front surface design provide an eye-catching contrast with these cool materials. Customers can choose between "Driftwood", a heavily brushed type of pine that feels quite natural to the touch, and "Dark Oak", a finely brushed type of dark oak. The unsealed, textured wood surfaces create a very natural and cosy atmosphere, enhancing the precision of the technical materials – glass and metal – even further. Thin worktops crafted from satin-finished glass or black granite are designed to convey an impression of elegance and lightness, which is rounded off by their alignment with the carcass.

A special highlight of the Poggenpohl Porsche Design kitchen is the fact that all cabinets can be opened without handles: a gentle touch of the finger opens pull-out elements and drawers thanks to built-in high-precision systems, while a light push suffices to make them all withdraw and, over the final centimetres, go back automatically into their original position. A touch mechanism is also applied to doors and flaps: touching the front face will activate a spacer pin that mechanically moves a door a few centimetres forward. The absence of handles further emphasizes the uncompromising, clean-lines of the furniture, but as an alternative to the this solution, functional brushed aluminium bar-handles are also available.

The kitchen also boasts a high-tech audio-video system. The module has a purist appeal thanks to the aluminum-titanium colored, anodized aluminum frame with its ultra-glossy surfaces in back-painted glass. The electronics of the built-in LCD module are installed behind glass to protect these components against dirt and splashing water. The module itself does not require a ventilation system and features an innovative, extremely small sound system whose plug-and-play solution offers options for both analogue and digital connections.

Kitchen appliances maker Miele & Cie. KG will be the exclusive supplier of all appliances – from ovens to steam cookers to dishwashers. In design and styling, all appliances are made to match that of the materials used in the kitchen. The electric appliances are operated via sensor keys instead of buttons and feature dialogue displays.

Porsche Design has been among the leading luxury brands in the segment of upmarket men’s accessories since the brand was established by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1972. Porsche Design products are exclusively sold internationally in company-owned retail and franchise stores, upmarket department stores and by authorized dealers.

Being the oldest furniture brand in Germany, Poggenpohl owes its continuing sales success to its exports to over 60 countries(with an export share of 70 per cent).

http://www.gizmag.com/go/8138/

http://www.poggenpohl.de/ENG/wwz_ENG.htm

Poggenpohl Manchester
325 Deansgate
Manchester, M3 4LQ
GREAT BRITAIN
Phone: 0161 834 1456
Fax: 0161 832 5964

Headmasters takes Manc salon

26.10.07

Headmasters, the hairdressing chain, has taken a 815 sq ft salon on John Dalton Street in Manchester city centre.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3098487

Article is not yet online as it is a subscription only article for now.

http://www.hmhair.co.uk/salon.aspx?id=29

Here is a picture of the Disney Lakeside store (not taken by me)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5808/disney1cb7.jpg

This can show us how the inside of the new Manchester Arndale Disney Store could possibly look like.

I imagine that the Manchester Arndale Disney store should be opening within the next 2 weeks or so, has anyone noticed if there are any signs at the St Anns Sq store saying they are moving soon.

Disney like that one

that looks like (disney) hell to me.

Ah when is Rebus on?

Just after piccadilly gardens is starting to look nice and develop a genuine vibe they bring that piece of shite back. It's almost as bad as their insistence on constantly bringing the wheel back and cramming it into exchange square. There must be more appropriate places for these two, eg. outside the g-mex or great northern, places that are central but could do with more of a spotlight drawn on them.

It's popular and reduces crime in Gardens. Last year 65000 people skated. This year it will look better and be in a slightly diffrent location.

Mytravel on Market Street has now closed down and the Blue Star shop has been closed and boards put around the front which indicates it will have a new shop front built.

Thanks uklad, finally the horrbile Blue Star Clearance Store will leave Market Street lets hope it is a good tennant to take over the store.

Thinking about it i think for that store American Apparel or Abercrombie and Fitch would be perfect for the location as they could really turn the look of the store into something unique and would definitely get them alot of custom being on Market Street and we know that these two retailers are both looking for space in Manchester.

Mytravel on Market Street has now closed down and the Blue Star shop has been closed and boards put around the front which indicates it will have a new shop front built.

alleujah!

Does anyone know what's happening to the old 'Little Book Of Furniture' shop in NQ???? It's been nicely repainted, but what's going on inside?

I see Krispy Kreme donuts are advertising for staff.
Anyone know where they are going to be?

I see Krispy Kreme donuts are advertising for staff.
Anyone know where they are going to be?

Across from the Trafford Centre near the ASDA.

IC Company are due to fit out a new store in the retail unit underneath Faulkner House


The recently installed shop front mirrors the quality archived in the adjacent City Tower scheme and benefiting from the New York Street public realm scheme due to be completed by Autumn 2007. IC Company are due to fit out shortly and join Sandwich Heaven in the building.

from http://www.bruntwood.co.uk/faulknerhouse/Retail



And here is the IC Company website

http://www.iccompanys.com/cds/showpage.asp?nodeid=19716

They own 11 different brands

Across from the Trafford Centre near the ASDA.

Bollocks!
:pet:

Krispy Kreme are due to open there first Manchester outlet on 14th December, they are opening in Trafford Park as this store will be a Factory Store which means they will produce 290 donuts an hour which will be dispatched to other Krispy Kreme stores and Tesco stores in the North West.

Krispy Kreme hope to open other outlets at Manchetser Piccadilly, Manchester Airport and other Manchester City Centre locations.

Krispy Kreme are due to open there first Manchester outlet on 14th December, they are opening in Trafford Park as this store will be a Factory Store which means they will produce 290 donuts an hour which will be dispatched to other Krispy Kreme stores and Tesco stores in the North West.

Krispy Kreme hope to open other outlets at Manchetser Piccadilly, Manchester Airport and other Manchester City Centre locations.

http://www.princeroy.org/HomerGP15.gif

Does anyone know what's happening to the old 'Little Book Of Furniture' shop in NQ???? It's been nicely repainted, but what's going on inside?

I believe this is a new deli.


IC Company are due to fit out a new store in the retail unit underneath Faulkner House

That's an odd location for a clothes store.

I suppose IC Company think it will be a good location what with 1 New York Street and New York Street its self being redeveloped and City Tower maybe they think the are will become alot busier when they are all completed.

I suppose IC Company think it will be a good location what with 1 New York Street and New York Street its self being redeveloped and City Tower maybe they think the are will become alot busier when they are all completed.

I think this street looks a bit crap. Some trees would have cheered up it's gray appearance along with a few coffee shops with outdoor seating. Maybe we will see something on the ground floor of 1 New York Street when it's built.

I thought trees were being plated for the scheme, remember that Phillpotts will be opening on New York Street in the City Tower Mall section in the unit before Heathcotes so there maybe seating when that opens, there will be a retail unit on the ground floor when 1 New York Street is built, it will be a 4,000 sq ft size unit.

Keramica at Great Northern has closed down there lease for the unit is now up for sale.

Also it looks like Ellis Brigham has closed there Deansgate branch, as they have been 'closed for refubishment' since June, also it looks like Bruntwood are going to be re letting the unit as it is now up for sale.

http://www.bruntwood.co.uk/assets/70/211_deansgate.pdf

JOY

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1448/joyqy6.jpg

Lynda Moyo finds one of life’s little joys

Where is it:

JOY
Manchester Arndale Centre
City
www.joythestore.com

The history:

JOY started out as a husband and wife team of Maureen O’Brien and Girish Chadha in London, providing funky kitsch and forward-thinking fashion to an otherwise predictable high street. The format worked and the pair decided to take the concept up north. The Triangle store opened three years ago and was followed by a store in Leeds. JOY now sells clothes and quirky gifts in over 20 stores and have more recently opened a larger store in the Manchester Arndale Centre, with hopes to turn the Triangle branch into a clearance store. Good news for JOY bargain hunters.

Who shops there:

Area Manager Paul Murphy said: “You do get places that only cater for a certain age group. We don’t. It’s very young to very old.” Let’s not forget the A-listers who have all reaped the JOY benefits. Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller to name but a few.

What does it sell:

Everything from novelty chewing gum (£1) to limited edition dresses (£125). JOY sells womenswear, menswear, cards, wrapping paper, homeware and accessories.

Why go there:

JOY is a mixed bag. Paul said: “We’ve got a bit of everything for everyone. Somebody will come in who has seen a dress in the window and try it on but while they’re in here they might see a birthday card or buy a gift.” Products are sourced from far and wide and stock is limited so you don’t have to worry about seeing all and sundry in your new ]JOY dress.

JOY is quirky offers galore. At the Arndale store the first 25 people to queue up on their launch day got a free outfit. Oh and they had to turn up in their underwear.

They have also had a ‘Win a Mac on the hour every hour’ prize draw. Look out for the ‘Spend £75 and get a free pair of jeans’ which is coming to the store soon.

Paul said: “We’re going to do party evenings such as roller discos with offers. It sounds really cheesy but we live up to our name; JOY. We like to have fun.”

The future:

Next stop is Liverpool followed by Warrington. JOY Liverpool will be in an old post office, listed building. We're sure it won't be long before there is JOY on Mars.

Verdict:

In their own words: ‘JOY is fashion. JOY is fun.’

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6JwfrNwB6IaqiNwA

Sportizus Manchester is reopening on Friday 2nd November as Famous Manchester in the Royal Exchange Arcade Unit 10.

http://www.famousretail.com/fr/store/content.jsp?pid=21

THE DISNEY STORE SHOULD BE OPENING NEXT WEDENSDAY.CAST START WORKING THIS WEEKEND ON THE MERCHING

Yes in the Disney store at St Anns Sq it has signs all around the store saying this store will be closing soon and reopening in Manchester Arndale in early November.

United and City come together at new store

JJB Sports newly refurbished flagship store in the Trafford Centre will have its official launch on Tuesday, November 6.

Former football stars Norman Whiteside (Manchester United) and Andy Hinchcliffe (Manchester City) will be hosting the official opening, which has a Red versus Blues theme. Shoppers can meet them from 6pm.

http://www.jjbsports.com/

A bit of a retail news update

Ravel at Manchester Arndale has now closed

The hoardings around the old Blend unit at Manchester Arndale have been painted white no indication off who will be opening there yet.

Still no locations known yet for Bagel Nash,Mexx and Past Times at Manchester Arndale.

Pret at The Square at Spinningfields have now got signs in there store and also a mezzanine/ ceiling sturture in there store.

jrb mentiond about Ecco returning to Manchester City Centre as they were advertising for jobs, well know the store is under construction in the old Nike Clearence Outlet on the corner of Police Street and St Anns Street it should be open in Novermber from what the hoardings in the windows of the store said.

And also a new Wine Shop Wine Bar and Cafe will open in the Britannic Buildings (opposite Harvey Nichhols next to Crown and Anchor pub) it will be called Hanging Ditch Wine Merchants, here are the plans for the place

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084246/FO/2007/C1

I think Bagel Nash is opening next to Greggs and the toilets across from where the Subway is opening.

Also a rumor I heard is that JJB next to BHS on Market St will close in the new year and Arndale is trying to get BHS to move to a temp store long the bottom mall across from Peacocks. I don't know how much truth is in this but flange do you know if these units are to let through anyone or are they off the market? If this is tru then only a couple of units need to be vacated before that corner development can start.

It is not that much of a problem for JJB to close seeing as they already have another store on Market Street anyway.

Well one of them units has been the rumored spot of The Entertainer but it has never been confirmed.

But no these 5 empty units are not on the open market like the old New Look and other old empty stores in the centre are, i think if this comes true then maybe BHS will open there temp store as there new British HOME Stores style stores where they only sell homesware and furnishings.

Also do you know uklad if BHS do move there store does this mean that the Arndale are mainly just going to rebuild that corner and BHS will reopen there unit were it used to be instead of them leaving the Arndale, as i think the idea of John Lewis opening in that corner like you originally said is better then BHS reopening there.

Ravel at Manchester Arndale has now closed



It looks like Ravel will become Clarks Shoes as the Ravel at The Trafford Centre has recently become there 2nd outlet in the centre, also Clarks are mentioned as having a store at '58 The Arndale Centre' on there website now which is the exact same location as Ravel, also it looked like work had started on the refurbishment as the lights were on in the store and it looked like the unit was being cleared out.

Seeing as Virgin Megastores at Arndale will probably close soon for there rebrand to Zavvi I thought I would post the logo for the new look store and brand.

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5885/zavvilogosmln8.jpg

http://www.zavvi.co.uk/

Also do you know uklad if BHS do move there store does this mean that the Arndale are mainly just going to rebuild that corner and BHS will reopen there unit were it used to be instead of them leaving the Arndale, as i think the idea of John Lewis opening in that corner like you originally said is better then BHS reopening there.

I was told it would be a temp store so it sounds like they would move into the new store. Not sure what happened on the John Lewis front maybe they can't get BHS out I will see if I can find anything out.

Zaavi eh?

i sense an incredibly annoying ad campaign...

I was told it would be a temp store so it sounds like they would move into the new store. Not sure what happened on the John Lewis front maybe they can't get BHS out I will see if I can find anything out.

Thanks uklad for keeping us informed on this possible redevelopment and if you hear anything else then do please post it up on here.

Am hoping that if they do plan to rebuild that corner then they will include another indoor square along the likes of Halle Square, Exchange Court and the Wintergardens within the centre already.

An "indoor square" is the very last thing the city needs. I want to see streets extended into the Arndale, not further fortification of what is still an impermeable, inward looking structure.

Comptoir des Cotonniers is ramping up its expansion in the UK and plans to open 30 outlets by 2010. Next month they will finish its London expansion with stores in Hampstead and Marylebone. They will seek other sites in the capital and nationwide next year including Brighton, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow,Manchester and Oxford.

http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/#

Run 4 It will be opening a flagship store in Manchester City Centre, they are advertising for jobs for the new store now, they only have 4 stores in Scotland.

http://www.run-4-it.com


SHOP MANAGER

Manchester

Full-time

Industry sector/s: Retail and Wholesale

Overview

RUN 4 IT is a retail business specialising in the sale of running footwear and clothing to this fast growing market. To assist in the development of our New Flagship Manchester City Outlet we require: SHOP MANAGER We need indivduals who have enthusiasm in abundance, are customer focussed and have an active interest in running (at any level). If you have this we can teach you the rest through an extensive and ongoing induction and training plan which will give you the opportunity to progress in our young and dynamic company. For senior positions we look for a record of performance in a role of responsibility and an absolute willingness to set and maintain standards that will set us apart from others. To successful applicants we offer a competitive salary/ hourly rate package with significant benefits. Think you have got what it takes? - Send me your CV and outline why you would like to work with us. I look forward to hearing from you. Duncan Riddoch, Run 4 It, 21 Holburn St, Aberdeen, AB10 6BS E: duncan.riddoch@run-4-it.com

http://www.thejobsmine.co.uk/show_job.asp?sa_id=328974585&search_type=jobs&where=2%A3UK%A3123%A342%A3%A3&no_salary=1&role=25&job_src=0&from_page=search_list

Barton Square

With some of the ultimate names in the homewares sector due to open flagship units, Barton Square looks set to fit in perfectly with the £1.6 billion shopping and leisure destination already in place, and is scheduled to open in the spring.

Flagship stores will include Marks and Spencer, Habitat and Next alongside exciting homeware stores like Dwell.

Barton Square is a 200,000 sq ft (18,590 sq m) retail development and will adjoin one of the largest shopping destinations in Europe. The £70million Barton Square development will provide a unique shopping environment offering everything for the home. Interest for the scheme from high quality retailers offering luxury products has been high and more names will be announced soon. Barton Square is set to reflect the UK’s increasingly sophisticated tastes for home products and offers an exceptional retail opportunity by creating a development devoted to lifestyle retailing. Barton Square will offer an additional 600 parking spaces to the current 10,000 free parking spaces at The Trafford Centre, and with a number of public transport options, Barton Square will be very easy to access.

The design of Barton Square will mirror the iconic design of The Trafford Centre, with opulent architecture, water features and grand structures. The development will be linked by a glazed bridge to The Trafford Centre and will become an additional key attraction.

http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/shopping/bartonsquare/

So we know have 3 flagship stores for M&S Home,Habitat and Next Home opening at Barton Square and also Dwell opening there second Manchester store at Barton Square.

Who is moving into the old Magnet kitchen unit on London Rd ?

I think that maybe the store is being refurbished to there new style of store am not sure though, has the store complety closed and there is no sign of activity within the store.

Magnet will not be reopening there store on London Road a new tennant should be opening there soon, I dont know who and I dont know when it will reopen though just yet.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/003-9.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/004-9.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/006-9.jpg

A big Wheel could be heading to the Trafford Centre a planning application was put in in September for a 60 metre high turning wheel to be placed in the car park opposite The Great Hall.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/MVM/Online/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningTechAppraisalPK.xml&PARAM0=28982174&XSLT=/MVM/SiteFiles/Skins/trafford/xslt/PL/PLTechAppraisalDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/MVM/SiteFiles/Skins/trafford/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

A decision is due on 16th November on whether the Wheel will come to The Trafford Centre.

The Manchester Exchange Square Wheel will stay where it is now as this has no relation to the proposed Trafford Centre one.

An observation wheel at the trafford centre. Not sure if I'm missing the point here, but don't you need something to observe to justify the erection of such an attraction.

Don't get me wrong I'm all in favour of temporary attractions outside the TC, the Cirque du soleil, those drive in movie nights and the ice rink were all great. I even caught a free firework display there a few bonfire nights ago.

But a big wheel ... a must for ... Eddie Stobart spotters during rush hour ... people who enjoy counting air conditioning units ... errr ...

An observation wheel at the trafford centre. Not sure if I'm missing the point here, but don't you need something to observe to justify the erection of such an attraction.

Don't get me wrong I'm all in favour of temporary attractions outside the TC, the Cirque du soleil, those drive in movie nights and the ice rink were all great. I even caught a free firework display there a few bonfire nights ago.

But a big wheel ... a must for ... Eddie Stobart spotters during rush hour ... people who enjoy counting air conditioning units ... errr ...

Imagine the Manchester (city centre) skyline photo oppertunities from there Pot's. :) Join the queue please.

Imagine the Manchester (city centre) skyline photo oppertunities from there Pot's. :) Join the queue please.

The classic skyline view from the flyover, replicated from a big wheel? Hell yes! :banana:

Harpoon Louies

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7551/harpoonlouiesgc6.jpg

Lynda Moyo discovers that sophisticated surf’s up

WHERE IS IT:

Harpoon Louies
The Triangle

THE HISTORY:

Harpoon Louies has been going strong for nearly 15 years. Beginning as a surf orientated shop, the original Afflecks Palace store provided cutting edge apparel and equipment for the 3 S’. That’s surf, snow and skate. Having now expanded to the Triangle, Manager Lewis Calcutt said: “We’ve moved with the times and changed with the people. We realised people wanted more hoodies and jeans so we now sell more sophisticated ranges.”

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8687/harpoonlouies1nz5.jpg

WHO SHOPS THERE:

If surfing is Harpoon Louies number one then music is their number two. Music and bands play a big part in Harpoon Louies vision with both established and up and coming bands adorning themselves in their clothes. Lewis said: “We’ve had McFly, Everette and Amends to the dead and The Honeymoon Suite shopping here.” Most customers are male, however Harpoon Louies does sell womenswear. The handbags and accessories are in fact some of their strongest sellers. And of course the community aspect to the shop means they have a network of customers stretching from Australia to California, Whitby to Wales.

WHAT DOES IT SELL:

‘We sell what is, not what was.’ Hoodies, t-shirts, trainers, sunglasses and accessories. Their biggest selling label is Volcom. They also sell Santa Cruz, Franklin Marshall and Fenchurch. T-shirts start at £20, jackets range between £150-£200 and watches start at £50 and go up to £1100.

WHY GO THERE:

Unlike your average surfer type shop, Harpoon Louies is just that bit more sophisticated, selling both casual daywear and dressed up nightwear. The brands stocked are chosen for their style, credibility, and individuality within the surf, snow, skate fields. The Harpoon Louies family offer cosy, homely surroundings and offer friendly, honest advice. The store is adorned in one-off artworks and funky displays.

THE FUTURE:

The plan is to open as many stores as possible whilst maintaining the independence that has the regulars coming back time and time again. Lewis and the team are always on the look out for exciting new brands and ranges.

VERDICT:

Totally awesome dude.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwIrNw7mIwB6IHqjNwB6IA&realname=Harpoon_Louies

Music man's comeback

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/417/magpiezd6.jpg

THE former managing director of failed entertainment chain Music Zone returned to the retail sector today with a new £100,000 venture.

Steve Oliver, 36, has established Music Magpie in Macclesfield. Its main business is buying and selling secondhand CDs online, but it also has a shop in the Cheshire town offering new and used discs.

Music Magpie has 10 staff, and Mr Oliver hopes to expand the business, with more shops planned.

Mr Oliver has set up Music Magpie with Walter Gleeson, the former IT and operations director of Stockport-based Music Zone, and with financial support from a friend.

Following the demise of Music Zone in January, when the £115m-turnover chain's bankers withdrew credit facilities, Mr Oliver had a stint as interim chief executive of a memorabilia retail business before spending five months planning Music Magpie.

He vowed not to seek bank debt funding again after his experience at the helm of Music Zone. He joined as financial controller in 1999, when it had 11 shops, and was quickly promoted to finance director.

He became managing director following a £12m management buyout in 2005 and grew it into a chain with 106 outlets.

"I was heartbroken by the fall of Music Zone, but you have to dust yourself down and get on with it," he said today.

Music Magpie's online arm enables consumers to obtain a price for unwanted CDs which are in perfect playing condition. Once they agree to sell to Music Magpie, free post and packaging is provided for the discs to be sent to Macclesfield, where the company has a warehouse. The firm then offers the discs for re-sale via the internet. Mr Oliver said he had set a modest goal of £2m turnover for the first year but expects to exceed the figure fairly quickly.

"We are confident about the concept, and we want it to become a credible alternative to eBay. CDs have been around for 25 years, and many people now have collections containing hundreds of albums which are just collecting dust.

"Old-fashioned record stores are still extremely popular, as they allow people to buy, sell and exchange music at a fraction of high street prices. Music Magpie will enable people to do this with their CDs, but online for the first time."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1022974_music_mans_comeback

City's not top of the shops

MANCHESTER'S top shops are cheaper than they could be, a city property consultancy has revealed.

Research by Colliers CRE shows that the region's most popular shop locations are still relatively good value, judged by national standards.

Nick McAllester, head of retail agency at Colliers CRE in Manchester, explained: "Although prime rents in the north west have increased over the past 12 months, on average, by 1.8 per cent, the region is still underperforming when compared with the rest of the UK.

"Our latest research results places the north west eighth in the regional ranking.

"The Trafford Centre has retained its dominant position as the top rented shopping centre in the north west for the fifth consecutive year, with a Zone A rent of £375 per sq ft.

"It has also been an active year for Liverpool, as it superseded its rival, central Manchester - which has remained static at £300 per sq ft for the past five years - to take second place, achieving prime rental levels of £320 per sq ft."
While the shopping centre development pipeline remains strong in the north west - with more than 8m square feet planned by the year 2012, 2.5m square feet of which is already under construction - a question mark remains as to whether there is sufficient demand from occupiers, especially as many are adopting a more cautious attitude in their expansion plans.

Commenting on the research, Dr Richard Doidge, author of the report and director of research and consultancy at Colliers CRE, said: "Over the past 20 years the north west has underperformed against the national average prime rent by around four per cent. In fact, the rental gap has continued to widen in recent years."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1022933_citys_not_top_of_the_shops

Part of the reason for the above static rents must be to do with the increased supply of rent able units making it difficult for competition to force up rents.

The fact that this increasing supply is being filled though, must be positive. As Manchester develops a name for itself in retail hopefully demand will increase enough to fill out other areas (e.g. Royal Exchange) and expand into new areas.

Try the ham and egg bloomer. It's the best sandwich I've ever tasted.(apart from my own) It always sells out.

More stores for sandwich chain

6/11/2007

UBIQUITOUS sandwich chain Pret A Manger has signed has signed up for two new Manchester centre stores.

Manchester-based retail property specialist Tushingham Moore has advised the company on the deals, which include a 1,850 sq ft unit in the heart of the Spinningfields development and a 1,400 sq ft unit at One Piccadilly Gardens.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/1793/sunp00340001fd3.jpg

The new Headmasters Salon is now being fitted out on John Dalton Street it is due to open in January.
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/1144/sunp00600016lu6.jpg

Famous Retail is now open at 10, Royal Exchange Arcade.
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/2273/sunp00610017yj7.jpg

Venue a new clothes shop has opened in the old Music Zone store on Market Street looks like a temporary store.
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/8653/sunp00620018mf2.jpg

The shopfront is out at the old Blue Star Clearance store, still no indication of who will be opening here.
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3195/sunp00630019jx8.jpg

The new Hawkins Bazaar store next to JD Sports in Halle Square
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/9052/sunp00650021qd9.jpg

The hoardings around the old Hawkins Bazaar store from last year have now been taken down and workmen were in the store, looks like a new store will be opening here.
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1515/sunp00640020vo0.jpg

Hoardings have been put up around the unit inbetween Shoe Zone and Millets again no indication of who will be opening here.
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/9938/sunp00660022hv5.jpg

The BT store without walls is now open opposite Burtons, Evans and Dorothy Perkins
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8114/sunp00680024as8.jpg

Virgin Megastore is now slowing starting to be rebranded to Zavvi.
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/4691/sunp00670023vd6.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6401/sunp00690025uy1.jpg

This will be the store where IC Company will be opening at New York Street underneath Faulkner House.
http://www.iccompanys.com/
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7457/sunp00740026bd2.jpg

The new store that is opening in the old Magnet unit on London Road has now got some signage up but the store name was in place when i took the photo, looks like it will be a clothes store.
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/5051/sunp00760028py5.jpg

Pret adds filling to Spinningfields lunchtime trade

The frontline of Manchester's sandwich wars continues to shift with Pret a Manger taking a 1,850 sq ft unit in Allied London's Spinningfields.

The move to a unit next to 4 Hardman Square follows the recent opening of a new outlet in One Piccadilly Gardens and takes Pret to four shops in the city centre.

Up-and-coming fancy sandwich chain Philpotts has two shops in the city centre and plans for more, starting with a large unit at Bruntwood's City Tower. Philpotts is also eyeing opportunities in Spinningfields. London-based Eat has three city centre units, including Spinningfields, and is keen to expand.

Oxford Street and the city end of the so-called university corridor on Oxford Road is said to be the next hunting ground as the office market, and its lunchtime trade, spreads out from the traditional core around King Street, Spring Gardens and Mosley Street.

"We are keen to further establish our position as the most popular sandwich retailer within Manchester city centre," said Stephen Rought-Whitta of Pret-a-Manger. "The two acquisitions will significantly increase our presence within the core business areas of Manchester and raise Prêt's profile in key districts of the city centre."

Jonathan Netley, partner at Tushingham Moore, who advised Pret on both recent deals, commented: "The growth of the premium sandwich market in Manchester has risen quite significantly over the past year. With new and influential developments such as Spinningfields, there will be a considerable influx of business workers into the area widening the scope for more lunchtime retailers."

Markham Vaughan Gillingham and GVA Grimley advised Allied London at Spinningfields. Tushingham Moore is retained by Pret.

The plans for Next Home and M&S Home at Barton Square are now online

First though here is a plan of Barton Square with Habitat, M&S Home and Next Home marked on where they will be located at Barton Square.

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5779/bartonsquareplanbs7.jpg

Next Home
http://planningdocs.trafford.gov.uk/eintranet/pam/planning_application_search_pam.jsp?APPLICATION_NUMBER=H/ADV/68211&SearchType=Planning%20Application/

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3566/nexthomefloorplanjt5.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5043/nexthomeshopfrontrg5.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3614/nexthomecarparkuj5.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/8186/nexthomesidedx4.jpg

M&S Home
http://planningdocs.trafford.gov.uk/eintranet/pam/planning_application_search_pam.jsp?APPLICATION_NUMBER=H/ADV/68205&SearchType=Planning%20Application/

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/8731/mshomebm2.jpg

Good that they are making provisions for the proposed Metrolink Line.

A little bit more information on the proposed Big Wheel at The Trafford Centre


THE TRAFFORD CENTRE is reportedly planning to build a big wheel which people can dine on. If it goes ahead, the wheel will be 16ft smaller that the wheel in Exchange Square. There are already concerns that it could interfere with TV signals and the lights may be irritating for residents in the area. A planning application is due to be considered by Trafford's planning committee.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwTiNw7mIlc6IHqjNwB6IA&realname=Manchester_250_Thursday_8_November

Footie legends on hand for sports store opening

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5383/jjbvl0.jpg

THE former players join forces at the store opening

FORMER Manchester United star Norman Whiteside and Andy Hinchcliffe, who used to play for rivals Manchester City, came face to face 20 years since facing each other on the pitch.

The two stars were on hand to open the new-look JJB Sports store at the Trafford Centre.

They chatted to fans and signed autographs before both taking the same side to officially open the store by pulling apart a giant red and blue ribbon.

The new-look JJB Sports store at The Trafford Centre has undergone a complete overhaul, with new dedicated football, running and golf departments.

http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/display.var.1818330.0.footie_legends_on_hand_for_sports_store_opening.php

The Kreme of Manchester

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts venture up north in time for the festive season

Manchester has a new arrival. It’s round, world renowned, is arriving just in time for Christmas and is likely to have people queuing up for a go. No it’s not another big wheel or smutty Santa Claus. It is of course Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

From 7am on Friday 14 December 2007, Krispy Kreme will be unveiling their first Manchester store on Barton Dock Road, Trafford Park. Like a confectionary cult, the store is set to welcome hoards of dough-nutters, who like moths to a flame will be enticed by the famous ‘Hot Doughnuts Now’ neon sign, which is always lit up when doughnuts are being made. There will also be a drive-thru and special doughnut theatre where fans can watch their favourite doughnuts being made right before their eyes.

Judith Denby, Marketing Director for Krispy Kreme, said: “Manchester has always been a key target for us and the demand in the North is now so high that we are planning to open not just one Hotlight store but Coffee Bars throughout the city centre to make sure that there are enough doughnuts to go round.”

Following the glazing over of Gordo’s eyes after sampling Krispy Kreme’s signature doughnut, ‘Original Glazed,’ Confidential will in the coming weeks be offering free sampling sessions to readers. So watch this hole. For more information on Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, please visit www.krispykreme.co.uk

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6IwTlJpqiNwF6IHqi&realname=The_Kreme_of_Manchester

DKNY Jeans is now open on Lower Peel Avenue, next to AIX Armani Exchange.

Inspired by the streets and energy of New York City, DKNY Jeans delivers a mix of fashion edge with function for a global lifestyle.

http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/shopping/directory/dknyjeans

The road bridge connecting Barton Square to The Trafford Centre is due to be lifted in to place in a couple of weeks time.

The Disney Store at Mancherster Arndale could now be open as they are now listed on the interactive map as being open

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/online_map.htm

A little bit more information regarding Dwell at Barton Square at The Trafford Centre it will be a 10,000 sq ft flagship store split over two floors.

They are now advertising for jobs for the store on there website.

http://dwell.co.uk/careers.php

Trafford Centre 'big wheel' plans given go ahead

TRAFFORD Council has granted permission for the borough to have its very own version of the London Eye.

The 55m high wheel, which is the same model as that in Exchange Square, Manchester, will be located at the Trafford Centre.

The director of operations, Gordon McKinnon, expressed his hope that the structure is installed by the start of December.

He said: "Arrangements will be in place with restaurants in the Orient for passengers to dine on the wheel and we hope this will encourage corporate events and parties."

The wheel will operate on a seasonal basis with the council stipulating that the wheel is dismantled after Easter 2008. If the attraction is a success it could get the licence to run annually.

More soon...

http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1820979.0.trafford_centre_big_wheel_plans_given_go_ahead.php

Hoardings are down around the new Disney Store at Manchester Arndale

You can see the store in this picture (not taken by me)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevetheapple/1930337223/

THE DISNEY STORE OPENED YESTERDAY,BOY IT LOOKS GREAT WISH THE GLASGOW STORE LOOKED LIKE THIS BUT WE CAN DREAM

Mexx will be opening in New Cannon Street Mall on the upper mall in Blends old unit.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3439/sunp00330006tg6.jpg

Krispy Kreme have been handing our boxes of Doughnuts in teh city for the past 2 days to plug the new store.

sweet mercy, whereabouts?

The old Magnet unit on London Rd as new shop signs up , looks like a womens clothes shop called SHOUT .

Yes i noticed that they had a sign on one of the windows saying SHOUT yesterday but they did not have the actual logos in place, they were getting the areas prepered to put the signs into place.

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/5051/sunp00760028py5.jpg

Also all the blue paint on the windows have been painted white now.

What's that superdry store, is it going to be a Japanese foodshop

They're a clothes store

http://www.superdry.com.au/

They are a clothing shop http://www.superdry.co.uk/

They are on an store expansion programme alot of Superdry stores are opening now you can find out where they are here http://www.cult.co.uk/

http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~m-naka1/beer/can/asahi/public/1997/superdry9706.gif

not this then :cheers:

The application for the change of use of unit 48a at the Arndale to a restaurant for BB's Coffees and Muffins has been approved

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JMT7ZKBCW1000

So we should see BB's Coffees and Muffins open either before Christmas or in the New Year.

sweet mercy, whereabouts?

Near M&S I am not sure where but loads of people got a dozen free have seen people with boxes loads. I was going to get some as I was working on the Ice Rink but some of the guys went down and they had none left.

Cool I imagine that Krispy Kreme may do something like this in The Trafford Centre seeing as the store is opposite the centre.

Café Mao marches on Manchester
02.11.07


Pan-Asian restaurant chain Café Mao is looking for 3,500 sq ft in Manchester for its sixth outlet.
Advertisement
Café Mao has instructed King Sturge and is looking at sites at up to £150,000 a year around £42.50/sq ft preferably with parking.

From PW. Full article not available yet.

The Northern way
09.11.07

By Mark Shepherd

Manchester’s new retail strategy is set to call for expansion.

Had a trip down the Traffic center today :lol: The new bridge is almost complete and sitting on the floor in two segments next to the 'monolith/fancy tower thing. Looks like it could be lifted into place within the next week or so.

Yes i noticed that they had a sign on one of the windows saying SHOUT yesterday but they did not have the actual logos in place, they were getting the areas prepered to put the signs into place.

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/5051/sunp00760028py5.jpg

Also all the blue paint on the windows have been painted white now.

Scally Girls Shop :banana:

Had a trip down the Traffic center today :lol: The new bridge is almost complete and sitting on the floor in two segments next to the 'monolith/fancy tower thing. Looks like it could be lifted into place within the next week or so.

Road is closed tonight and tomorrow night for that precise reason :)

Went to Cheshire Oaks today and I found some amazing clothes and bargains, they have really upped the style of shops. More up market shops now. Thought it was on par with Manchester and the Trafford Centre apart from the amount of scousers everywhere. ;)

http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~m-naka1/beer/can/asahi/public/1997/superdry9706.gif

No need for any fancy Japanese foodstore, Costco sells it for abot 40pence per can :)

Work has now started on splitting the unit were Adecco will be at City Tower into two units

Work has now started on splitting the unit were Adecco will be at City Tower into two units

Which one will this be? Are Adecco moving from Fountain St? They only moved their a few years ago from Deansgate didn't they?

I have a friend who works for Adeco - it is an additional office in Piccadilly Gardens, aimed at higher paid work apparently than the Fountain Street office.

Yes apparently the new Adecco office at Piccadilly Gardens will be under Adecco Premier brand.

http://www.adeccopremier.co.uk/

No need for any fancy Japanese foodstore, Costco sells it for abot 40pence per can :)

http://lolliesgalore.com/images/helloKittyNecklace.jpg

Do they stock Hello Kitty Candy Necklaces

The frontage on the Disney store is pretty darn good!

Pictures of the new Barton Square bridge being put in place over the weekend are on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10992194@N02/1983546111/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10992194@N02/1983546077/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10992194@N02/1983546019/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10992194@N02/1983545955/in/photostream/