Pharma Karma

Vanessa Lees seeks out the alternatives in health care

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Where is it:

Pharma Karma
123 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2BY
0161 834 9567

History:

Ranjeev and Parminder Sidhu purchased what was a dormant chemist on John Dalton Street back in 2003 and with the sprinkling of alternative medicine transformed it into a pharmacy which offers both the choice of conventional and complimentary medicine. The people of Manchester applauded what they saw and within a couple of years, Pharma Karma had outgrown their space and headed for a prime position on Deansgate.

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Who shops there:

The sick and the open minded. Mark Gill who is a partner of the business says: “It depends what the patient is open to – it’s all about choice and the willingness to listen and learn. We will prescribe something conventional then something complimentary to build up the immune system.” Due to their rather cunning positioning amongst the suits and wigs, and directly at the opening to the business quarter, Pharma Karma is attracting busy business types who need fast action remedies.

What does it sell:

A huge range of conventional medicine and alternative medicine. They also provide vitamin tablets, organic and natural skin care and are the only premises in these parts who offer the full range of Dr Hauschka skin care and makeup. And they don’t stop there - treatment rooms are available where you can book in to have reflexology, reiki, food intolerance testing plus many others.

Why go:

When you’ve glugged down a bottle of Beechams and you’re still sniveling and spreading your germs, you begin to question whether pharmaceutical companies are out to make a fast buck. Pharma Karma focus on treating the root of the problem and building up the immune system with their complimentary medicine but cater for those who would rather stick to what they know best. Their focus is catering for as wider audience as possible and offering a choice. They also offer a service where doctors can send your prescription through on their electronic system, so it’s ready for you when you come to collect it and provide a repeat prescription service, which cancels out monotonous trips to the doctors.

Future:

As Pharma Karma have a registered nurse on site, they are currently in discussions with the Primary Care Trust (PCT) to perform regular check ups for patients.

Verdict:

It’s good karma.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6JwxrNwB6IaqiNwA&

As uklad said on friday


Krispy Carnage

Crowds gather for complimentary doughnuts

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Krispy Kreme madness exploded on to the streets of Manchester today as the crowds went wild for their famous Original Glazed Doughnuts. Over 700 complimentary dozen boxes of doughnuts were snapped up by eager fans who have been waiting for the doughnuts to land up North.

For those people who missed out due to the huge demand, don’t worry, there are plenty more where they came from.

Were you there? If so, let us know what you think of Krispy Creme Doughnuts.

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Apparently they will be handing out the boxes of donuts all week so am gonna go and try and get some tomorrow, they hand you out a pass first then you can get your Krispy Kreme donuts

http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwY6IwTmJpqiNwF6IHqi&realname=Krispy_Carnage

I, rather sadly, ventured down today at about 1 o clock but saw no sign of krispy kreme. Does anyone know what time it was?

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/212.$plit/C_71_article_1023960_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?

Continental market is back
Deborah Linton
13/11/2007


STALL holders from across Europe are back for Manchester's biggest continental-style Christmas yet.

Food and drink, arts and crafts and seasonal treats will go on sale from Thursday at 180 stalls in five locations across the city centre.

The European Christmas Markets have become a highlight of the city calendar and organisers expect thousands of Christmas shoppers to flock to the stalls at Albert Square, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street and Brazennose Street.

They also hope city centre workers will while away their lunch hours enjoying continental delicacies or wind down after work at one of the many beer houses or the new champagne bar in Albert Square.

Traders at the original German Market, in St Ann's Square, were first to set-up.

Anja Manke, from Bremen, Germany is here for her tenth year selling her ever-popular Gluhwein - a german type of mulled wine.

She said: "Manchester is like our second home at this time of year. We love the city and the people are very friendly - and patient enough to queue when we're busy.

"Christmas markets are something we're very used to in Europe so it's great to see that it is now part of the tradition here."

Kerstin Loecher, from Munich, who sells chocolate-covered fruit at her Choco King stall, agreed.

She said: "Manchester is a wonderful city with lots of different people who all enjoy the good food on offer. This is my seventh year here."

The usual line-up of twinkling wooden chalets will be selling bratwurst, speciality beers and wines, continental cheeses and hot crepes.

There a new wine house in Lincoln Square and an arts and crafts market in Exchange Street and New Cathedral Street, which will also have a Gluhwein House with seating for up to 40 people.

Niclaus Gottler, from Berlin, has brought his hand-crafted wooden toys and Christmas tree decorations back to Manchester for a second year.

He said: "Our products are very popular in Europe and they are catching on here.

"It's nice to see all the different traditions come together in Manchester."

Ceramics seller Manuel Brinkmann, from Molln, Germany, is here for his seventh year.

He said: "It's a busy city and business is always good. People get into the festive spirit and it's nice to see the markets getting bigger."

What do you think of the continental market? Have your say.

Hole Lotta Love for Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme are determined that their first Manchester branch will be a sweet success and after handing out thousands of free donuts to lucky Mancunians, they´ve announced a sneak preview party at their Trafford branch. Im one of the fortunate few who´s got an invite, and they´ve promised me donuts and champagne, though regularl readers of this blog will know that KK is guaranteed a good review - such is my love of donuts.

The preview takes place on the 12th December, with the store opening to the public on the 14th December.

There´s also the sensible news that more branches will be opened up in central Manchester, "we are planning to open....coffee Bars throughout the city centre", says a donut loving marketing bod.

It´s not just ordinary folks like you and me that will be sampling the donuts in the coming weeks - word is that Krispy are elbowing their way in to VIP launch parties so that the well heeled can sample their donuts too, although this may not go down well with the calorie counting PR world.

http://manchester-clubbing.blogspot.com/2007/11/hole-lotta-love-for-krispy-kreme.html

A little bit of a retail update

As we already know the new Disney Store is now open at Manchester Arndale and it is an amazing store definitely better than the old St Anns Sq store which is now all boarded up with signs telling people about the move, the new store features most of what the Lakeside concept store has.

Philpotts is now open on at the Portland Chamber but it is hard to tell as the scaffolding is still up around the building itself. http://www.philpotts.co.uk/home?action=change

Virgin Megastore has now fully changed over to Zavvi the signage in the Arndale side of the store has been change to the black and lime green Zavvi.co.uk fascia.

Superdry is now open at the Arndale.

Radley is now open on New Cathederal Street is actually quite a small shop.

Manchester's Christmas Markets are the shopping destination
Published Monday 12th November 07 in Business news

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

The Markets will be held 15 November - 19 December 2007, in Albert Square, St Ann's Square, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street and Brazennose Street.

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 daily

Manchester Christmas Market: New Cathedral Street, 10am to 8pm daily

What happened to the Arndale Virgin Megastore?

What happened to the Arndale Virgin Megastore?

Virgin Megastore has now fully changed over to Zavvi the signage in the Arndale side of the store has been change to the black and lime green Zavvi.co.uk fascia.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6998606.stm

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/28841/Zavvi-completes-Fastest-ever-re-branding-today

Crap new brand, just sounds cheap, and is confusing to just swap over without advertising and explaining the change.

What happened to the Arndale Virgin Megastore?

Virgin Megastores are no more - they are now called Zavvi

The franchise has been taken over by Zavvi and now all the V Megastores are gettin rebranded (don't know any specifics). I think the Manchester one got rebranded last week.

doesn't really have the same umph does it

doesn't really have the same umph does it

Havn't seen it up close yet but I had same impression. The business is still going to be run by the same management team so could stay exactly the same with only a name change. :dunno:

Er, what’s up Doc?

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Disney has opened an amazing concept store in Manchester Arndale – one of only two in the world.

Already proving a huge hit with Disney fans, the use of ground-breaking technology provides an atmosphere of theatre and magic through interaction and entertainment.

At the centre of the store is The Heart of Disney - a 10 foot tower featuring an impressive 360° wraparound screen, showcasing clips from the latest Disney releases as well as old favourites alongside activities and products for the season.

Seven other plasma screens throughout the store allows guests to ‘shop and watch’ in style and there are even mini plasma screens embedded in the Cash & Wrap at child height to keep younger guests entertained.

Perspex pods hang from a moving rail on the ceiling which travels the entire area of the store. The pods contain the favourite products of the moment – for example, watch Minnie and Mickey fly through the air one week, followed by Winnie the Pooh the next.

The entrance of the store is framed with a ‘Pixis Arch’ - a lit archway that changes colour throughout the day. Fibre optic lights embedded within the arch give a twinkling pixie dust effect.

A picture i took today of the store

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http://www.manchesterarndale.com/news-6303.htm

Trafford Centre and Barton Square now connected

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A GLAZED bridge has been installed overnight across Barton Dock Road, connecting the Trafford Centre to its new £70m Barton Square development.

Two 44 metre long glazed bridges were lowered into place connecting the two centres with what will be an undercover pedestrian walkway.

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at the Trafford Centre, said: "The installation of the link bridge was a highly complex job and something that was set to mark a piece of Trafford Centre history.

"The bridges are in keeping with all Trafford Centre architecture and were roofed and glazed before they were fitted into place. The bridge is visually exceptional and marks one of the final stages of the Barton Square development."

Barton Square, a 200,000 sq ft retail development that will specialise in homeware goods, is due to open in March 2008.

http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/display.var.1836026.0.trafford_centre_and_barton_square_now_connected.php

The new Zavvi at Manchester Arndale.

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The new Superdry store at Manchester Arndale.

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Past Times is now open inbetween Goldsmiths and Madhouse.

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As i mentioned on Tuesday Radley is now open on New Cathedral Street.

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Ecco under contruction at St Anns Street.

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Also hoardings have been put up around the old Ravel store.

Markets' first day of Christmas

HUNDREDS of shoppers - and a couple of TV stars - braved the cold to enjoy the first day of Manchester's Christmas markets, yesterday.

Hollyoaks actress Sinead Moynihan, who plays Beth Clement, was in St Ann's Square to open Oxfam Unwrapped selling alternative charity gifts.

And Chelsee Healey - Janeece Bryan in Waterloo Road - was spotted sampling the goods in New Cathedral Street.

Chelsee, 19, from Eccles, said: "There's great stuff on the stalls. The city's really in the Christmas spirit now."

There are also markets in Exchange Street, Brazennose Street and Albert Square.

Bavarian Cheesehouse stall holder Markus Waibel, 32, of Lindberg, Bavaria, said: "We love coming here each year, exploring the city and shopping."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1024672_markets_first_day_of_christmas

why does Zavvi remind me of the Ipod advertising i wonder :| :tongue2:

The Northern way

09.11.07

Manchester’s new retail strategy is set to call for expansion.

By Mark Shepherd

The expansion of Manchester’s prime retail pitch and an initiative to make the Northern Quarter a haven for independent retailers are expected to be at the centre of a retail strategy presented next week to Manchester City Council.

The strategy has been put together by Cityco formerly known as the Manchester City Centre Management Company and is set to form the template of the city’s retail planning policy for the next decade if it is adopted by council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein.

It is the first time that Manchester has put together a retail strategy since the aftermath of the IRA bomb that devastated parts of the Arndale Centre in 1996. Drivers Jonas was commissioned by Cityco earlier in the year to look at three key areas.

It was asked to analyse how the city could increase its chances of landing more international retail occupiers, and ensure it keeps the ones it already has. Second, it was told to consider whether the city centre was losing out to rival retail centres in and around Manchester. Third, it was told to look at options to encourage a greater diversity of independent retailers to take space in Manchester.

The details of the strategy are being kept under wraps until it is presented to the Cityco board on 15 November, but Property Week has learned it will carry four key recommendations:

There should be additional significant development in the city’s prime retail pitch to ensure that it remains attractive to international occupiers who have yet to take space in the city and those that are already there.
Anchor retailers should be introduced to the Northern Quarter to support independent retailers, who will be further encouraged to take space in the area.
More public realm should be added to Manchester’s retail areas to make it more attractive to tenants.
The layout of the prime pitch and Northern Quarter should be altered to encourage greater linkage between them. This could involve changing the routes between these areas.

Advocacy approach

Gordon Reid, the chief executive of Cityco, said the strategy would give Manchester City Council evidence on which it could base its future planning decisions.

‘We are taking an advocacy role in this,’ says Reid. ‘We have gone out and talked to a lot of retailers to find out what they think and what they want to see happen over the next 10 years. Ultimately, it will be up to Manchester City Council as to whether they decide to put into practice whatever the report recommends.’

A key finding of the strategy is that the prime pitch in Manchester should be permitted to expand. It is understood that the strategy will call for a favourable disposition towards developers that want to extend existing premises. ‘There is not a lot of space available in the prime pitch,’ says Reid. ‘If the occupiers already there have expansion plans then those should be positively considered.’

The strategy is also expected to recommend planning approval for retail projects on sites that may become available in the area.

‘We would be talking about significant additional development,’ Reid continues. ‘There are not sites available there, so we are talking about what would happen to those that became available in the future.’

In addition, the strategy will say that independent retailers in the Northern Quarter could be further supported if there were a handful of ‘anchor developments’ there. This would increase the footfall area and encourage the smaller retailers, which in many other towns and cities across the UK find it difficult to thrive alongside their larger counterparts.

Reid makes clear this is not to be done at the expense of the bigger high street names.

‘The two can operate alongside each other,’ he says. ‘If you have anchor developments in the Northern Quarter that are strategically located, then that will help the independents that are already there and others that will be encouraged to go there in the future.’

The strategy is also expected to call for improvements to the public realm, raising the possibility that pedestrian routes around the city may be altered to link Manchester’s retail and office centres, such as Piccadilly, Castlefield, Spinningfields, Chinatown and the ‘Gay Village’.

‘Linkages are very important,‘ says Reid.

‘If there are better ways of moving people around the city, those kinds of options need to be looked at.’

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=39&storycode=3099246

Abercrombie: ‘England can wait’

09.11.07

Abercrombie & Fitch is set to put its expansion in England on hold in favour of stores in Glasgow and Dublin.

The US fashion brand, which made its UK debut in Burlington Gardens in London’s Piccadilly this year, had targeted Leeds and Manchester as its next locations, but will now look at Dublin and Glasgow.

Abercrombie is also rolling out its lower-price Hollister brand in UK shopping centres.

Abercrombie is thought to want to pitch the Abercrombie brand at a more upmarket crowd in the UK than in the US.

It is thought to want to limit the number of stores and drive sales on its website. Hollister will form the main rollout across the UK, at lower prices.

Abercrombie is being advised on the expansion by NB Real Estate in the UK through its association with PBS Real Estate in the US.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3099539

Few pictures from the Manchester Christmas Markets
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Retail in Chill Factor e
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mark - check ur messages m8

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What do you guys think of 'Zippy' Santa?

http://http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/146/PP0150~Rainbow-Zippy-Posters.jpg

It's in the eyes i'm sure it's him!

Check your messages - sorry for the delay!

Went the markets saturday night.

Anyone go? 7% wine, loopy!

Rags to Bitches

Lynda Moyo discovers bespoke dresses

WHERE IS IT:
Rags to Bitches
60 Tib Street
Manchester
M4 1LG
www.rags-to-bitches.co.uk

THE HISTORY:
Rags to Bitches began when sex columnist Flic Everett had a vision. She knew the future was a vintage boutique. Her husband, Simon, had already had a vision that one day he would inhabit the space at 60 Tib St and in 2005 the two fused seamlessly together. Their bespoke dress making studio was set up a month ago, where they create garments from patterns for the period clothing specialising in 1920s-50s.

WHO SHOPS THERE:
Those who love vintage and those who don’t. Because Rags to Bitches wash, polish, dry clean and iron all of their hand-picked stock, women who’d never normally buy vintage flock there. They even recently made someone’s wedding dress. Clients come in and have a consultation and discuss ideas.

WHAT DOES IT SELL:
Rags to Bitches offer gorgeous and affordable vintage and customised clothes. There’s no higgledy piggledy piles of old clothes, no musty smells no crammed rails. Just beautiful things in a beautiful environment. The dress making service ranges from £200 - £700.

WHY GO THERE:
The Rags to Bitches team has over 25 years experience between them to help you achieve the dress of your dreams. They guide you through an initial consultation, right to the final fitting to ensure that you can own a beautiful dress that's just for you.

Simon at Rags to Bitches says “There is a real thirst and interest for longer lasting garments and one off outfits. People seems to be getting over the whole Primark thing where everyone ends up looking exactly the same. Where previously we’ve been speeding towards the computer age, we seem to be returning back to things that last and what we feel comfortable with.”

They also advise on material because even though someone has a clear idea in their head about the fabric they want, it may not be right for the design. The dress maker will advise how to get the best out of the dress and keep it as authentic as possible.

You also get a cup of tea and a fairy cake seeing as though it’s Christmas. It takes about three fittings to achieve the finished look and takes up to six weeks to make, although depending on the rush, they can get it done in a couple of weeks. They also do an alterations service for roughly a tenner.

THE FUTURE:
Flic and Simon are hoping to transform part of the studio into somewhere where they can do talks and classes about dress making and the history of fashion. Bring it on.

VERDICT:
That million dollar dress awaits you…

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6JlEjNwB6IaqiNwA&

THOMAS SABO ALSO IN MANCHESTER.

THOMAS SABO will be opening a new 28-square-metre shop at the famous Trafford Centre in Manchester in a few weeks’ time. The Trafford Centre is Europe’s largest shopping centre with its unique and striking architecture. Extensive parts are Baroque in style, but the shopping centre is not only impressively large, but it is also extremely tasteful with numerous exclusive, international brands being represented. A sure-fire guarantee for increased sales...

http://www.thomassabo.com/en/shops/neu.html?PHPSESSID=fkr8drdiflfrto5os9cfbmimo6

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

Also Puma should be opening soon on Upper Peel Avenue in The Trafford Centre

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/457.$plit/C_71_article_1024970_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?

Trafford Centre gets bigger
Deborah Haile
20/11/2007

THIS is the moment when the massive Trafford Centre grew even bigger.

Over the past nine years, the huge mall by the M60 has become a favourite with shoppers attracted by flagship fashion stores like Selfridges and John Lewis.

For the past few months, work has also been going on to build a new wing which will focus on furniture and other products for the home.

The development - called Barton Square - will open in the spring.

Shoppers will be able to walk between the two areas on either side of Barton Dock Road using a covered pedestrian bridge which has now been hoisted into place.

Trafford Centre spokesman Gordon McKinnon said: "The installation of the link bridge was a highly complex job - something to mark a piece of Trafford Centre history."

The extension will mean the Trafford Centre has 1.4 million sq ft of retail space - just behind the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, which has 1.5 million.

Video below.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1024970_trafford_centre_gets_bigger

Love Saves the Day to open third store
Rachael Tinniswood

Independent Manchester delicatessen Love Saves the Day is in talks to open a third outlet in central Manchester within the next few months.

Owned by ex-Simply Red drummer Chris Joyce and his wife Beckie, Love Saves the Day is also working on plans to launch an online version of the store featuring food products imported from across the world.

Business plans are firmly in place to push ahead with the expansion of the popular brand, which was relaunched early last year after going into liquidation in 2005. Back then it had two branches, on Deansgate in the city centre and Oldham Street, in the Northern Quarter.

The deli re-opened at its former outlet on Deansgate and traded from premises shared with record shop Vox Pop on Thomas Street, before moving to a standalone 26-seater diner on the same road.

David Mills, operations director, said he had not ruled out expanding outside Manchester. He added: "We are hoping to expand in the New Year sometime, and are currently in discussions with another location in central Manchester. Our intentions are to develop the business over the next five years in both shops and online and also to look at bringing in our own produce from abroad. We have already got a range of wines and chocolate and we are looking to import our own pasta, olive oil, that sort of thing.

"I am sure that our plans to develop the business will be more than just one more shop. Our plan for development over the next five years is to grow the business considerably which includes more outlets, and certainly to more than double the business.

"The reason it is different now is that there is a better involvement of the directors, we have a tight control on expenditure, and we are also very much involved in the whole management of the business and we are not farming anything out to elsewhere. Now it is very much hands on."

Next at The Trafford Centre has now reopened and is now fully refubished to there new fascia.

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Plus a new hairdressers on John Dalton Street
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We already know about the new signings but here is a press release about it.


Barton Square at The Trafford Centre – new signings

Barton Square at The Trafford Centre is a new and unique concept adjacent to the Centre, which will provide a shopping environment offering everything for the home to complement the current fashion and home offer within The Trafford Centre. With some of the ultimate names in the homeware sector due to open flagship units, Barton Square will fit in perfectly with the £1.5 billion shopping and leisure destination, and is scheduled to open in March 2008.

Barton Square is a 200,000 sq ft retail development and cost around £76million to build. The development will provide a unique shopping environment offering everything for the home. Marks and Spencer Home, Next Home, Dwell and Habitat are all on board while other highly desirable brands are expected to sign contracts in the coming months.

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 contain 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 mirrors the iconic design of The Trafford Centre, with opulent architecture, a dome and a campanile which is a little bit of Italy away from home, standing proudly above the piazza that will become Barton Square itself. Barton Square was last week linked to The Trafford Centre by a glazed and roofed public walkway suspended over Barton Dock Road.

Says Gordon McKinnon, Director of operations at The Trafford Centre: “We are now extremely excited about the completion of Barton Square scheduled for March 2008 and look forward to launching the stunning new homeware destination to the public.

http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/news/view/?ID=3724

More small-scale goings-on in Tib Street and its environs.

One of the shop front's opposite Berwick Electricals seems to be getting cleaned up at last, though not sure as of yet exactly what is going in. Also, another derelict unit on a side street (I think, from memory, adjacent to the chippy) is being refurbed as a shop repairing and "recycling" bicycles. Very Chorlton.

It's great to see Tib St picking up and the empty gaps being gradually filled (the area seems so buzzy it's suprising how much derelict space there still is if you really look). The area has real character and a much nicer feel than Oldham Street for example. Within about fifty metres you can buy a paper, a chip barm, an apartment, a dubious sex toy or an Aquascutum jacket. Surely this is eclectic, cosmopolitan city living at it's finest!?

I think with more and more independent retail and food/drink openings along Tib St, Thomas St and High St this "H" shaped set of streets is gaining a real critical mass forming a definable heart to the Northern Quarter.

Cheers

Thom

Thomas Sabo is now open on the Lower Regents Cresent in the unit next to BHS and Waterstones

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http://www.rochebobois.com/home3.php?langue=en&pays=gb

Tesco plans thrown out
david ottewell
23/11/2007

IT was a battle that pitched a group of independent traders against Britain's biggest retailer - and for once the little guy won.

More than a dozen shop-owners from the bohemian suburb of Chorlton burst into spontaneous applause as the council's planning committee said it was minded to refuse plans for a Tesco store on their doorstep.

They claimed the store, to have been built by an Esso filling station on Manchester Road, would have ruined their livelihoods.

Council officers had recommended that the committee allow Tesco to push ahead with their plans.

But members unanimously voted against that advice after a tension-filled meeting yesterday.

Local councillors Sheila Newman, Paul Ankers and John Leech - also MP for Withington - all spoke out against the proposal.

"This is the wrong development in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Coun Newman. "There is no proven need for a supermarket on Manchester Road.

"Chorlton has a wide variety of independent shops which contribute to the unique character of the area. A supermarket in this area could jeopardise their viability."

Representatives of Esso and Tesco had argued the store was in line with the council's development principles for Chorlton, and near to other shops.

The committee's decision means a new report must be drawn up before the plan can be formally rejected.

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Markets today were gridlock, so busy it wasn't funny.

If you can get there during office hours during the week it is a much more plesant experience.

A Retail update from the Arndale

Card Factory is now open in the old Ravel store.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/5807/sunp01160001hs8.jpg

Dolcis will be reopening in the Arndale in early 2008 with a brand new concept store.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7316/sunp01170002qx9.jpg

The City Store will be opening in the old Gadget Shop probably this weeken they where putting stock in today.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/7219/sunp01180003kt6.jpg

Madhouse has opened a second store in the old New Look store (there other store mainly opposite this is still open)
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2315/sunp01190004xe2.jpg

Subway will be open within a week there is just finishing touches to be made to the store
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Ditsch will be opening in the unit opposite the new Subway http://ditsch.co.uk/ It looks like this could be one of the first stores in the U.K. for the company.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/3793/sunp01230008yx7.jpg

Also the finishing touches are being made to the new Mexx store
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Skipper opens new city centre CityStore

30/11/2007 13:15

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8254/picsrvmcfccoukty2.jpg


Richard Dunne called in to open the new CityStore in Manchester’s Arndale Centre on Thursday.

The new shop comes in the wake of unprecedented success off for the pitch as well as our superb start to the season under the guidance of Sven-Goran Eriksson.

This season has seen home shirt sales leap by 40% on last term, and as well as selling more of the sky blue kit than ever before, such was the demand for the limited edition third kit that another batch of 2,500 white shirts sold out almost immediately.

Open seven days a week, supporters who are Seasoncard, Citycard or Accesscard holders can get their usual discount at the new CityStore.

The CityStore at the Arndale Centre is open Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm, Thursdays until 9pm and Sundays 11am-5pm.

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=511882

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Mexx and Subway are both now open.

Forgive my ignorance. But was just wondering what has happened to the Royal Exchange shopping centre... It's seems like ages ago I saw some published pics of the refurbished interior. Is this open yet? Not heard a dicky-bird in months.
Cheers.

Forgive my ignorance. But was just wondering what has happened to the Royal Exchange shopping centre... It's seems like ages ago I saw some published pics of the refurbished interior. Is this open yet? Not heard a dicky-bird in months.
Cheers.

What's more, the holding website (http://www.royalexchangemanchester.co.uk/) has been down for weeks

I walked past Grado, on New York St- The place is practically ready to go- looks very nice and great to see quality on that street! What a turnaround already and it's still some way from completion.

Royal Ex. I guess they just struggled to get the tenants. On one side you've got the Arndale taking the high st tenants and on the other, the Avenue lining up the big names for Spinnigfields. Guess they've found it harder than they thought.

HSBC will apprently be moving out of 100 King Street by the end of the year.

A new plannning application for the change of use from A2 use to A1 use is now online

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084306/FO/2007/C1

ZuZu Couture

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Sian Claire Owen steps back in time

Where is it?
40 Thomas Street
Northern Quarter
Manchester
0161 833 1197

The History
Fashionista style guru Fatz Kassim has always had a penchant for the outlandish. Fatz built up her reputation based on the eccentric adaptations and twists she gives to her outfits. She set up her own label, ZuZu, four years ago, supplying her clothes to boutiques in the North and custom-making costumes for stage and TV. Eventually she decided to settle in Manchester, and her boutique ZuZu Couture opened in June 2007.

Fatz has literally been around the block a few times, having sold her clothes in Affleck’s Palace, the Royal Exchange, and has supplied a range to INTRO on Deansgate. She also produced custom-made clothes for James Midgeley in ITV's "Cutting It", and was one of the finalists of Sky One's Project Catwalk 2 last year. Fatz explains: "Meeting big designers like Julian MacDonald and getting really positive feedback made me more determined to start my business. I found the shop space, fell in love with it, and spent months refurbishing, decorating, and making stock - it was a nightmare, but here I am"

Who shops there?
Fatz has a history making one-off outfits for TV programmes, and has made stage outfits for bands like Cleopatra (Comin Atcha!), but, as she puts it: "We've got people walking past, looking at the window display and stumbling on the shop at the moment."

"It's nice as a designer to be on the shop floor and see people who I wouldn't put as a 'ZuZu customer' coming in and loving it."

What does it sell?
Theatrical, bold and daring outfits with a very raw edge. ZuZu produce designs that are strong, funky, and loud. But if edgy street wear isn't your bag, ZuZu also make stunning couture dresses and ruffly coats, many made from vintage or recycled materials. You may end up looking like a posh New Romantic, but what the hell, it's nearly Christmas. As Fatz explains: "I'm very much into hand-distressing and manipulating fabrics, and I'm always trying to do things that I haven't seen out there, so it's not 'on trend' or 'on season', but it's still wearable and desirable."

As well as on-the-shelf items, ZuZu also provide a made-to-measure service where they will adapt any of the designs you like to your own personal preference. "We can do variations, size or colour adaptations, or tailoring for all the designs you see on the shop floor," she says. "If you tried on a jacket and it didn't fit, we can tailor it to your shape."

Prices range from £40.00 for a T-shirt, all the way up to £600 for the couture items.

Why go?
ZuZu is for fashion-addicts and anyone looking for that one-off outfit for a special occasion. But even if you're just window shopping, it’s worth having a look inside the shop just to witness what looks like backstage at a Victorian circus. The window display shows off her more exotic examples, which most people probably wouldn't get away with wearing. The extreme designs can be intimidating, and if you weren't aware of the label it's easy to mistake ZuZu for a fancy dress outlet.

As Fatz says: "A ZuZu customer is anybody who doesn't take fashion too seriously, you don't have to be head to toe in what was in last week's magazine."

Future
Maybe ZuZu Couture will bring back the "recycled-Victoriana-CanCan-Dancer" look to Manchester? You heard it here first.

Verdict
Sumptuous and wacky.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6JlIiNwB6IaqiNwA&

Doughnut Day hits Manchester

Confidential and Krispy Kreme bring city centre to halt with waterborne doughnut invasion

Doughnut madness kicked off at 12.30pm last Friday. A narrow-boat travelled slowly up Rochdale Canal laden with a cargo of five hundred boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. It moored in the Village, close to Spirit Bar and the New Union.

The Confidential competition winners quickly gathered to pick up their free treats. At the same time Manchester’s offices emptied enticed by the chance to pick up a tasty doughnut or two to supplement lunch. Soon the tow path was awash with competition winners, builders, passers-by, shoppers and even street-people. It was a real ball, lots of laughs, great chat.

In the end Confidential and Krispy Kreme gave away a thousand boxes of twelve doughnuts. That’s twelve thousand of these mouth-watering rings of delight.

A gallery of pictures are here
http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwY6IwXmJHqiNwF6IHqi&realname=Doughnut_Day_hits_Manchester

Henleys fashion stores plan

A DESIGNER clothing brand, which has more than doubled in size during the last two years, has secured a £1m funding package.

Expansion, particularly the launch of its own retail business, is on the cards at Manchester-based Henley's Clothing, after the working capital deal with Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Lever Street-based company, established in 2000, has recently opened stores in the Trafford Centre and in Sheffield's Meadowhall, and is planning to open more in the next 18 months.

Henleys, has seen turnover leap from £6.2m in 2005, to £14m last year and is projected to break the £20m barrier this year. As part of its growth strategy the company, which predominantly sells to wholesalers and high street retailers, has launched its own retail arm and plans to open a further 10-12 shops.

Managing director Ben Luscombe, said: "The business has performed well during the last few years and this has given us a strong platform from which to expand our retail operations."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1026858_henleys_fashion_stores_plan

It looks like Past Times is just a xmas shop looking at the fit out. I am amazed how fast Ravel was turned into Card Warehouse, 2 weeks? And the whole store has changed with a new front and floor all leveled out. I am glad they have opened as they were due to open in the unit that now houses Subway. Just a couple more food units down by Subway and you have a new food court area as Bella Italia is now also open and looks great.

HSBC will apprently be moving out of 100 King Street by the end of the year.

A new plannning application for the change of use from A2 use to A1 use is now online

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084306/FO/2007/C1

This is a Grade II* listed building - and the interior is of international importance (and damn well ought to be Grade I)

- surely this conversion requires listed building consent?

quote "it is the fame of the architect, rather than the building itself, which results in Grad II* listed status"

The bugger it is.

Lutyens in the post-war period produced two of the lasting architectural masterworks of the 2oth century - the Viceragal palace at Delhi, and the Thiepval Arch on the Somme. In effect the King Street bank integrates elements from these two masterpieces into a commercial building (as the unbuilt Liverpool Cathedral did for a religious building). It is true that the top pavilion was 'fancied-up' at the client's insistence, but the lower floors and banking hall reflect Lutyens intentions exactly. Nothing could be added or subtracted from the ground floor without impairing the overall vision. Certainly remove later clutter from the interior, but I am highly dubious about the proposed glass box.

Longford please advise.

HSBC will apprently be moving out of 100 King Street by the end of the year.

A new plannning application for the change of use from A2 use to A1 use is now online

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084306/FO/2007/C1

Wasn't there some rumours of this being turned into a mini upscale shopping arcade? These plans are just for a few ground level shops right or is this still an arcade due to the size of the place?

I'd guess due to the lack of success of the Royal Exchange opening due to other city competition, they might have been persuaded not to follow the same route.

This is a Grade II* listed building - and the interior is of international importance (and damn well ought to be Grade I)

- surely this conversion requires listed building consent?

quote "it is the fame of the architect, rather than the building itself, which results in Grad II* listed status"

The bugger it is.

Lutyens in the post-war period produced two of the lasting architectural masterworks of the 2oth century - the Viceragal palace at Delhi, and the Thiepval Arch on the Somme. In effect the King Street bank integrates elements from these two masterpieces into a commercial building (as the unbuilt Liverpool Cathedral did for a religious building). It is true that the top pavilion was 'fancied-up' at the client's insistence, but the lower floors and banking hall reflect Lutyens intentions exactly. Nothing could be added or subtracted from the ground floor without impairing the overall vision. Certainly remove later clutter from the interior, but I am highly dubious about the proposed glass box.

Longford please advise.

It has gone in for a Full Appication and a Listed Building Application

Full Application
http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084306/FO/2007/C1

Listed Building Application
http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084316/LO/2007/C1

Not city centre retail, however I'll shove these in here for now. Don't do your fruit flange!

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I dont mind Marky this topic pretty much has become a topic for all of Manchester not just the City Centre anymore, there is always news posted about the Trafford Centre, Lowry Outlet Mall etc in this thread alot now.

It is nice to see pics of Barton Square and the new Krispy Kreme it looks really american the Krispy Kreme store.

The Krispy Kreme store looks good. Got an invite to a preopening party on the 12th so I may pop down and have a look around. I have just got back from California so have had my fill of Krispy Kremes but in a couple of weeks I wll be missing them so it's good timing. All we need now is a Cinnabon to open in Manchester.

Currently, we are seeking Master Franchisees and/or Area Developer Franchises in the following countries:

Africa: Morocco, Tunisia

Asia: China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea (south), Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Russia

Middle East: Israel, Pakistan

North America: Canada, Mexico

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago

There are 3 U.K store in Winsor, Mildenhall and Brandon Suffolk, dont know if they have any further U.K. expansion plans though

http://www.cinnabon.com/home.html

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That looks sooo American...

Have you read the ingredients that go into making a crappy crap doughnut? :puke: (even Iran wouldn't get away with that)

PS. Expect TGAE to be awash with parents and their hyperactive kids in the next few weeks. :rock:

Krispy Kreme's are so sweet they can actually give you a headache before you vomit. The average adult can only manage about one a week.

They opened a bunch of them in Canada several years ago and I think they're all closed down now. Went down like lead zeppelins...

Tim Horton's aren't much better either, but nowhere near as sweet.

I would have thought they would have tried one out in Scotland first because of their legendary sweet toothes/teeth?

Tim Horton's aren't much better either, but nowhere near as sweet.


I used to live off Tim Horton's hot chocholate and boston Creams, in Vancouver.

They were a step above my local Coffee Time in Toronto. We used to go there after a night out and give them $5 (£2.20?) for whatever was left on the shelf before it shut. It was definately the ghetto shop.

Food like this in North America, along with other junk food, tends to be very cheap even in comparison to other types of food over there. Here it is not. Macdonalds are significantly more expensive, comparitively, for example. I think this is why they are so fat.

Point being dognuts (sp?) are supposed to be dirt cheap, but I bet they're not here. The coffee is always dire in these places too. Dunkin' Dognuts coffee is the worst they've ever had.

Still, I look forward to one opening soon as possible in Piccadilly station. What is the location of the new on (I don't drive)? Is it a retail park or something?

What is the location of the new on (I don't drive)? Is it a retail park or something?By the Trafford Centre. The clues are there....subtle ones mind!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/005-10.jpg

The clues are there....subtle ones mind!


Its in Venice!? fucking hell. Does the 777 bus go there?

16 Nov 2007 - Lombok is to open stores in the North and West of England next year. They are searching for locations in Manchester, Chester, Wilmslow and Harrogate.

http://www.lombok.co.uk/

It has gone in for a Full Appication and a Listed Building Application

Full Application
http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084306/FO/2007/C1

Listed Building Application
http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084316/LO/2007/C1

Are Stephenson Bell being naughty here?

The exterior works are described as being to raise the height of the low windows along King Street. On the "existing" plans, all three windows are shown set into a rusticated wall, with five courses of rustication above.

But in fact, Lutyens rustication dies away above the central window, in the upper four courses. This section of the wall is currently faced in plain ashlar Portland Stone - wheras the wall above the two side windows is rusticated. This relates to Lutyens intention by which the vocabulary of "Wren-baroque" features (pilasters etc) are absorbed into a much more severe stripped-classicism - according to a system of precisely determined proportions and entasis.

In effect - as I understand it - the masons will not only need to cut higher window openings, they will also need to cut rustication into the entire cental-section surface, which Lutyens deliberately left smooth. If so, this should have been explained in the application; as it amounts to a much more radical external alteration that the proposal admits.

You can see the blank area of wall above the van on this picture - in effect the proposal will extend the wall treatment found at the ends across the whole facade (I think); while raising the windows three courses,

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i177/ickleweb/hsbc1.jpg

I know all about the HSBC scheme. I'm afraid i would have to kill you if i discussed it though.
Your concerns have already been noted early on nerd.

I know all about the HSBC scheme. I'm afraid i would have to kill you if i discussed it though.
Your concerns have already been noted early on nerd.

Glad your on the case Longford.

I still think it is naughty to put misleading information on an application for listed building consent.

There are 3 U.K store in Winsor, Mildenhall and Brandon Suffolk, dont know if they have any further U.K. expansion plans though

http://www.cinnabon.com/home.html

I know they have a few but they are all down south. I brought a 6 pack home they are frozen but won't last me long.

By the Trafford Centre. The clues are there....subtle ones mind!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/005-10.jpg

Initially I thought that was California after the recent bush fires.

The Best of Everything

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/324/bestofeverythingea5.jpg

Sian Claire Owen asks is this simply the best wine and gadget shop?

Where is it?
The Best of Everything
1 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 1AZ
www.bestofeverything.co.uk

The history:
Best of Everything used to be "Around Wine", a wine buff haven that sold high-end wine accessories for experts and plonk-a-holics alike. The shop is still part of the "Around Wine" group, although it now sells everything from kitchen wear, office gadgets, and even porcelain Urban Gnomes.

But wine enthusiasts need not worry, The Best of Everything still stocks the finest wine-wear on the market, including Eurocave wine storage and Reidel glass-wear, as used by 40% of the UK Michelin restaurants.

Who shops there?
You can safely assume that The Best of Everything caters mainly for people with a love of fine wine. But for those who are merely dipping their toes into the Pond of Plonk, this would be a good place to start.

You may be surprised to learn that half of Manchester United and Manchester City, David Beckham, and a couple of WAGS have popped into the Best of Everything to purchase their quality wine-wear. One assumes that glugging Blue WKD and/or Carling from Reidel wine glasses really brings out the intensity of the flavours.

Because of their wide range of glam products, the shop is currently deluged with frenzied Christmas shoppers looking for that unique, quirky gift that oozes style and quality.

What does it sell?
The range of products is average, but the quality is superior.

Aside from the wine accessories they stock everything from stainless steel kitchen-wear, pointless yet attractive office gadgets (you can pick up a snazzy Post-It Note holder for £12.00), to the ubiquitous tea-light holders, made from Orrefors Crystal of course daaaaaaaarling.

Best of Everything is filled with the weird, wonderful, and sometimes desperately over-priced. Who in their right mind would fork out over £30.00 for a fly swatter when you can spend 40p on a newspaper?

More reasonably priced gifts include "Mighty Leaf" tea (the teabags are made from silk) £12.00 per packet. Or you can buy 'Jasmine Pearls' - balls of tea leaves that open leaf by leaf until a jasmine flower is revealed in the centre. Hardly your average workman's brew but as a present it's something a little different.

All the products are available to buy over the Internet.

Why go there?
If you're a bit flush and you fancy splurging your cash on posh cheese cutters and a state-of-the-art wine storage system, then the Best of Everything is right up your street. However, beware of the IKEA effect. Chances are you'll go in there for a couple of nice wine glasses and leave with your arms full of porcelain gnomes, silken tea-bags, decanters, literature regarding various wine regions and, of course, a very expensive fly-swatter.

The future
Expect more exclusive, designer products for the home and office. The Best of Everything is a lovely shop to browse in, and it's interesting to see how much people will actually spend on things like Post-It note holders.

Verdict
Wine buff shop turned Santa's grotto for the rich and famous.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6JlIqNwB6IaqiNwA&

Bit of a mixed bag today...

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Great shot of the emerging high-end retail street at Spinningfields from jrb.

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Thanks Marky for all the pictures, good to see that Ditsch has opened up so quickly.

Also it looks like Sweet Delights is now open in the Food Court next to O'Briens at the Arndale.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4400/generalstorebb1.jpg

General Store

Get Ringspun before the rest at our flagship store.

Plunge into the total Ringspun experience at our brand new General Store. We’ve never played shopkeep before, so we are getting slightly overexcited by all the vinyl and cash registers. The General Store won’t be carrying cabbage, beans or bleach: it’s all about our favourite Ringspun threads, and a few hand picked ranges from some very special contributors (all will be revealed on the night) . You can expect the latest ranges (before they arrive anywhere else), ringspun denim in exclusive fits, finishes and fabrications, and more of everything than you’ve ever seen before.

The Ringspun General Store (launch December 2007) lives in Manchester’s revamped Barton Arcade, Deansgate a vintage shopping mall with a new designer look.

http://www.ringspun.co.uk/content/2/happenings/35/general-store

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Nice to see the old Daisy & Tom starting to get unwrapped just before Christmas after the refurb, there is still no word on the possible tennants for the place yet.

Little Lowry retail update...

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A belstaff (http://www.belstaff.co.uk/) store has opened next to the DKNY store on Upper King Street. Another shop with a very select number of locations finds a home in Manchester.

Pictures of the Belstaff store from there website

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This is there sixth store in the world and there second in the U.K.

The General Store

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Groundbreaking retail experience comes to Manchester

As we move closer to 2008, hopefully we are moving further away from identikit dressing and garments that unravel quicker than a Columbo mystery.

One retail outfit which will be pioneering the crusade to bring well-hung articles with originality back to the high street is The General Store which launches on Saturday 15 December.

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There is nothing ‘general’ about The General Store though. Three local and acclaimed fashion experts (David Mallon, founder of Ringspun and Elvis Jesus, founder of Religion, Darren Collins and former All Saints owner Stuart Trevor) are for the first time representing the individual Mancunian style by housing five hugely successful brands under its roof.

All of the established brands to be sold are already synonymous with cutting edge and rock n roll: Both Manchester born brands Ringspun and Elvis Jesus will be featuring – the former renowned for everything from combats to T shirts; while the latter combines rock album style with religious imagery.

Bolongaro Trevor is the brainchild of Stuart Trevor and takes rock n roll to the tailors. Buddhist Punk combine cultural mystery with rock n roll while House of the Gods is a prime example of music inspired fashion. This just leaves the ever so sexy Religion which takes its inspiration from across the world.

Co-owner of The General Store David Mallon and owner of The Circle Club says: “The General Store marks a new era in fashion – combining brands we are all passionate about with a nod to Manchester and its unique sense of style. People are bored stupid with the same looks appearing everywhere. The truly stylish don’t WANT to look like anyone else. One day we want to take The General Store to the other countries our brands have already made their mark in – but we will always stay true to each locality – style is about individuality and there is no better example of that than Manchester.”

The prices at The General Store are as diverse as its styles and customers’ budgets - the idea being to provides something for everyone.

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The store itself is as cutting edge as its stock. Located in the opulent Grade II listed Barton Arcade built in 1850, it forms a T shape with installation elements such as changing rooms designed like garden sheds and classical Georgian furniture torched and burned to a crisp, honouring both the past and present.

Stepping out of your comfort zone or your Primark pants can be a daunting experience but if you dare to be different then The General Store will definitely have something in store for you.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwF6JlTiNwB6IaqiNwA&

Spar are going to be opening a temporary store in The Quadrangle in Unit 10


Spar Temporary Store, Unit 10 The Quadrangle, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GL

Application
Type Premises Licence (New)

Proposal
Proposed opening hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises:
Mon to Sun 0800 to 0300

Proposed opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun 0000 to 2359

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=860&documentID=610&pageNumber=9

Spar are going to be opening a temporary store in The Quadrangle in Unit 10

I think this temporary measure is whilst the hotel is buit on the site of their Oxford Rd store. They will then re-occupy the same spot in the new building.

Looks like the City Lofts Marketing Suite is either a) being taken down b) being refurnished or c) being used for another project...
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Looks like work could be starting on the new Tesco store in Salford Quays that has been mentioned a while back about opening.

All pictures taken 14 December (Krispy Kreme opening day)

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Two new stores have opened at The Trafford Centre


Sexy Flowers

Visit Sexy Flowers in The Great Hall for beautiful floral arrangements for every occasion.

Christmas orders are now being taken, why not order at the start of your shopping trip and collect on your way back to the car?

If you want to make a meal out extra special, order from Sexy Flowers and they'll deliver to you while you enjoy your meal at one of the Trafford Centre restaurants.

Please note Sexy Flowers will be closed from 24 Dec - 2 Jan.


Bouquet de Chocolat

For the first time in the UK, you can purchase high quality chocolate of ‘chocolatier’ standard which has been made to exclusive recipes and in its own special factory.

Come visit the Bouquet de Chocolat in Selfridges in Manchester Trafford Centre, where you can buy, specialist chocolate hand-made in the shop. Enjoy watching the chocolate being made and experience the rainbow of tastes available.

For a special treat or for someone very special, it is also possible to create tailor-made bouquets of chocolate, made from a total variety of 17 different chocolate types which can even be sampled before purchase, at Bouquet de Chocolat. Bouquets are available ready made and prices start from as little as £12 for a 220gsm bouquet and can increase to a weight of 1kg.

Also available to satisfy any chocolate craving is a French Bouchée which are best described as very special, extra large chocolates. There is an amazing choice of 39 Bouchées with wonderful fillings that include different alcohol, fruit and nut ingredients such as Grand Marnier, raspberries and caramelised almonds etc…

Call for daily times of chocolate making - to avoid disappointment on 0161 629 1280.

Come in store and be amongst the first in the UK to sample this exciting treat! You will find Bouquet de Chocolat in the Food Hall - next to Yo! Sushi.

http://www.selfridges.com/index.cfm?page=1198
http://www.bouquetdechocolats.co.uk/
http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/shopping/

City's last butcher set to close

MANCHESTER city centre is to lose its only traditional independent butcher's shop.

J Morgan Butchers, in Brazennose Street, has been at its home just off Deansgate for almost 40 years. But the shop is on the ground floor of Brazennose House - which will be demolished for redevelopment next year.

Now, 65-year-old owner Jack Morgan will call it a day next Friday.

When he opened in 1970, there were more than a dozen butchers in the city centre.

When he shuts up shop, the Arndale Centre branch of the Gabbott's Farm chain will be the only one left.

Mr Morgan, of Hazel Grove, Stockport, said: "Manchester's changed dramatically in the last few years. You get people in from all over the world now - you never used to get that."

The 1969 Directory of Manchester lists 13 butchers in the M1, M2, M3 and M4 postcodes. There were even three butchers' outfitters listed in the directory.

Hazel Roberts, of Greater Manchester Chamber, said: "It's sad to see the end of one of Manchester's long-established traders, and we wish Mr Morgan a happy retirement.

Demand

"As city living in Manchester continues to grow, we would hope that the demand for a variety of shops would encourage independent traders to carry on setting up shop in the city centre."

Mr Morgan followed his father and grandfather into the trade and ran the Brazennose Street shop with his dad until his death in 1980.

"I've been a butcher all my life," he said.

"I started off at 13, working in the school holidays, then started full time when I was 15."

Mr Morgan was philosophical about the redevelopment of Brazennose House. "It's just progress really, you can't argue with it.

"When I moved in, they were demolishing the old Victorian buildings, now they're demolishing this 1960s one.

"There are shops like Harvey Nicks and that sort of thing opening now - they must know what they are doing."

He will now visit relatives in Australia before settling into his retirement. He said he would miss his customers. "You miss coming into contact with the public and all these people - I have some nice people - but you can't go on forever," he said.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1028522_citys_last_butcher_set_to_close

^^ How sad. :(

^^ How sad. :(

indeed

But the shop is on the ground floor of Brazennose House - which will be demolished for redevelopment next year.


First ive heard of it.
Anyone know about this?

First ive heard of it.
Anyone know about this?

Asked the same question on the Official Manchester thread. Thought you might know something. Possible MEN journo type error again. Nothing in the planning applications yet regarding a new office block for the site. Lots of refurbs submitted. Nothing else.

City's last butcher set to close

So says the headline. Then you read the article...

When he shuts up shop, the Arndale Centre branch of the Gabbott's Farm chain will be the only one left.

So it isn't the city's last butcher then is it? It's one of two left. The MEN really is poor at times.

Tall story of Hamleys' giraffe

HERE'S the Christmas cuddly toy that truly is head and shoulders above the rest.

The life-size giraffe is to go on sale at the new Hamleys store in Manchester this week - with the lofty price tag of £3,300.

But first the shop's owners have to overcome one small problem.

The 18ft-tall giraffe, called Jeremy, is too big to fit in the lifts at the Deansgate store - and their shop is on the sixth floor.

So after spending yesterday installing winching equipment outside the House of Fraser store, they were today lifting the 21-stone toy through a top-floor window.

Jeremy will be the main item in the Christmas display at Hamleys, which opened a new outlet earlier this year at House of Fraser, formerly Kendals.

House of Fraser's operations manager Steve Froggatt said Jeremy was already a firm favourite with staff.

He said: "It will make a fantastic focal point in Hamleys. I'm delighted we've managed to find a way of getting it in.

"There was no way we could get it up the stairs or in the lift."

Famous toy store Hamleys expanded from its Regent Street base in London and opened its latest shop in Manchester early in October.

"I think the giraffe will make a very lucky youngster a fantastic - and memorable - Christmas present," said Mr Froggatt.

Of course whoever buys it might find getting it through the front door is a tight squeeze.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1028637_tall_story_of_hamleys_giraffe


Giraffe goes up in the world

THEY say pigs might fly - but this life-size toy giraffe had shoppers craning their necks today as it was hoisted into a store in Manchester.

The 18ft Christmas present to beat all presents was winched onto the roof of the House of Fraser by a team of ten men.

It has now taken pride of place in the new Hamleys store on the sixth floor.

The one-hour long operation saw the 21-stone creation - named Jeremy and who carries a price tag of £3,300 - hoisted on to the roof, then lowered onto a sixth floor ledge and through a set of fire doors. It arrived to a round of applause by Hamleys staff.

The colossal Christmas gift, custom-made in the Far East, is one of only two in the world. Jeremy's twin, Jeffrey, is at Hamleys' London store.

House of Fraser general manager Jeff Johnson said: "It's great that he's already brought so much entertainment and smiles to people's faces."

Kevin Halliwell, of Speedy Lifting which carried out the operation, said: "I'm just wondering how soon we'll have to bring it down for the customer who buys it."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1028679_giraffe_goes_up_in_the_world

Shoppers on spending spree

THE sound of Christmas cheer is being heard in shops across Manchester - in stark contrast with stores in other parts of the country.

Record numbers of shoppers have flocked to both the Arndale Centre and the Trafford Centre over the past week and takings for many stores are up.

Figures released by retail organisation FootFall - which monitors the number of people coming through the doors of Britain's major shopping centres - show that nationally the number of shoppers was down by up to five per cent last week.

Analysts fear that the gloomy economic outlook created by falling house prices and the global credit crunch could be making consumers more cautious this Christmas.

But the Trafford Centre reported a 13.5 per cent increase in shoppers last week - compared with the same week in 2006 - while the Arndale Centre said that the number of people coming through its doors has increased by five per cent.

Glen Barkworth, general manager at the Arndale, said the centre's reputation and big name stores are among the reason it is bucking the trend.

"These figures are a testament to the popularity of the centre, which has developed through the hard work and dedication of our retailers and our staff and the innovative ways in which we approach our business," said Mr Barkworth.

"We are anticipating record levels of Christmas trading over the next week and believe that our success story will continue into 2008 with all the flagship stores, like Next and All Saints, which are now here."

He said the centre's Aldi supermarket, which opened 12 months ago, now has more customers than any other Aldi supermarket in the world.

Gordon McKinnon, manager of the Trafford Centre, said that shoppers continue to be drawn to the centre by the range of outlets and other entertainment.

"Shoppers know when they come here that they can get their shopping done, grab a coffee or a delicious meal and then see a film without leaving the centre," he said.

"I think that this balance is one of the reasons why we are bucking the national trend.

"All the indications are that customers are also spending more than they did last year."

David Thompson, duty manager at John Lewis in the Trafford Centre, said that their takings were up by between one and two per cent on this time last year.

"We've had a very strong November and December and are confident that things will continue to go well in the week before Christmas," he said.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1028656_shoppers_on_spending_spree

Threshers is now open at Piccadilly Station next to Boost Juice Bars (sorry about quality it is from mobile phone)

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Also work has now started on the emtpy Dr & Herbs unit at Piccadilly Station could this possibly be a Krispy Kreme we now they want to open in the city centre and they have mentioned Piccadilly Station as where they may open next.

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Three fashion retailers team up


Three successful fashion retailers are teaming up to launch a new clothing store in Manchester city centre’s Barton Arcade on Deansgate.

The General Store, which opens on Saturday December 15, is a collaboration between Mancunian David Mallon, owner of The Circle Club and founder of the Ringspun fashion brand, Stuart Trevor, former owner of All Saints, and Darren Collins, founder of Religion. The trio have invested a collective £500,000 in the store, which will sell their brands and some lines exclusive to Manchester.

Mallon began his career as an independent trader in Manchester’s Afflecks Palace, but despite his Elvis Jesus brand selling in Harvey Nichols for the past two years, he has decided to go back to his roots.

“In order for a business to gain a loyal following in the long term, it must retain an individual approach,” he said. “The retail market is currently overcrowded with similar versions of the same product. We want to move away from that in a bid to return to independent retailing.”

David's new retail concept

THE publicity agent tells me that David Mallon hardly ever sleeps regardless of the time zone he's in.

"It's just one of the many reasons why he's so successful," she adds.

"Just go ahead and ring him, it won't matter what time it is - he's a great guy."

With these words still ringing in my ears, I dial the number she has just given me and within seconds a clear Mancunian accent answers the mobile phone.

Apparently, it's the dead of night in India's capital Mumbai - where David landed the previous evening for a round of business meetings - but he still seems to welcome my call.

This 40-year-old from Stretford is the founder of two of the coolest streetwear brands around - Ringspun and Elvis Jesus - which have a combined yearly turn-over of £15m.

Ringspun has produced highly desired collections of denims, tops, skirts, combat pants and accessories for both men and women since it was launched in 1999.

Religious imagery

The Elvis Jesus label, which was launched in 2005, has become best known for its range of jeans and T-shirts which fuse 'rock album' and religious imagery.

All of his garments strike a balance between street-wear fashion and couture details and techniques - which could be why they are selling so well in leading stores like Harvey Nichols and Flannels.

So, what's the story behind the brand names and what's the reason for their success?

"I chose the name Ringspun as it is the name used in the production of top quality denim - and we certainly manage to produce some premium products," he explains.

"Elvis Jesus in its present guise is just a couple of years old and I opted for the name because music - as we all know - has become the new religion.

"I think that Ringspun is proving to be successful because it aspires to be the leading British fashion denim brand.

"Hopefully, the brand is innovative, fast thinking and charming without being cheesy.

"As for Elvis Jesus, the reason for our success is simple: we are the kings of 'street bling' its that simple - praise the cord!"

David is also the driving force behind a new fashion retail concept called The General Store which opened its first shop in Manchester's grade-II listed Barton Arcade, in Deansgate, on Saturday.

The 2,500 sq ft space will house his brands as well as those of his business partners Darren Collins, owner of the Religion and Buddhist Punk labels, and Stuart Trevor who - after selling the All Saints brand - now owns the Bolongaro Trevor label.

The trio have invested £500,000 in the store between them.

"I'm very proud of the fact that the first store we've opened is in Manchester - I've never seen any reason why that shouldn't be the case," he adds.

"I've always thought that one of the reasons why I've been successful in business was because Manchester people have an innate confidence.

"I think that this is something that you definitely need in business and I'm certainly delighted with the way that things are going in my career.

"This shop is my first move into the retail sector after years of working in wholesale. The premises have an edgy and different feel to them - just like the brands we're stocking.

"I also wanted to open the first shop in Manchester because I thought that the residents would appreciate having cutting-edge styles available from a truly independent retailer - and not one of the chain stores. The retail market is currently overcrowded with similar versions of the same boring product - competing for cash-ready consumers with lower prices and quicker interpretations of catwalk trends that ever before.

"We want to move away from that in a bid to return to independent retailing - in a reflection of the growing backlash against globalisation."

David has no intention of resting on his laurels now that the first Manchester store has opened.

Plans are already in place to open a second shop in Birmingham's Bullring Centre next spring with a London shop planned for September.

And one of the main reasons for his trip to Mumbai is to assess the opportunities for opening further shops there - as well as in New York, Las Vegas, Dubai and Hong Kong.

Big break

Asked about his roots in business, David says: "In all honesty, the fashion business is something that I fell into," he confesses.

"Around 20 years ago, I was working as part of the security team at Manchester's infamous nightclub The Hacienda when I met people with stalls in Affleck's Palace. I decided to rent a stall there myself and began selling T-shirts with rock bands on the front.

"It was my big break - and the rest, as they say, is history."

These days, David lives permanently in Hong Kong and spends around four months on the road on design or sales trips.

But as far as he's concerned, Manchester is always going to be home.

"A while ago, I invested in The Circle Club, a private members' club on Deansgate, and it's always great to pop in on my return," he adds.

"In fact, it always great to get back to sunny Manc - it's where my family and many of my mates still live.

"One of the things that I've come to realise is that despite it being a big city, people are great to get on with and there's a real sense of community.

"Wherever I am in the world - whether it's Mumbai or Hong Kong - Manchester is truly where my heart is."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1028725_davids_new_retail_concept

I know of a very major retailer that is really struggling in one of our suburbs.

It's just one store (all be it a major company) in just one place, but takings are down 25% on this time last year in this store, and I am sure this is replicated all over the place.

Credit is crunching.

Just been looking at the Spinningfields website and saw this...


The Avenue, linked on either side by gateways to the development, will have The Manchester Hotel on one side, and the flagship Armani of Spinningfields Square on the other. It will form the nucleus for a concentrated cluster of international fashion and accessory retailers such as Armani, Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Abercrombie & Fitch.

...does this mean that the latter are actually signed up?

Noticed that aswell we know that Armani and Hugo Boss are signed up for stores at 2 Spinningfields Square but with the others they could just be brands that Allied are trying to attract.
We do know that Abercrombie and Fitch were very close to signing for a store in Manchester but they have put expanding into Enland on hold to open stores in Scotland and Ireland.
So maybe they have signed for The Avenue and plan to open the store in 2009 after they have opened in Scotland and Ireland.

THE POPULAR CHRISTMAS MARKETS are due to close before the biggest weekend of the shopping year. In a peculiar decision, the city council, say they need the extra time to clean up and that it’s ‘a major operation’. Other British cities, such as Birmingham and Nottingham, seem capable of carrying out adequate cleaning until Christmas Day. Several traders on the markets have expressed a desire to prolong their stay until Monday.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwTiNw7oIWc6IHqjNwB6IA


Markets forced to shut early

TRADERS at Manchester's Christmas markets are shutting up shop Thursday - because council contractors won't be available to clean up after them over the festive season.

Stallholders at other continental markets across the country will be working through the weekend ahead.

Markets in Birmingham, Nottingham and Edinburgh are due to close on Sunday and Monday, allowing stallholders to trade right up to the big day.

But traders in Manchester claim they are being forced home before what could be one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

The city council said that their contractors do not work over the festive period and so there would not be time for the clean-up operation if traders were allowed to stay over the weekend.

The sprawling markets, which take in 180 stalls, were due to close today but were extended by 24 hours due to popular demand.

Kerstin Loecher, from Munich, who sells chocolate-covered fruit at her Choco King stall, said: "It would be good for business to stay for this busy weekend. It would mean people could buy my produce as gifts."

Rush

Ieuan Jones, who has been running a stall in St Ann's Square, said: "We want to stay open until the rush is over but the powers that be have made the decision for us. I think a lot of traders would rather get the business than be home for Christmas."

Dirk Reichstein, who runs a German food stall in Albert Square, said: "Given the choice we would stay longer like the other cities but the council told us we must go on Thursday."

Shopper George Hogg, from Sale, said: "It's a pity they couldn't stretch it to Saturday or Monday or Christmas Eve for late shoppers."

A city council spokesman said: "There is a lot of work still to be done when the traders have packed up their vans and gone.

"Dismantling the markets is a major operation and because some of the contractors we use close for business over Christmas, the markets need to close on Thursday to ensure that the public spaces are safe and clear ready for the busy New Year celebrations.

"The Christmas markets have been open since November 15 and were originally intended to close tomorrow but trading was extended to Thursday by popular demand.

"Most of the traders have been trading seven days a week since we opened and although some would be happy to stay and trade over the weekend. Others want to pack up and go home to spend Christmas with their families, some of them travelling long distances across Europe.

"The Christmas markets make a significant contribution to the city's economy and attract many thousands of satisfied customers. We are continuing to develop plans to make it even bigger and better next year

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1028874_markets_forced_to_shut_early


Markets may stay open

MANCHESTER’S Christmas markets could be open over the weekend after all after a last-minute u-turn by the city council.

The M.E.N. revealed earlier today how a number stallholders on the markets were angry at having to shut up shop tomorrow because council contractors would not be available to clean up after them over the festive season.

Similar markets in Birmingham, Nottingham and Edinburgh will be open over the weekend, only closing on Sunday and Monday.

Now Manchester council has promised to allow its markets to trade on Saturday and Sunday – provided enough stallholders want to stay.

Town hall officials were this afternoon holding urgent talks with the stallholders to canvass opinion. It is understood many of the traders have already made arrangements to go home to continental Europe.

Albert Square

If enough want to stay, they are likely to be brought together at a single site in Albert Square.

Simon Ashley, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on the council, said: “I welcome this u-turn.

“These markets are very popular, and I am glad that the council has agreed to allow it to open over the weekend if traders want to.”

A spokesman for the council had earlier told the M.E.N.: “Dismantling the markets is a major operation and because some of the contractors we use close for business over Christmas, the markets need to close on Thursday to ensure that the public spaces are safe and clear ready for the busy New Year celebrations.

“The Christmas markets have been open since November 15 and were originally intended to close tomorrow but trading was extended to Thursday by popular demand.”

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1029015_markets_may_stay_open

The Markets have now gone from New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street and are starting to be dismantled on Brazennose Street

Ecco is now open on St Ann's Street

Tie Rack has closed in St Ann's Square next to the now empty Disney Store

Puma is now open at The Trafford Centre


Puma

New store now open on Peel Avenue!

PUMA® is the global sport lifestyle company that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA’s unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sport lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design.

http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/shopping/directory/info.aspx?ID=3715

Ecco is now open on St Ann's Street

Tie Rack has closed in St Ann's Square next to the now empty Disney Store

I Hear the Easy Internet Cafe is closing or has it already closed? I haven't been in St Ann's Sq for a few weeks.

I would not be surprised if it does close it looked like it was getting ready to close as there were workmen around the units yesterday and if i am right i think the building Tie Rack/ Easy Internet Cafe and Diseny Store are in is called Acresfield Building which has a planning application in to make

Alterations to facade of Acresfield Building to include ground floor retail frontages (Use Class A1) facing Exchange Street and Barton Street and revised upper floor detailing

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JS9R8JBC02600

No documents yet though

A planning application is now up for the Philpotts that will be at City Tower it will be located in the unit next to Grado

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JS3YY4BC06N00

No documents are online yet though

The planning application for Acresfield Building now has the documents online the 3 stores in the building Tie Rack, Disney Store have closed and yes Easy Internet Cafe will close aswell if it has not already.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?085196/FO/2007/C1

The three store will be replaced by five new stores

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7593/acresfieldbuildingplan1rn8.jpg
^^Ground Floor^^

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7404/acresfieldbuildingplan2ac3.jpg
^^Mezzanine Level^^

And an artists impression of what it will look like after the building has been split up into five stores.

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5138/acresfieldbuildingimpredu9.jpg

I wonder where Piccadily Ticketline will move to now as they moved from teh Old Virgin on Market St to Easy Internet now they need a new home. Also Butler's in the Arndale looks to be closing down most of the stock is 50% off and some of the store is being closed off as the stock runs out.

Yes Bulters are closing all there stores except for one in London which is there most profitable is staying, there store lease has been up for sale for a while now

http://www.shopproperty.co.uk/Pdf/40000046468XWKE.pdf?id=a02e3b36-ccb9-420e-b75d-ff719117

Underneath all that shit 80s PoMo cladding Acresfield House was actually a very nice postwar building by Fairhursts. Criminal!

I love that Butlers lease for sale document.

In big letters on the cover is *STAFF UNAWARE* ! :lol:

The fucking are now!

Bagel Nash is almost ready to open next to Boost Juice Bar in the Arndale. The store looks like it will be small like the Ditch shop, which seems to be doing rather well.

Thanks uklad they wont be open till they new year, but is good to see that they will be ready to open soon. They have not opened up as early as anticipated as they have had delays with the store, now we just need the store next to the FX Currency Exchange to be let and we will have a new mini food court area in the arndale.

The application for Philpotts at City Tower is now online

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?085155/AO/2007/C2

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8096/phillpottscitytowerplanao3.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8779/phillpottscitytower1vm8.jpg

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/3222/phillpottscitytower2ym0.jpg

Tesco appeals Chorlton decision

SHOPKEEPERS who took on the nation's biggest retailer and won may find their celebrations were premature.

Plans for a Tesco Express in Chorlton were thrown out by Manchester council's planning committee last Thursday after members last month rejected recommendations that the development go ahead.

The decision meant a new report had to be drawn up before the plan could be formally rejected.

But Tesco and Esso, whose filling station forecourt would host the store, have lodged an appeal that could bypass the council.

The Planning Inspectorate, which has the power to overturn the council's decision, will now review the plans in a process that takes several months.

Campaigns

The committee's refusal followed campaigns about congestion and the threat to traders.

Councillor John Leech - also MP for Withington - said traffic around the store would put lives at risk but was `optimistic' the inspectorate would uphold the council's decision.

He said: "I'm disappointed that Tesco won't accept the decision made by the council."

Debbie Ellen, of campaign group Keep Chorlton Interesting, said an appeal to the inspectorate took the decision away from the local community.

She said: "An expanded store would lead to a dangerous increase in traffic, increased risks for pedestrians and would threaten the independent shops."

An Esso spokeswoman said: "Our experience shows people welcome Esso-Tesco alliance sites."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1029660_tesco_appeals_chorlton_decision

Crowds out early for sales

HUNDREDS of savvy shoppers piled into the Trafford Centre before dawn for the start of the sales.

Early-bird bargain hunters arrived at the centre from 4am to get in line for the sale at Next and Next Kids which opened their doors at 7am.

Queues – made up of as many men as women - formed along half the length of the centre and into the car park for the two Trafford Centre branches which were among the only ones in the country to open on Boxing Day.

Some shoppers brought breakfast supplies and around 200 staff, including family and friends of employees, were employed by Next to man the mammoth sale, a manager said.

Around a thousand shoppers were given clear plastic carrier bags by staff before they burst through the doors to fight it out in the frenzy.

First in the queue was hairdresser Kelly Walmlsey, 29, from Macclesfield, who arrived 50 minutes before security guards opened up the centre at 5am. She said: “I’ve been coming every year since the centre opened and this year I’ve timed it perfectly. I’ll take anything at all as long as it’s a bargain.”

Her sister, 27-year-old Lucy Wardle, from Burnage, who is six months pregnant with her first child was third in the queue for Next Kids – and was one of the first out having snapped up more than ten baby items for £30. “I’ve got a lot more than I thought I would,” she said.

The tills were also ringing at department stores Debenhams and Selfridges within minutes of opening at 8am. The centre was expecting around 130,000 customers throughout the bank holiday.

In Manchester City Centre, queues were expected at House of Fraser – formerly Kendal’s – which has started its sale on Boxing Day for the first year and opened at 10am. The Arndale Centre has also opened its doors.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1029668_crowds_out_early_for_sales

god i left next in july. so glad i wasnt there for another sale. them early morning starts are insane for sale! even crasier customers that are there up for 4 hours before we start with camping gear!! lol the sales good but not that good haha

speaking as a liberal, those shoppers should be systematically culled.

speaking as a liberal, those shoppers should be systematically culled.

That's a bit extreme. Perhaps they should just be neutered.

"She said: "An expanded store would lead to a dangerous increase in traffic"


Much as I am against a Tesco store in Chorlton, I think this statement, in relation to a small express store, is preposterous...

'Keep Chorlton Interesting'

:| i hate these hippes.

More Krispy Kreme sites

31/12/2007

AMERICAN fast food chain Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has opened its first site in Greater Manchester, and is planning more openings soon.

Its new factory, restaurant and drive-through are opposite the Trafford Centre, next to Costco, and have created more than 50 jobs.

Don Henshall, managing director of Krispy Kreme in the UK, said he was pleased the first northern site was up and running and revealed plans for expansion in the region.

"This store is really a flagship for us. We have invested more than £1.5m in the store and the equipment, which runs 24-7.

"We operate a hub and spoke model, and in the course of next year we will open a site in Manchester. We already have the location and I expect it to open in late March or early April."

Mr Henshall said he was also looking at Manchester Airport as a possible site.

He said inside the Trafford Centre was less likely, because of the existing store's closeness to it, adding: "You can never say never, but at the moment my instinct is a `no', because we are right opposite it."

Krispy Kreme is one of America's most popular food chains. The first store opened in 1937 in North Carolina.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1030059_more_krispy_kreme_sites

"She said: "An expanded store would lead to a dangerous increase in traffic"


Much as I am against a Tesco store in Chorlton, I think this statement, in relation to a small express store, is preposterous...

yeah it's complete crap. this is going to be overturned so easily.

i've always wondered why supermarkets don't stock krispy kreme!!

Underneath all that shit 80s PoMo cladding Acresfield House was actually a very nice postwar building by Fairhursts. Criminal!

I love that Butlers lease for sale document.

In big letters on the cover is *STAFF UNAWARE* ! :lol:

The fucking are now!

is this... the disney store?

i've always wondered why supermarkets don't stock krispy kreme!!

Tesco does.

Venuescore is out by the way. Glasgow city centre top as per but Manchester city centre is now second ahead of Birmingham and Edinburgh city centres. They're 2012 prediction puts Manchester city centre down to fifth though.

Tesco does.


which store?

No Tescos in Manchester have Krispy Kreme cabinets yet, but Tescos around the U.K. do have Krispy Kreme cabinets, i presume now that the factory store at Trafford Park is open they will start opening the cabinets in Tesco stores soon.

speaking of retail.... WHERE ARE THE FIREWORKS TONIGHT?????????? please :)

Lol, Newbury retail park, Newbury Tesco Metro and Hatfield are the ones I know. I imagine it's too do with how close you are to a good number of KK stores meaning they have the production facilities to stock the supermarkets. I bet once a few more open up your way the stores will get them in if some don't do it already.

No Tescos in Manchester have Krispy Kreme cabinets yet, but Tescos around the U.K. do have Krispy Kreme cabinets, i presume now that the factory store at Trafford Park is open they will start opening the cabinets in Tesco stores soon.

i hope krispy kreme are actually nice, i've only seen em on the tele :lol:

OMG! You're not truly alive till you've eaten a Krispy Kreme! Orgasmic. I'm not actually a doughnut fan but since they popped up in the UK I can't enough of them. You won't be dissapointed.

OMG! You're not truly alive till you've eaten a Krispy Kreme! Orgasmic. I'm not actually a doughnut fan but since they popped up in the UK I can't enough of them. You won't be dissapointed.

you on their PR? :lol:

FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS ?

I wish:lol: You'll understand one day;)

Fireworks blasting all over here, have been for hours.

oh FFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mahogany Hairdressing are opening a salon in Manchester in February in between Flannels and Bang & Olufsen in the retail units at 55 King Street.


Manchester Salon – Opens February 2008

Neil Atkinson, who has been a long acquaintance of Mahogany, working with the team in both London & Oxford, will make his way to Manchester with his family at the end of the year, in readiness to head-up Mahogany’s’ first Northern-based salon, due to open in February 2008. “Richard and I have been waiting for this special moment for a long time. We are both from Manchester and to be “coming home” is a great feeling. We’ve found an amazing space for this venture and look forward to welcoming the Manchester charm to the Mahogany philosophy.” Says Neil.

http://www.mahoganyhair.co.uk/

Pret a Manger is now open in Hardman Square at Spinningfields

Afflecks traders face boot

TRADERS at Afflecks Palace could be evicted in two weeks. Stall-holders received the news from the shopping centre's management in a hand-delievered letter on Saturday.

It states that unless bosses hear from landlords Bruntwood before January 19, they will be given a week's notice to pack up.

More than 100 traders at the Northern Quarter centre have been operating in limbo since their lease expired last June.

No new agreement has been reached and the letter will come as a crushing blow to those who hoped the 25-year-old centre would be saved.

The document claims that management have received no `formal response' from Bruntwood to a tenancy request notice served in October.

It adds: "We can only assume therefore that they do not intend to offer us a new lease".

John Chapman, a chartered surveyor representing Afflecks Palace in negotiations over a new lease, said the letter was sent out to keep stallholders up to date.

He added: "It is not a notice of eviction - it is a letter of information."

Nobody from Bruntwood was available for comment.

Afflecks, on the site of the old Afflecks & Brown department store on Oldham Street, is widely regarded as the heart of the city's thriving Northern Quarter.

Generations of youngsters have flocked to its stalls to snap up alternative fashions and accessories. It is known as the launching pad for many fashion success stories and can include Red Or Dead designer Wayne Hemmingway among its famous alumni.

Last year, just months before the old lease was due to end, the M.E.N. revealed that a stand-off developed between Afflecks managers and Bruntwood and no meetings were held.

That sparked outrage and a petition demanding the centre remain open was signed by almost 5,000. Since then, talks have been held between the centre's management and Bruntwood.

But the letter paints a grim picture for Afflecks' future.

Stallholder Leoncia Murphy, 25, described the indoor market as an `institution'.

She said: "The city will lose out if this happens.

"It looks as though it could be the end of an era unless somebody rich can find somewhere else for us."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1030767_afflecks_traders_face_boot

MC2 helps Krispy Kreme to record opening day and welcomes celebrity accounts

Monday, 07 January 2008

The new drive-through Krispy Kreme store in Trafford has notched up the firm’s biggest opening day on record, after a concerted PR push by Manchester’s MC2.

As previously reported on How-Do, the agency undertook a high profile campaign that saw it team up with local media sources such as Manchester Confidential and Galaxy 102 to raise consumer awareness. A VIP launch party was also masterminded, attracting 450 members of the Mancunian glitterati.

The resulting interest in the first North West outlet of the US donut giant saw 180 people queuing at 6am in the December cold for the doors to open, producing opening day takings that reportedly beat the figures produced from the first ever UK KK store at Harrods.

MC2’s consumer head Abby Wright hailed the campaign as one that was “integrated at all levels” (featuring media channels as varied as blimps, online and Bluetooth activity), leaving the client “absolutely delighted” by the results.

In other news, the agency has welcomed two new clients in the shape of TV chef Simon Rimmer, who owns the Earle eatery in Hale, and ‘dentist to the stars’ Lance Knight. Both accounts will centre on general profile raising, as well as specific project briefs.

Knight has the honour of getting celebrities such as Shaun Ryder, Alan Carr, Danielle Lloyd and Caprice to open up and say ‘ah’ for him.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-media-news/north-west-marketing-services/mc2-helps-krispy-kreme-to-record-opening-day-and-welcomes-celebrity-accounts-200801071596/

The General Store

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6053/generalstorevd8.jpg

Lynda Moyo on a store that’s anything but general

The history?
History? Well there isn’t any as this is the first store, exclusive to Deansgate, Manchester. The idea began as a collaboration between cutting edge brands Ringspun, Elvis Jesus, Religion and BolongaroTrevor. With brands firmly rooted in a Manchester heritage, The General Store aims to break the mould in combining them in a retail experience unique to Manchester, with some pieces to be exclusive to the city and reflecting the locality. John Carr, store manager said: “Who doesn’t know Deansgate? It’s not known for its fashion but our window is going to be very striking once we get our neon lights. The Barton Arcade is trying to bring independents to offer an alternative to the High Street so we’re the first part of that.”

Who shops there?
According to The General Store, it’s a mix of different brands and different price points so anyone and everyone will be shopping there. John said: “We're not trying to aim for a specific person, it’s aimed at a mass audience.” However, watch the trendies flock as soon as they hear word of it. The General Store is for those who care about this season not last season. This is fashion for the Myspace generation of fringe flicking, tight jeaned cool kids looking for something new to rock.

What does it sell?
T-shirts, shirts, jumpers, dresses, trousers, jeans, belts. The General Store prides itself on offering an up-to-date rock ‘n’ roll modern look.

Why go there?
John said: “We are style advisors. We offer a very friendly and personal service. We’ve got personality here and we’re hopefully bringing something unique. I think the idea behind this is trying to rejuvenate the individual style of Manchester. There aren’t a lot of independents in Manchester anymore. All Saints is very High Street now. This is a little bit more individual, even down to the music and décor. You’re not going to bump into a lot of people with the same outfit from here. It’s got an industrial warehouse feel with the raw materials and it’s trying to be very simplistic in regards to how it looks because it complements the clothes, which tend to be a bit more bling.”

The future?
If the Manchester store takes off, The General Store may be rolled out nationwide.

There are even talks of opening in Bombay due to popular demand over there. But what about the independence of the Manchester store? John said: “There has to be a fine line between exclusivity and profitability, but hopefully in a few years time that’d be a nice dilemma to have.”

Verdict
The uniqueness of The General Store isn’t necessarily the biggest selling point. The bottom line is that it sells good quality, fashionable clothing - get it whilst it’s hot.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6JlbiNwB6IaqiNwA&

Afflecks landlords hit back

THE landlords of Afflecks Palace have hit out after the building's management company told stallholders they could be forced to pack up this month.

As revealed in yesterday's M.E.N, traders were given a hand-delivered letter on Saturday from the centre's management.

It claimed that landlords Bruntwood had given no `formal response' to a tenancy request served in October. It said: `We can only assume that they do not intend to offer us a new lease'.

The letter advised stallholders that if nothing was heard by January 19, they would be given a week's notice.

But a spokesman for Bruntwood has expressed surprise at its content.

He said that a new lease had been offered - and added that the January 19 deadline `has no significance' to Bruntwood. He said in a statement: "We have been surprised to read some of the recent reports about Afflecks Palace and we share the concerns of stallholders.

"Our direct relationship is not with stallholders, but with Elaine Walsh, who trades as Afflecks Palace, and our understanding has been that she was committed to renewing her lease.

"We remain focused on finding a solution, but this is dependant on Elaine Walsh's commitment to run her own business.

"In the meantime, Afflecks Palace has a legal right to occupy the building and to a new lease."

Elaine Walsh would not make any comment on the matter.

Stallholders have been working in limbo since the old lease expired in June last year.

The M.E.N. revealed months before the lease was due to end that a stand-off had developed between Afflecks managers and Bruntwood.

That sparked outrage and fears that the 25-year-old Northern Quarter establishment could be facing the axe.

Since then, talks have been held between the centre's management and Bruntwood.

But the letter seemed to indicate that those talks were at stalemate.

If the axe was to fall on Afflecks, the popular Arcade in the same building would not be affected.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1030958_afflecks_landlords_hit_back

Just Pink looks like it has closed at the Arndale store was all closed up and no stock in the shop.

Also the Calvin Klein Underwear store at The Triangle seems to have closed, store was all closed up and no stock in the store.

the national situation with retail

M&S plunge adds to retail gloom
Wed Jan 9, 2008 5:48pm GMT

By Rachel Sanderson and Laurence Fletcher

LONDON (Reuters) - Marks and Spencer reported its worst quarterly performance in two years on Wednesday and warned the pain for retailers could extend into 2009, sending its shares down 21 percent and weighing on the sector.

The retail bellwether shocked investors with a 2.2 percent fall in sales at UK stores open at least a year during the crucial Christmas period, after lowering prices across the board to lure shoppers spooked by the credit crunch.

"Dreadful numbers," broker Panmure wrote in a research note as several analysts cut profit forecasts and questioned whether Marks and Spencer would achieve its long-anticipated pretax profit of 1 billion pounds this financial year.

The stock suffered its largest fall since entering the benchmark FTSE-100 in 1983, touching a two-year low of 398 pence at one point. Analysts had expected zero to 1 percent growth.

"In this market you just can't afford to disappoint. The moves have been exaggerated because everyone is so downbeat," Rensburg Fund Management's Colin Morton told Reuters. But Morton added he thought the stock's plunge was excessive, and he was holding on to his shares.

Chief Executive Stuart Rose, who has staged one of retail's most notable turnarounds in his three years at Marks and Spencer, said British businesses were facing a "real crunch" as their costs, such as fuel bills, were rising, but weak consumer spending meant they were unable to raise prices.

He warned that tough trading could continue into 2009 and called for a rate cut, adding to pressure on the Bank of England. The central bank cut interest rates for the first time in two years last month and faces a tricky decision whether to cut again on Thursday.

Rose defended his decision to hold onto market share by lowering prices by 6 percent across homeware and clothes, including deep cuts in the price of top-end cashmere.

"If you reduce the price of cashmere to 49 pounds from 69 pounds, you have to sell a hell of a lot of cashmere to make up for the fall," Rose told reporters. Volume growth in general merchandise was 5 percent.

M&S HITS STERLING

Sterling touched a six-month low versus the dollar and a new all-time low against the euro after Marks and Spencer's update.

Adam Cole, global head of currency strategy at RBC Capital Markets, said the catalyst was the bleak picture from M&S.

Retail rivals also fell heavily on the gloomy outlook.

British department stores group Debenhams shed 10 percent, and fashion retailer Next fell 7 percent. Europe's largest apparel retailer, Spain's Inditex, fell 2.5 percent, and Hennes & Mauritz, the second largest, lost 3.7 percent.

The sharp downturn in Marks and Spencer's sales is a blow to Rose, who has become a business celebrity for reviving the retailer's fortunes and was awarded a knighthood in the New Year's honours list just two weeks ago.

Landsbanki cut Marks and Spencer to "hold" from "buy" and Seymour Pierce cut it to "hold" from "outperform".

Numis Securities analysts cut their full-year profit forecast to 1.03 billion pounds from 1.1 billion previously.

Rose's prediction that a squeeze on consumer spending could run into 2009, the earliest date he is expected to step down, gave rise to speculation he could be willing to stay on longer.

Rose said it was premature to speculate but he was "not one to shirk responsibility".

He defended his bankrolling of a multi-million pound advertising campaign featuring models Twiggy and Erin O'Connor and the refurbishment of the group's 520 stores in the face of analysts' claims the fall in sales proved it had not worked.

Plans were unchanged to expand internationally with the opening of a store in Shanghai expected in the next financial year. Rose also maintained price cuts across the store meant it was better positioned than rivals to ride out 2008 and 2009.

British retail sales grew at their slowest pace since March 2006 in December, making it the worst Christmas for retailers in three years, the British Retail Consortium said on Tuesday.

(Additional reporting by Mark Potter and Mike Elliott, editing by Will Waterman)

Two of the three units in the old Daisy & Tom building are now Under Offer so hopefully we should see some stores getting fitted out there pretty soon.

Scotts in the Arndale is having a closing down sale and will apparently close of 28th January.

Not sure what to make of this


Marks and Expansion

Rumour of the week is that Marks and Spencer want back the other half of their building which they gave to Selfridges in 2002. Originally M&S had traded across the whole site but then found themselves rattling round the place as business dipped. Despite recent trading results they think they could do very good business across the full area once more. Sleuth will keep you posted.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwIjNw7oJwP6IHqjNwB6IA&realname=Sleuth_11/01/2008

Puma were advertising for staff for a new Arndale Centre store in the MEN last night

Not sure what to make of this



http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwIjNw7oJwP6IHqjNwB6IA&realname=Sleuth_11/01/2008

Havent M&S got a whole floor they dont use?

So they are good find Marky


RETAIL ASSISTANTS

Manchester

Full-time

Overview

As part of the Brands continued expansion, Puma will shortly be opening a new store within the Arndale Centre, Manchester during March 2008. We are looking to recruit outstanding individuals for the following positions: RETAIL ASSISTANTS These are challenging roles that require dedication and commitment as the Company embarks on the next stage of its exciting brand development. If you think you have got what it takes, are resident to the UK and are eligible to work in the UK, please apply with a current C.V, stating which vacancy you are interested in to: HR Department, Puma UK, Grange Road, Batley,WF17 6PU.Via Email to: recruitment-uk@puma.com or check puma. com for detailed information. The closing date is 25th January 2008.

http://www.thejobsmine.co.uk/show_job.asp?sa_id=329005154&search_type=jobs&where=2%A3UK%A3123%A342%A3404%A3&no_salary=1&cat=27&role=25&job_src=0&from_page=search_list

Lombok are going to be opening a store in Manchester


STORES
As well as the opportunities below, we are already planning more store openings for LOMBOK this year. Currently we have plans for the Spring in both Harrogate and Manchester. We would therefore love to hear from anyone interested in Store Manager, Assistant Manager as well as Full & Part-time Sales Assistant vacancies for these locations. To apply please contact the Area Manager

http://www.lombok.co.uk

I wonder if this is going to be in the City Centre or at Barton Square at the Trafford Centre

does everyone know/ is it posted about the demolished 43-45 piccadilly building and the approved planning application for a replacement? if not i have a load of stuff on it.

Havent M&S got a whole floor they dont use?

I thought they had held back on using all the available floor space when they had the whole building. I was told at the time that it was due to an internal political thing at M&S to ensure that the Marble Arch store continued to be their biggest, and therefore flagship, store.

does everyone know/ is it posted about the demolished 43-45 piccadilly building and the approved planning application for a replacement? if not i have a load of stuff on it.

Just post it then .

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/064.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/061.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/043.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/040.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/039.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/029.jpg

If M&S took over the whole store and Selfridges had to relocate.........

Weren't Allied London looking for a large occupier for Spinningfields? All theoretical, but with the other big name players that Allied London have lined up, the retail map of the city centre would be altered dramatically. I remember somebody on here proposed John Lewis as the hypothetical anchor tenant.

Great pics again- thanks Mark.

according to manchester confidential, m&s want the other half of the shop back!

I don't think this has been posted but it's a little article on a shopping trip to Manchester:

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/1/13/lifetravel/19987424&sec=lifetravel

Work underway fitting out unit opposite Starbuck in City Tower, anyone know what this is going to be?

Also old Waterstone's on St.Anns Square rumoured to be a new HSBC bank. Anyone know more info?

Also old Waterstone's on St.Anns Square rumoured to be a new HSBC bank. Anyone know more info?

That would tie in with them leaving their King Street building.
I'm sure they are looking for alternative accomadation but i would have thought there were certain security issues about that unit (i could be wrong though - i know nothing of bank security! )

Adecco will be opening opposite the new Starbucks at City Tower.

HSBC have had the lease on the old Waterstones at St Anns Square for quite a while now i think the planners have not been on HSBC's side in changing the use of the store to A2, but that could have changed now.

Here is the planning document about HSBC opening at 2-4 St Anns Square it is from 2006

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/downloads/078101-st_anns_sq.pdf

Looks like it has been approved so i would imagine seeing some work happening soon.

Adecco will be opening opposite the new Starbucks at City Tower.


:ohno: Should've been retail.

Shame about HSBC moving in. Work looks like it has started on it. Shame. I always thought it'd make a good city centre Borders, or even better, a great restaurant location. Loch Fyne or something. Hey ho...

:ohno: Should've been retail.

why, what's wrong with an employment agency there? they have lost of customers

They built the arcade to New York street to entice pedestrians through the podium an open the gardens a bit. I've said this before but whilst the arcade looks pretty smart it also looks very corporate. It looks like an entrance to an office block.

This of course is good for the office tower itself but when you go shopping you don't go walking into random office blocks and this is why hardly anyone uses the arcade.

Filling the units with retail and restaurants helps negate the 'I'm an office block, if you don't work here you're not wanted' feel of the arcade. Whilst you might not like starbucks you know you're allowed in there. Likewise, unless you're looking for a job you know you shouldn't really be taking a short cut through the reception of Adecco.

Its all a bit subliminal and psychomagtastic (I made that up), but they've partially defeated the point of building the arcade already.

I tell you, it needs a flower stall in there with a fit bird working on it.

I take it HSBC on Cross Street will also close if one is opening in St Ann's Sq. On other news at last teh Arndale has some more cash machines! They are in the winter garden by the vending machines upstairs.
At the Lowry Outlet Mall 2 more stores are having a closing down sale, Coloroll & Ponden Mill.

Papa John's reveals Manc plans

AMERICAN-owned pizza delivery group Papa John's today announced plans to open 14 stores across Greater Manchester over the next 18 months.

The company intends to invest more than £3m in the region and create hundreds of jobs for store managers, dough slappers, telephonists and delivery people.

Papa John's first branch in the north west will open tomorrow in Sale - its 101st store in the UK.

Ian Saunders, UK managing director, said: "We have already invested in opening a company-owned store in Sale and we believe that it will be the perfect place to showcase Papa John's to potential franchise partners.

"We have identified the Greater Manchester area as a key development zone."

The company was founded by American John Schnatter 20 years ago and has since opened 3,000 stores worldwide with annual sales of more than £1bn.

"We believe that the north west is one of the biggest business opportunities in the UK for delivery and takeaway food," said Mr Saunders.

"And by opening a company-owned store we are sending out a clear message to potential franchise partners that Papa John's is one for the future, with almost limitless opportunity and potential."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1031954_papa_johns_reveals_manc_plans

Papa John's first branch in the north west will open tomorrow in Sale - its 101st store in the UK.

shoddy jornalism

1 they have had loads of shops in liverpool for years
2 the shop in sale is across the road from my mums house and has been open for weeks

Where in Sale is it? On Northenden Road?

I live just off Dane Road and haven't noticed it yet.

It is located at 388 Washway Road next to the American Golf store on the same side as the Pizza Hut Delivery store.

American Golf have now closed there store on Great Ancoats Street.

It is located at 388 Washway Road next to the American Golf store on the same side as the Pizza Hut Delivery store.

Ah, near to Dragon City - a quality Chinese take away if there ever was one.

A bit of good news for West One Retail Park in Eccles they have a new store opening


Eccles

Subway has taken a new 15-year lease, with five-yearly break options, on the 1,500-sq ft Unit A on the West One retail park. A rent of £30,000 pa has been agreed. BTWShiells represented the landlord, Dominion Corporate Trustees, and Savills represented the tenant.

It is located at 388 Washway Road next to the American Golf store on the same side as the Pizza Hut Delivery store.

I know where it is. Might have to go check it out. Its quite away from Sale, I'd call it more Timperley.

Supermarkets sweep
David Thame
15/ 1/2008

DESPITE growing gloom about the prospects for retail, the big supermarkets have stepped up their plans to expand in Greater Manchester.

Sainsbury's have become the latest new signing, becoming preferred developer at the Knightsbridge site at Stockport's Great Portwood Street.

Stockport council has chosen J Sainsbury to develop the seven-acre site earmarked for mixed-use redevelopment.

The launch of Future Stockport - the council's £500m regeneration plan for the town centre - positioned Knightsbridge as one of the key projects and the council is keen to drive forward a scheme which redefines this important area.

Councillor Sue Derbyshire, the executive member for regeneration, commented: "Sainsbury's proposal represents excellent value with exciting possibilities for the redevelopment of Knightsbridge. It also opens up discussions regarding the redevelopment of their existing store on Warren Street, which is particularly interesting."

More details on the scheme itself will be available later in 2008. The decision is subject to call-in by the Scrutiny Committee.

Stockport council is being advised by development consultants Cushman & Wakefield.

Supermarkets have shown growing interesting in Greater Manchester, with Waitrose about to make their debut in the city and the other major names expanding.

So far, food stores have escaped much of the economic gloom now clouding prospects for retailing.

Despite a surprisingly poor performance for Marks & Spencer, where food sales dropped by 1.5 per cent, Sainsbury reported Christmas sales up 4.7 per cent. More than 21.5m customers shopped at Sainsbury's in the seven days before Christmas, with more than 300,000 an hour passing the tills on December 23.

Tesco's like-for-like growth was slightly stronger than earlier in the year at 5.7 per cent, but price cuts are understood to have helped boost sales.

Use of former bank (Use Class A2) at ground and basement levels for retail purposes (Use Class A1) and elevational alterations

100 King Street
Manchester
M2 4WU

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?084306/FO/2007/C1

ILVA is struggling.

Ilva stores rack up losses


The Danish based retailer ILVA, which used Manchester as its European launchpad in 2004, has racked up losses of £62m. The company lost £2.33 for every £1, accounts show.

Once tipped to revolutionise the furniture retail sector, ILVA was forced to write off £24m of investment and stock after a restructure.

The situation is so serious that IVLA’s auditors Ernst & Young have warned of “material uncertainty” as to the company carrying on as a “going concern”.

The Great Ancoats street store opened its doors in May 2004 creating 250 jobs in the area.

Later two others stores opened in Thurrock and Gateshead.

Accounts filed at Companies House for the year ending April 2007 show the £62m loss comes on the back of £26m sales.

Accounts show the company also expects to make losses this financial year, although directors insist its long term future is secure after finalising a £56.9m cash and loan injection.

Last year private equity group Advent sold their stake in the firm to Icelandic bank Kaupthing after sinking more than £50m into the venture.

Kaupthing has since sold a majority stake to Rumfatalagerinn, which owns rival the Pier.

Sports Cafe gone.

Sports Cafe closes 2 locations


Sports Café Holdings, the parent firm behind the eight-strong chain of Sports Café bars, has closed its Manchester location and laid off around 30 staff after calling in the administrators.

The firm appointed London-based insolvency partners Bruce Mackay and Alan Lovett of accountancy firm Baker Tilly, who decided to close the Manchester and Liverpool branches immediately. The company’s other six venues in Birmingham, Bristol Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle and London are continuing to trade, and Mackay says the business will be sold as a going concern.

“The company has experienced some extremely difficult trading conditions over recent weeks,” he said. “However, Sports Café is something of an institution and we are confident that we can generate significant interest in the business.”

ILVA is struggling.

Ilva stores rack up losses


The Danish based retailer ILVA, which used Manchester as its European launchpad in 2004, has racked up losses of £62m. The company lost £2.33 for every £1, accounts show.

Once tipped to revolutionise the furniture retail sector, ILVA was forced to write off £24m of investment and stock after a restructure.

The situation is so serious that IVLA’s auditors Ernst & Young have warned of “material uncertainty” as to the company carrying on as a “going concern”.

The Great Ancoats street store opened its doors in May 2004 creating 250 jobs in the area.

Later two others stores opened in Thurrock and Gateshead.

Accounts filed at Companies House for the year ending April 2007 show the £62m loss comes on the back of £26m sales.

Accounts show the company also expects to make losses this financial year, although directors insist its long term future is secure after finalising a £56.9m cash and loan injection.

Last year private equity group Advent sold their stake in the firm to Icelandic bank Kaupthing after sinking more than £50m into the venture.

Kaupthing has since sold a majority stake to Rumfatalagerinn, which owns rival the Pier.

More expensive than IKEA
Not as good as Habitat

Conclusion?
ILVA is fucked

More expensive than IKEA
Not as good as Habitat

Conclusion?
ILVA is fucked

Totally. Which idiots came up with the idea it would work in the UK. They adverts running on Granada keep on advertising Thurrock! I wonder what chain would want that unit? If Ancoats Retail Park gets the chop the site would be even less attractive to any retailer. The other 2 stores I belive are wned by M&S and are on lease to ILVA.

Supermarkets have shown growing interesting in Greater Manchester, with Waitrose about to make their debut in the city and the other major names expanding.

I wonder where in the city Waitrose will be opening could Spinningfields be a possibility, or do they mean that Waitrose are just going to continue opening stores in the suburbs.

I wonder where in the city Waitrose will be opening could Spinningfields be a possibility, or do they mean that Waitrose are just going to continue opening stores in the suburbs.

These days anywhere where there is retail ground floor space you could find a supermarket. In the city your own ever afew minutes walk away from a supermarket. There are loads of small Sainsburys and Tesco stores spread about.

Kings Sturge are going to be opening a second estate agents in the city at 67A High Street in the Basil Chambers.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9421/kingssturgehq4.jpg

Here is the planning document

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?085141/FU/2007/C1

Nisa are going to be opening a Nisa Metro store on New Quay Street


Nisa Metro, Unit 1, Site 402 New Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3BE

Application Type Premises Licence (New)

Proposal
Proposed opening hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises:
Mon to Sun 0800 to 2300

Proposed opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun 0600 to 2300

Have not got any idea where it could be on New Quay Street though

Only one place it could be Flange - underneath the Spinningfields NCP.

Ya had a feeling it might be there but was not sure if there were any other places it could be opening in.

Bhs are going to be opening one of there British Home Stores at Barton Square, they will be in the unit opposite M&S Home at the front of Barton Square

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8070/bhsgt3.jpg

Here is the planning application

http://planningdocs.trafford.gov.uk/eintranet/pam/planning_application_search_pam.jsp?APPLICATION_NUMBER=H/ADV/68636&SearchType=Planning%20Application/

Roche Bobois (http://www.rochebobois.com) have opened a smart looking store on Great Ancoats Street at the MM2 buildings adding further impetus to this area's revival. Seems to be the first store outside of London.

Lowry House looks fantastic at the reception and ground floor level with the Philpotts fit out nearing completion

Philpotts at Lowry House will open on Thursday 24th January

Staples and Cotswold could be opening stores in the former Daisy & Tom store, they are the stores that are under offer

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1142/newdaisytomtennantsqy9.jpg

There is also a restaurant unit that is unlet so that could be opening on the side facing House of Fraser.

January 2008

Leading retail design company rpa:vision has collaborated with iconic U.S. brand Brooks Brothers to create a new interior for the launch of its flagship Edinburgh store. The brand launched in the UK two years ago and this prestigious location marks the first step outside London.

Brooks Brothers is America’s oldest (est. 1818) and most celebrated fashion retailer, specializing in business suiting for men and women as well as the smart/casual ‘Ivy League’ style with which the company is synonymous. With the emphasis placed firmly on quality product and customer service, Brooks Brothers has served generations of American families, and dressed every US President since Abraham Lincoln.

The brand is planning to invest £15m in developing the UK market and its stores over the next five years. Further stores are planned in a number of cities with flagship stores slated for Manchester, Dublin, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Cardiff and a number of smaller boutique stores targeting Cambridge, Oxford, Kingston, Guildford, Plymouth, Southampton and shop in shop opportunities

http://www.designtaxi.com/news.jsp?id=14993&monthview=0&month=1&year=2008

HMV at Piccadilly Station is now closed and hoardings are up around the store.

The Jury

22/ 1/2008


Q Does it matter if small independent retailers are priced out of our city centre?

Chris Chaunce of Chaunce O'Hara insurance brokers of Manchester.
YES: It's a sad fact that Britain is becoming a nation of `clone towns', as small independent retailers are being priced out by global and national retail stores. Small independent shops give our city a personality to distinguish it from other cities in the country.

Independent retailers should be subsidised to ensure they can compete on the high street, and we can all contribute by spending our money there as well as with the bigger retailers.

By promoting and showing pride in our local retailers, we can enhance diversity, and increase the viability and stability of local economics.

Martin Marshall, managing director of business transfer agents SBS Commercial.
YES: Of course it does. Shoppers don¹t want to see a homogenised high street, and nor do property owners want corporates to get a monopoly over terms and conditions.

Independent shops are the lifeblood of Manchester city centre. Without them, the ground floors of many developments would be derelict, charity shops or the same few faces providing low-paid, unskilled jobs and contributing little to the local economy.

These shops represent the spirit of commerce in a country that built its wealth on being a `nation of shopkeepers'. It would be a crime to short-change our economy and consumers by letting them die away.

Phil McCabe, PR and media manager at the Forum of Private Business
YES: It is vital that town centres retain the small, independent businesses that are their lifeblood, and the UK's biggest employers.

Unstable local economie lead to urban decay and social problems.

In many cases, consumers pay for the convenience of shopping in large, edge- of-town supermarkets by seeing their once-thriving high streets become desolate.

The big supermarket chains employ the most aggressive tactics - such as using their market influence to keep local suppliers' prices low, and buying up large areas of land to soak up all of the trade and force out any competition.

So far, two high-profile investigations, by the Competition Commission and Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have failed to redress the situation.

The FPB is urging customers to vote with their feet and use their local shops instead.

Jonathan Quick, senior investment director, Rensburg Sheppards.
YES: Manchester's eclectic mix of small shops plays a key role in distinguishing the city centre from out-of-town shopping malls and other cities.

As well as supporting the city's retail and tourism economies, they provide an investment platform for the region's entrepreneurs and smaller-capital investors.

Pricing small, independent shops out of the city centre would diminish such investment opportunities, while increasing the pricing-power of large high street stores and chains, and reducing consumer choice.

Mitchelle Atack, marketing manager of Triangle Shopping Centre, Manchester.
YES: It is an easy question to answer, as small, independent retailers are an integral part of Manchester's overall retail offering and a major attraction for visitors and tourists.

Customers want a wider choice and a more varied shopping experience than those proffered by the usual high street names found in the Arndale and Trafford Centre.

This is where destinations such as Triangle Shopping Centre, Affleck's, the Northern Quarter and Barton Arcade excel.

The people of this city are extremely proud of its heritage, culture and style.

The removal of small, independent shops would discredit the city's individual-ity and potentially backfire in terms of its overall attraction.

Des O'Driscoll, partner at Nexus Solicitors, Manchester.
YES: Manchester has a long tradition of independent retailers, and long may it continue.

The High Street is not the right place for such traders, however.

Plenty of city districts play host to smaller traders - the Northern Quarter, Castlefield, Knott Mill are examples.

National and international multiples are still drawn to our city, and we all benefit from that.

Yet there will always be an element who run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. They bemoan the lack of a small retailer specialising in slippers handmade in baby alpaca fur by Peruvian artisans - yet they will still nip into Tesco Express for a pint of milk.

Butlers in the Arndale will be staying open for at least another 6 months. The staff didn't seem too sure what was happening after that.

Yes half of the store was closed off a while back and now the whole store in back open so it looked like it would stay open for a while, there are only 3 stores left open in England now, one in Islington, Brighton and the one at Manchester Arndale.

All Saints

Sian Claire Owen finds divine inspiration at All Saints

Where?
All Saints
Unit 4
45 Market Street
The Arndale Shopping Centre
Manchester
M1 1WR
0161 817 4820

History
All Saints was originally a menswear boutique, creating snappy tailored outfits with edgy twists, generally made from unusual materials. They expanded to include cutting edge women’s wear, and proved to be indispensable for discerning rock chicks up and down the country.

The All Saints store moved from their King St store in June 2007 after growing success meant they needed a bigger space. So where better to locate to than one of the prime positions on Market Street? And you can’t miss it. The store stands out as a glitzy oasis of glamour on the main drag.


What does it sell?
All Saints are notorious for their edgy twists on contemporary designs. They combine random, one-off feature items with their more standard lines. But even these will have some quirks and funky aspects to them.

All Saints pride themselves on using their in-house designers based in Spittlefields, London for their clothes. They don’t sell items in bulk, so chances are your purchase will be fairly unique.

At the moment, there are some great bargains to be had in the sales. From adventurous golden Cropped Tab Metallic jackets (reduced from £250.00 to £175.00), or trendy leather jackets (£220.00), to more classy outfits such as the little black Panthea dress (reduced to £60.00 from £120).

Who shops there?
Those who want to glam up with a more rock ‘n’ roll edge. It also has a strong celebrity following - Dermot O’Leary was spotted wearing All Saints gear on Channel 4’s celebrity Hijack.

Not content with selling beautiful fashion items, All Saints embrace live music and often have performances from local bands and DJs; their recent featured band, Scanners, has been getting favourable press in the NME.

Why go there?
Because All Saints wear equals instant street cred. It provides you with something off-the-wall that’s beautifully designed and well made, and won’t appear in every Primark and Top Shop in the land.

The Future
Who knows? The All Saints Empire is forever expanding, while retaining their unique tussled just-got-out-of-bed-and-still-look-fantastic sensibility. The Market St store has been open since June 2007, and fingers crossed will be around a lot longer. To catch one of their random live in-store performance, check their website for more details.

Verdict
All Saints designs add the salt ‘n’ pepper to classic cuts. The sales are an absolute must for great bargains.

Opening times
Mon – Fri: 10.00 – 8.00
Sat: 10.00 – 7.00
Sun: 11.00 – 5.00

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/beautyhealthfashion/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6JlOjNwB6IaqiNwA&

Store Detective: Superdry

WHAT: Superdry

WHERE: Arndale Centre, Manchester

WHY GO? If it's good enough for David Beckham...

Boys, let us predict that if you haven't yet heard of cult label Superdry you soon will, as it has recently opened its funky new store in the new section of the Arndale.

Already, Style has spotted many a trendy young man-about-town sporting their bright and brilliant t-shirts, and snug-fitting jeans. So we nipped down to check out what the guys are getting so excited about.

A newcomer on the fashion scene, this UK-based chain mixes vintage Americana style with the fun and funkiness of Japanese fashion. There are a few cool pieces to be had here for girls but we reckon it's really much more of a boy's haunt.

Apparently, they have already been inundated with stylish guys trying to get their hands on jackets and t-shirt worn by Mr Beckham.

Yes, there is something a bit Abercrombie and Fitch about this brand. But much edgier - and without the posing. We also like the fit of the clothes, jeans and shirts in particular, which are perfectly tailored. As for price, you're in luck lads as it compares well with the rest of the high street.

If you're not wearing at least one piece of their clothing by the end of the year, well, we'll eat our t-shirts...

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/lifestyle/health_and_beauty/style/s/1031925_store_detective_superdry

Arndale Center vs Trafford Centre


Arndale Centre Trafford Centre

Shops: 240 230

Size: 1.4m sq ft 1.2m sq ft

Footfall: 31.2m in 2007 31.8m in 2007

Customer spend: £750m in 2007 £110 per visitor group

Parking: 1,600 paid spaces 10,000 free spaces

Opened: In stages during the 70s 1998

Owners: Prudential and Capital Shopping Peel Holdings Shopping Centres Plc

Arndale Centre's recent developments: £200m redevelopment which added 75 stores.

Trafford Centre's recent developments: In March the centre will grow by 200,000 sq ft as the £70m home retail centre Barton Square opens. Flagship stores will include Marks & Spencer, Habitat and Next Home alongside homeware stores like Dwell.

anyone know what the crack is with pall mall court on king street? the little garden round the side used to be a really nice bit of public space but has been closed off for a long time.

Expect to see two new Retail or Leisure stores opening here in the next fews months, 1 Pall Mall Court is under offer and 2 Pall Mall Court has just gone onto the market.

crain's today

12:48 pm, January 25, 2008
Krispy Kreme going in City Tower


Manchester property giant Bruntwood has signed up three more retail tenants for the retail space in City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza.

US doughnut chain Krispy Kreme will open a store on the ground floor, extending its Manchester influence from the recently opened store on Trafford Park.

Sandwich shop Philpotts, currently located on nearby Mosley Street, will also take a unit. A gallery for local artists to display their work will also be opened.

Thanks comdot, Philpotts has been known for quite a while now but it is good to see that Krispy Kreme have got such a central location and is also nice to hear about the art gallery is an interesting move by Bruntwood letting it out to an art gallery though.

Is the art gallery going to be in an actual unit or simply in the plaza?

It could simply be placed along the sides of the plaza, making it much more interesting to walk through while not taking up a unit either.

Is the art gallery going to be in an actual unit or simply in the plaza?

It could simply be placed along the sides of the plaza, making it much more interesting to walk through while not taking up a unit either.

Hopefully it will be something like that as you say spoons it would defiantly make it more interesting to walk through if it was like that, but the way it is descriped in the article it sounds like it is opening in one of the units.

Krispy Kreme going in City Tower

Manchester property giant Bruntwood has signed up three more retail tenants for the retail space in City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza.

US doughnut chain Krispy Kreme will open a store on the ground floor, extending its Manchester influence from the recently opened store on Trafford Park.

Sandwich shop Philpotts, currently located on nearby Mosley Street, will also take a unit. A gallery for local artists to display their work will also be opened.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/012.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/011.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/016.jpg

I wonder if Krispy Kreme is going in the unit Saks had next to Greggs as their is a fit out going on at the moment.

I forgot to mention that The Pier has taken over some of the Ilva store. They have the same owner and since Ilva is loosing millions its a way to try and make some before they ditch the stores completly.

I wonder if Krispy Kreme is going in the unit Saks had next to Greggs as their is a fit out going on at the moment.

Yes i wondering if they would go into that unit as well uklad as there has been hoardings up around the store for quite a while now.

Also is good about The Pier opening in some of the Ilva store as they have never really had a proper store in Manchester City Centre, only just the areas in Debenhams and there store at Trafford Centre. It seems that The Pier has been at Ilva for quite a while actually


In September, the PIER opened 2 concessions one in ILVA Manchester and one in ILVA Thurrock adding new and exciting products and a unique opportunity for customers to experience another dimension in home furnishings and accessories.

http://www.ilva.co.uk/historie/

Yes i wondering if they would go into that unit as well uklad as there has been hoardings up around the store for quite a while now.

Also is good about The Pier opening in some of the Ilva store as they have never really had a proper store in Manchester City Centre, only just the areas in Debenhams and there store at Trafford Centre. It seems that The Pier has been at Ilva for quite a while actually



http://www.ilva.co.uk/historie/

I noticed that on the website but I dont think they moved in until recently as the signage is new and the main store has just a temp banner inside facing the road.

The old Waterstones at St Ann's Square now has hoarding up around the store confirming that HSBC will be opening one of there new concept super banks.

Philpotts is now under construction at New York Street.

IC Company is now open underneath Faulkner House next to the new Giovanni's Deli (which is opening soon) on New York Street, it is mainly a store selling most of there brands http://www.iccompanys.com/cds/showpage.asp?nodeid=7967

The Snowy Joes and Max Barry unit at the Arndale now has hoarding around it.

Scotts has now closed in the Arndale and the stock was being cleared from the store today.

And finally Primark have expanded there store by opening in the basment they now have Menswear and Homeware in the basement, Womenswear on the ground floor and Kids and Shoes on the first floor.

The old Waterstones at St Ann's Square now has hoarding up around the store confirming that HSBC will be opening one of there new concept super banks.

A bank!? :bash:

Saint Anne's Square could be a lovely cosmopolitan little place if it was full of restaurants with outside eating areas, more European... the perfect place for this.

If only we could swap the likes of La Tasca, Living Room etc into St Anne's Square and the crappy Currys Digital and the like onto Deansgate.

Daisy Hill Cake Company will be opening within Wrap It at the Triangle in February

http://www.daisyhillcakeco.com/contact.html

Shelly's shoes is closing most of the stock has gone
Oasis on Market St has closed down
Dolcis on Market st is closed as they went in to administration last week, I think the arndale one may still be open? So much for a new concept store.
Tesco Metro is having a huge refitt which started last week. So far the tills have been done and the rest of the store is a crap hole with very little stock.

Shelly's shoes is closing most of the stock has gone
Oasis on Market St has closed down
Dolcis on Market st is closed as they went in to administration last week, I think the arndale one may still be open? So much for a new concept store.
Tesco Metro is having a huge refitt which started last week. So far the tills have been done and the rest of the store is a crap hole with very little stock.

The Dolcis in the Arndale is still open with a closing down sale on.
Oasis on Market Street lease has been under offer for a while now so i presume it has been bought.
Also Shellys lease is up sale and still is.

USC is closing in 5 days for a refit. When it reopens I would think they will have ditched womens clothes like some of the other stores. It had a refit a couple of years ago to add womens clothes.

Next Kids at The Trafford Centre is being refurbishment to look like the new style stores.

Also parts of the Next store at Manchester Arndale on most of the floors are closed off and being refubished to the new style store, there has also been a planning application for the change of signage for the store recently aswell

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JJGTDBBC70000

With the relocation of ticketline to Zaavi in the Arndale, do we know of any plans for Easy Internet Cafe to find new premises in Manchester or are they gone for good?

With the relocation of ticketline to Zaavi in the Arndale, do we know of any plans for Easy Internet Cafe to find new premises in Manchester or are they gone for good?

No the concept is dead most of them have closed down and the website has been scraped and is now just a site to search internet cafes around the world.

I noticed the Next store was having a refit again. The new signage is like the store at the Fort which has already been changed over.
In the Arndale Lilly Whittingham has closed down today all the stock was £3 and the shop fittings where being sold off too. Shoe Express has gone bust and the store is closed.
In the Printworks Chiquito's has opened, Aleefs has expanded into a bigger box and Paparazzi has a repossession order posted.

It's grim on the high street ATM. Pleanty more to fall by the wayside over the next few years/months. The tinternet and credit crunch are really taking a toll.

At the Lowry outlet mall Coloroll, Ponden Mill, Mikey & Blackwells have all closed. In the Printworks Virgin Active is having a refit and will reduce in size as some of the area is given back to the landlord.

At the Lowry outlet mall Coloroll, Ponden Mill, Mikey & Blackwells have all closed.
In the Printworks Virgin Active is having a refit and will reduce in size as some of the area is given back to the landlord.

I presume that Virgin want to have there Health club at Great Northern to be the flagship one in Manchester so they will downsize on the one in The Printworks.

Jane Norman to launch accessories stores

Jane Norman is set to shake up the £2.3 billion UK accessories market by opening standalone accessories stores, likely to be branded JN Accessories.

The retailer, which was acquired by Baugur in 2005, will open two standalone accessories stores this year. It is understood to be considering units in Glasgow's Braehead shopping centre and Manchester's Trafford Centre.

Jane Norman chief executive Saj Shah told Retail Week he wanted accessories to account for a quarter of turnover – which totalled £132.6 million in the year to March 31 – in the next two to three years, up from 13 per cent. As well as stocking jewellery, handbags and accessories, Shah will consider launching an own-brand footwear range in the stores.

Shah will monitor the stores' performance this year before deciding how many stores to roll out. "If it's a hit, the sky's the limit," he said.

The move will be watched closely by Mon-soon's Accessorize and Claire's Accessories.

Shah said the retailer, which has 130 stores in the UK and more than 100 internationally, could open accessories stores overseas. "Accessories in Dubai are very successful," he said.

Jane Norman tested the popularity of accessories at its Meadowhall and Lakeside (right) shops, where it has devoted space to the category in areas branded JN Accessories.

http://www.retail-week.com/2008/01/jane_norman_to_launch_accessories_stores.html

Paperchase ramps up store growth as sales stay strong

Stationery retailer Paperchase will forge ahead with expansion in the UK, after reporting strong like-for-like sales over the Christmas period.

Paperchase chief executive Timothy Melgund Paperchase chief executive Timothy Melgund declined to give sales figures, but said like-for-likes in December were up on the same period in 2006 and the retailer put in a good performance over Christmas.

The designer stationery retailer is aiming to at least equal its number of store openings in 2007, when it took 10 standalone stores and seven concessions. Paperchase, which is advised by CB Richard Ellis, is searching for stores of about 2,000 to 2,500 sq ft (185 to 230 sq m).

Melgund said: "The year ahead will be as tough as all the big pundits are saying, but you always have winners and losers. If you're a strong brand and you have a loyal customer base, you will do well."

Paperchase, which has more than 100 stores in the UK and is part of the Risk Capital-owned Borders group, has been building its presence on the UK high street steadily for the past few years. "We're having increasing success with landlords in making them understand how we blend into the high street," Melgund added.

CBRE director David Kenningham said: "Paperchase's offer is attracting the attention of key shopping centre owners. It's considering a wide mix of retail opportunities, both on the high street and in shopping centres, and looking to achieve a balanced portfolio throughout the UK."

Melgund said that he is considering a range of sites in the UK, but added: "We are quite picky and like to get our sites right."

Last year, Paperchase opened several standalone stores at locations including Chiswick, Derby, Exeter, Guildford and St Pancras Station in London. It also has concessions in all Borders stores and 19 House of Fraser stores.

Last year, the retailer also carried out a refurbishment programme across some of its older stores. This year, it will be investing heavily in its stores at Tottenham Court Road in London and at St Mary's Gate in Manchester.

http://www.retail-week.com/Property/2008/01/paperchase_ramps_up_store_growth_as_sales_stay_strong.html

Laura Ashley is now open in House of Fraser


Manchester HOF

C/O House of Fraser
PO Box 60
Deansgate
Manchester
M60 3AU
Tel:0871 223 1613

http://www.lauraashley.com/page/newstores

6 Jan 2008 - Charles Tyrwhitt are aiming to expand its stores from 9 to 50 across the UK. They are looking at stores in places such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Bristol.

http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/

:cheer: Retail in the City Tower. Hopefully in the arcade. Sweet.

http://manchester-clubbing.blogspot.com/2008/01/krispy-kreme-2-for-manc.html

We should think ourselves lucky. The second Krispy Kreme is set to open up in the City Tower, Piccadilly, "before Summer 2008". The expansion was expected (who wants to travel all the way to Trafford Park to pick up a donut (Answer: No One, Except Me)) but not necessarily - as the Yanks like to say - a given. The Krispy Kreme group is expanding outwards by opening up concessions in Tesco stores. Ugh.

Burger King in Piccadilly is closed and seems to be having a refit. Maybe it will open as a KFC/Burger King dual unit which is due to be rolled out here as it is in other countries.
The Starbucks next to the Halifax has changed the signs to say the store is temporally closed and the nearest store is City tower, it previously said it was closed for a refit and the nearest stores were in the Arndale. Someone told me that they are dispute with the landlord over something to do with the rent.
H&M Market St seems to be having some kind of refit again, windows at the left of the doors are boarded off.
Flange any idea what the old Blue Star store on Market St is being turned into? They have had a sign up for ages but doesn't say what the place is. They seem to be doing some major construction inside.

Burger King in Piccadilly is closed and seems to be having a refit. Maybe it will open as a KFC/Burger King dual unit which is due to be rolled out here as it is in other countries.
The Starbucks next to the Halifax has changed the signs to say the store is temporally closed and the nearest store is City tower, it previously said it was closed for a refit and the nearest stores were in the Arndale. Someone told me that they are dispute with the landlord over something to do with the rent.
H&M Market St seems to be having some kind of refit again, windows at the left of the doors are boarded off.
Flange any idea what the old Blue Star store on Market St is being turned into? They have had a sign up for ages but doesn't say what the place is. They seem to be doing some major construction inside.

I dont know the banner says stuff about you always remeber your first doesnt it and then says Manchester a city of firsts, and yes when you can see through into the unit if the doors are open there is alot of contruction it looks like they are completly redoing the first floor and there is not even a shopfront in place yet.

New showroom for Antik Denim

06 February 2008

Antik Denim is opening a new showroom in Manchester next week

LA jeans brand Antik Denim is ploughing ahead with plans to grow its UK accounts by opening a new showroom in Manchester next week.

The 700sq ft showroom in the city centre will house Antik Denim's full collection, making it more accessible to the brand's northern accounts.
"The new showroom is very exciting because the UK is one of our prime markets," said chief executive for Europe Julian Sidonio. "Our new commercial director, Steven Peters, is overseeing the project as well as driving our UK business."

Peters has previously worked at agency Rufus Abbot and Sixty Group.

The brand has also expanded its autumn 08 offer, which includes a new European-styled range. Sidonio said: "We've brought in two designers whose brief was to create something more toned down."

Antik Denim has 50 UK accounts, and wholesale prices start at £30. For more information, call 020 7428 5845.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/2008/02/new_showroom_for_antik_denim.html

http://www.blueholdings.com/our_brands/antik.php

Been to the TC for the first time in ages this morning (the wife wanted to go!!!). Stunned how many empty units there are.

Smaller shopping areas are really going to struggle this year.

Burger King in Piccadilly is closed and seems to be having a refit. Maybe it will open as a KFC/Burger King dual unit which is due to be rolled out here as it is in other countries.


I hope so, then the old KFC upstairs in Piccadilly could become a macdonalds! lol

Burger King in Piccadilly is closed and seems to be having a refit. Maybe it will open as a KFC/Burger King dual unit which is due to be rolled out here as it is in other countries.


I don't think its having a refit. Closing down and opening as something else is more likely. I know of a number that closed down since Christmas. Afew have turned into Pizza huts.

Yes alot of Burger Kings have been closing down and opening under other fast food brands, but the Burger King at Piccadilly Gardens did put a license in a before christmas for late night refreshments i think and a music license aswell so it seems that there will still be a Burger King in the city centre.

P.S. 100 pages of retail wooooooooooooooooooo

Radley

Vanessa Lees discovers it’s in the bag for Radley

Where?
Radley
8 New Cathedral Street
Manchester
Lancs
M1 1AD
0161 834 0531

History
The Radley brand has been around, it seems like forever, characterised by the little leather Scottie dog hanging off all accessories And although you can faithfully locate it in concessions in most department stores, a Radley store has just been launched in New Cathedral Square, sitting amongst the likes of Hobbs, Burberry and Harvey Nichols. This is a real plus for Manchester as it’s the only store outside London.

What does it sell?
You can’t accuse Radley of not covering all areas. They stock a million different ranges, many complete with key rings, pencil cases, business cardholders, luggage tags, cosmetics cases, passport covers, wallets, luggage and handbags. If you like being thoroughly coordinated Radley is your brand.

Who shops there?
Radley is one of those makes, of which you’re either a faithful follower or you really just don’t get it. It’s not what one would class as high fashion, you wouldn’t find a Radley bag swinging off Kate Moss’ elbow but you might well see opera singer Katherine Jenkins skipping through the valley with one in tow. It’s a safe, twee designer brand.

Why go there?
Again, you’re only going to go there if it’s your kind of thing. What we will say is this it is a superbly made brand and they are constantly coming up with quirky, fresh designs, if not bordering on a little prissy sometimes. Perfect for spring time, complemented by Alice band and cup cakes.

The future?
Depending on the success of the Manchester store, we’re sure Radley will be popping up in other major cities.

Verdict
Essential accessory for those whose catch phrase is “such fun” and “jolly”.

http://www.bodyconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6KDAjNwB6IaqiNwA&

Burger King is now open again at Piccadilly Station

Aslo Monsoon and Monsoon Children will be opening at Piccadily Station they will be opening the unit that HMV used to be in.

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/7169/monsoonpiccadilly3ug9.jpg

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/974/monsoonpiccadilly2xn0.jpg

Sorry about the quality they are from my mobile.

Work has started on the unit next to Subway & Eurochange in the Arndale. No idea what is going in their but the unit looked much bigger than the others next to it.

Most of the Burger kings in train stations and motorways are run by someone else. Its all franchises, the ones in the towns are own by one person and then someone else runs the ones in prime locations like train stations. They also have higher prices and don't do offers.

Cafe Nero will be opening underneath 80 Mosley Street, there is a sign in the window recruiting for staff.

Adecco is nearly finished at City Tower, it look like they will be taking the whole unit and not just half, as the unit was apprently going to be split up into two but there is no second set of doors and dividing wall.

Burger King will reopen at Piccadilly Gardens on Friday 15th February after the store has had 'remodeling works.'

Some new signage is now starting to be put into place at Next mainly in Exchange Court in the Arndale.

The good folk of Wigan will soon be heading down to Manchester City Centre in there droves.

Posh pie shop to open in city centre


A gourmet pastry firm started by a former Sainsbury's buyer and a Claridge's chef is to open its first retail outlet in Manchester city centre. Ben Davies and Emmanuel Lioux launched Macclesfield-based Crumbs, which offers a range of upmarket pasties, pies and quiches, in October 2006. Waitrose began stocking its range last April, and Davies is predicting sales of £600k in its first year. The firm has also just signed a lease with Bruntwood to take a unit at the base of its City Tower development at Piccadilly Plaza, where it will commence trading in April. “We're confident in the Crumbs products and brands,” said Davies. “We're not just another sandwich retailer.”

The firm has also just signed a lease with Bruntwood to take a unit at the base of its City Tower development at Piccadilly Plaza, where it will commence trading in April.

Pies AND doughnuts in the City Tower.

Get in! The area's gonna be full of little fatties runnig about the place soon. And one of them will most definately be me.

I went around St Anns Sq and King Street today and they are in rapid decline! EasyInternet is now closed so that's that building empty, On the Royal Exchange side you have the old JD/Nike & the posh purfume shop closed then you have the old WHSmith unit still empty after all these years. On Kind Street things are looking bad, the place has lost it's shine and I can see more retailers leaving soon.

I went around St Anns Sq and King Street today and they are in rapid decline! EasyInternet is now closed so that's that building empty, On the Royal Exchange side you have the old JD/Nike & the posh purfume shop closed then you have the old WHSmith unit still empty after all these years. On Kind Street things are looking bad, the place has lost it's shine and I can see more retailers leaving soon.

It's interesting, from an outsiders (ie non-retail expert but enthusiastic shoppper viewpoint) Manchester's retail scene largely seems broad, deep and vibrant. But, when I think about individual pitches or retail areas in detail the picture is pretty grim:

King St -
Definitely on the slide, several empty sites and the loss of some key names.
St Annes Square -
Currently half empty and with an ill thought out mish-mash of retailers - McDonalds and luxury jewellers? Lacks identity.
New Cathedral Street -
There's been some churn but it seems strong, that said I hear Harvey Nicks and Selfridges are not deemed to be trading well.
The Triangle -
Or the Bermuda Triangle as ManCon unkindly called it. Full of empty units after half-arsed repositioning.
Printworks -
Initial stab at retail/leisure mix has been abandoned to concentrate on the latter.
The Royal Exchange -
Prime site but a non-starter. If retailers were chomping at the bit I'm sure this would be happening.

Apart from a few more peripheral areas (the bottom end of Deansgate becoming a homewares mecca) and the continued vibrancy of the N4 (Afflecks issues notwithstanding) it seems that Market St/Arndale is the only current retail success story in the city centre.

I find that sad, and not a little worrying. Don't get me wrong, a successful city has to maintain a substantial lower to mid-market appeal (and lets not be snobbish about that) but with the upper-mid/high-end areas seemingly failing our current spread of aspirational and "statement" retailing feels precarious.

Anyone of the inside care to let me know if my concerns are on or off the mark?

How does the Trafford Centre fit into all this?

Cheers

Thom

When does the legislation forcing landlords to pay full business rates on empty units come into force?

Do people expect this to have an effect on rents?

Laura Ashley are going to be opening there second Manchester store at Barton Square, they are now advertising for jobs.


MANAGER

Manchester

Full-time

Industry sector/s: Retail and Wholesale

Overview

LAURA ASHLEY NEW STORE OPENING MANCHESTER - BARTON SQUARE (Trafford Centre)

Laura Ashley will shortly be opening a new store in Manchester. We are now looking for talented and committed individuals to join our dedicated sales team in the following role: MANAGER You will need to be confident, flexible and enthusiastic with a real flair for customer service. In return we offer attractive salaries, substantial staff discounts and superb training and development programmes. We regret that we are unable to acknowledge applications. If you do not hear from us within four weeks, please assume you have been unsuccessful.
If you wish to apply for the above role, please send your c.v. and a covering letter to: Emma Buckley, Laura Ashley Ltd, Unit A, Cheetham Hill Retail Park, Elizabeth Street, Manchester M8 8BB Closing date 21st February 2008

http://www.thejobsmine.co.uk/show_job.asp?sa_id=329024608&search_type=jobs&where=2%A3UK%A3123%A342%A3%A3%2C2%A3UK%A3123%A346%A3365%A3&no_salary=1&cat=27&role=25&job_src=0&free_text=laura%20ashley%20&from_page=search_list

So know the line up for Barton Square so far is

M&S Home
Habitat
Next Home
British Home Stores
Dwell
Laura Ashley

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/038-1.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/043-1.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202008/028-2.jpg

ThomH said "Apart from a few more peripheral areas (the bottom end of Deansgate becoming a homewares mecca) and the continued vibrancy of the N4 (Afflecks issues notwithstanding) it seems that Market St/Arndale is the only current retail success story in the city centre."

Good grief read and that it depressed me. In my opinion even Market St looks tacky. The new arndale has sucked in lots of other parts of the city centre and it is give or take if this is wonderful.

..

ThomH said "Apart from a few more peripheral areas (the bottom end of Deansgate becoming a homewares mecca) and the continued vibrancy of the N4 (Afflecks issues notwithstanding) it seems that Market St/Arndale is the only current retail success story in the city centre."

Good grief read and that it depressed me. In my opinion even Market St looks tacky. The new arndale has sucked in lots of other parts of the city centre and it is give or take if this is wonderful.

Hmmm... I can't quite make sense of the first line of that last post, but that may be down to sleep-deprivation due to teething/satanically possessed young children...

Maybe my own post was a little muddy so to clarify - My point was about which retail areas are doing well, not what retail mix or tenants were good for the city (on a holistic economic level or for personal shopping pleasure).

The Arndale is of course appalling and decimated a wonderful set of streepscapes around Shudehill (though it could be argued a city like Manchester was always likely to end with with a mall and that it was never going to be pretty). Market street, refurbed or not, is cack. It's like a bigger version of High St, Anywheretown.

But, compared to other retail areas in the city centre they seem to be doing well. I'm talking about financial robustness - lots of tenants, proportionally few vacant sites, good rents, a decent amount of continuity (in relative terms, this is High St retail after all). Like it or loathe it The Arndale and Market Street seem commercially strong.

Personally, I'd rather shop along King St or in the Northern Quarter, dependent on how my mood and budget finds me, but it's no good to me if the areas and shops I enjoy are struggling and financially precarious.

Cheers

Thom

£1m revamp for bakeries

Chris Barry

18/ 2/2008

PRIVATELY-owned Lyndale Foods is overhauling its 100-strong chain of Hampsons bakery shops in a £1m rebranding exercise.

The £100m-turnover company, which has its head office in Sale, will unveil the new look tomorrow when the Hampsons shop in Leigh reopens under the name of its long-standing retail brand, Sayers.

Lyndale managing director Michael Quinlan said the name change and refit would take around two years to complete as it is rolled out across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire.

He said today: "The exercise is all about giving our customers a new experience. We have done a lot of research in the last couple of years and we believe we have now got a brand which reflects the heritage of the business."

The investment comes at a challenging time for food producers, who are having to cope with the soaring cost of wheat, as well as higher energy bills.

Lyndale has three bakeries in the region - two in Bolton and a third in Liverpool.

Mr Quinlan said: "There's a lot of food inflation around at the moment. As we are a big flour user, clearly there has been a lot of added cost as a result. It is having quite a major impact on us at the moment."

Sayers is the biggest independent retail baker in the north west with around 200 shops. It was established in 1912 and employs more than 2,000 people.

Sundays

In response to customers' demands, the shops will open on Sundays for the first time.

Mr Quinlan, said a number of new products would be introduced to the stores too.

"Over the coming weeks, customers will see a number of new products and ranges being introduced, including a selection of continental breads freshly baked in the shop every day, as well as an exciting and varied choice of quality cakes."

He said the company was also already offering healthy alternatives to pastries and cakes, with salads, fruit salads and fruit juices on sale.

Sayers was originally founded in Liverpool. It was a family business until 1979 when it was sold to United Biscuits, before being purchased by Warburtons in 1990.

The company was bought by Lyndale in 1996.

As well as Sayers, Lyndale owns a trade business, Peter Hunt's Bakery, which makes pies, sausage rolls, pasties and other savoury bakery products for the retail and foodservice sectors.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1036970_1m_revamp_for_bakeries

Latics set to pitch for weddings
Asian families spend at least £10,000 on catering alone, say organisers
By Lyndon Driver


With a Bangladeshi community numbering more than 30,000, Oldham is the perfect place to run a venue capable of meeting the exacting requirements of the organisers of Asian weddings.

But for some time, one venue has cornered the market. The Queen Elizabeth (QE) Hall is dominant partly because of its sheer size.

The QE Hall's main suite has a capacity of 500 in wedding layout. The cost of a hire is £1,427 for a minimum of four hours on a Saturday, £1,538 on Sunday and £1,111 during the week.

Now, however, Oldham Athletic Football Club's soon to be redeveloped Boundary Park ground is planning to provide some competition.

Following a successful outcome to a planning battle with Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, the club is pushing ahead with plans to provide modern conferencing facilities and accommodation.

Suite competition


A 500-seated (1,000 standing) suite is set to be completed by the beginning of the 2009 season, and this will be complemented by a 120-bed hotel, for which the club is already in discussions with a number of four-star hotel franchises.

It may be too early to say, but the Latics' new facility is sure to undercut the QE Hall's current top-end prices. Whereas the hall requires contracted caterers to be brought to the venue, the new Oldham Athletic development will have salaried staff on site, and that may enable them to offer more competitive rates.

Alan Hardy, chief executive of Oldham Athletic, said: “Oldham has a large Asian community that currently isn't catered for adequately in terms of wedding facilities. The QE Hall is very expensive, and we are aiming to offer excellent new facilities at very competitive prices.”

Ibrar Ahmed is a director of Zinc Occasions, a provider of bespoke wedding services to Manchester's Asian community. Ahmed said that status relating to wedding spend was important in the Asian community. “If one person sees his neighbour or a business associate spend a certain amount, there is competition to spend more,” he said.

In line with the spending, the number of weddings seems to be increasing. The company typically receives six wedding enquiries a week, compared to two or three when it was established a year ago. “Clients are rapidly increasing spend on wedding ceremonies,” he said. “Until recently, you would find disposable cutlery at an event, but now customers are spending large amounts on impressive catering. Even clients looking for budget catering are prepared to spend around £10,000 on dining alone.”

BIgger budgets



At the moment, as Oldham only has one venue that can offer large-scale facilities for clients with a big budget, locals are forced to look outside the town to Manchester venues such as the Sheridan Suite at Sheridan 1838, on Oldham Road near Manchester city centre, and the Lowry Centre in Salford.

New entrants to the market in and around the city are looking to take advantage of this. The Nawaab in Levenshulme has recently expanded to include two banqueting and wedding facilities, providing seating for 500 customers.

Owner Mehboob Hussain said that his restaurant was catering for “three or four” weddings a week across its three function rooms.

The biggest room can hold up to 1,500 people, and he said that wedding trade had picked up year on year in the six years he had owned the restaurant.

“We generally charge £10 per head and give the room free, but some people like to spend anywhere up to £25 per head. It all depends on people's needs and tastes,” he said. If customers want to bring their own food or drink, Hussain will rent the room on its own, for £1,000-1,500. “We're flexible,” he said.

Manchester and Michelin stars can't afford each other
Failures and high costs deter investors
By Lyndon Driver


More than 150 restaurants throughout the UK boast at least one prestigious Michelin star for fine dining. The only one to be found in Greater Manchester, however, is Juniper in Altrincham — and following the announced departure of Paul Kitching, the chef whose work helped it win the coveted award, it remains to be seen whether the star will disappear with him.

But why is there no Michelin star anywhere in the city centre? Radio presenter and stalwart northerner Stuart Maconi tells us in his book, Pies and Prejudice, that northern folk have simple tastes when it comes to food. Yet Birmingham has two one-star eateries. Does this mean that the tastes of Birmingham residents are twice as sophisticated as those of Mancunians? Hardly.



High rents



The reason for the lack of Michelin-star dining is founded more on economics than tastes. Simon Rimmer, the celebrity chef best known as a resident cook on BBC2's Something for the Weekend, and who also owns vegetarian restaurant Greens in Didsbury, south Manchester, last year investigated the viability of opening a restaurant in Manchester's city centre.

“I looked at taking over the lease of the children's toy store Daisy & Tom on Deansgate but soon discovered that the rent on the premises was over £200,000 per annum,” he said. “That really precludes chefs such as myself, who want to offer individual, high-quality restaurants, from entering the market.” If we look at the culinary constitution of Manchester's city centre, we can see plenty of fast-food chains and mid-market branded outlets such as All Bar One and Cafe Rouge.

But the upper end does not extend much beyond the “premium/casual dining” on offer from Room, Piccolino's and Restaurant Bar & Grill.

The latter two are owned by Individual Restaurant Company, which doesn't like to think of itself as a chain and has made some inroads towards offering high-quality cuisine, but does not have Michelin stars as a business objective.

Little success


There have been attempts to revolutionise fine dining in Manchester, but they have often come to grief. Le Mont in Urbis closed its doors last year after just five years in business. At the close, the owners said that the restaurant had “enjoyed great critical success since it opened ... sadly that enthusiasm has never been translated into the numbers of people dining there.”

Establishment, the top-priced venue at the top of King Street, shut down at the beginning of 2007, less than three years after launch. It was recently replaced by upmarket, alcohol-free curry restaurant Karim's. Lounge Ten, on Tib Lane, and Le Petit Blanc, on Chapel Walk, have proved consistent for quality and popularity and have lasted, but they are certainly in the minority and come with a premium price tag.



Bravery, ambition



So is there any chance of Manchester ever getting the higher quality of dining it hungers for? Professional food writer and critic Andy Hayler said: “Unfortunately for Manchester, chefs tend to open top restaurants in areas where they know they will get customers, and at the moment Manchester can't provide that. It will require a chef with bravery and ambition to succeed in the centre of Manchester, and once that happens, others will follow suit.”

Bravery and ambition may get you only so far in the restaurant business, but economics are more important. Unless the business makes money, it will fold. And at the moment it would appear that Manchester can't afford top-quality dining, and top-quality dining can't afford Manchester.