Latest news with #TraffordCentre
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Air raid sirens, surging crowds and Usain Bolt greet Trafford Centre's new JD Sports
Surging crowds, Usain Bolt, YouTubers, and air raid sirens heralded the opening of a new JD Sports store in the Trafford Centre. An enormous swell of over a 1,000 people gathered outside this morning (June 7). Many were young fans who had come to see the YouTube group Beta Squad who had been drafted in to open up the shop. Usain Bolt, whose 2009 record in the 150m set in Manchester still stands, was on hand to declare the new superstore open - which is now the largest JD Sports. READ MORE: LIVE updates as M60 drivers face long delays following serious crash which saw seven taken to hospital READ MORE: Fuelled by booze and cocaine, remorseless thug made women's lives miserable Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE A crowd was spread out all down the front of the shop, lining a race track which had been set out. Volunteers were selected from the crowd to run a relay down between Team Bolt and Team Beta Squad, with Team Bolt claiming victory. Excitement was rising, with the crowd screaming as Beta Squad ran up and down for high fives. Finally, after a countdown from 10, the crowd surged forward like a breaker roaring towards the shoreline, overwhelming staff who had been positioned to "drip feed" customers in. Every door to the enormous shop was opened, and those gathered outside moved forward as one. Any plan to let people in gradually appeared to disintegrate under the sheer force of the crowd with people at the front pushed forward by those behind. As the chaos unfolded the noise of an air raid siren began playing over the PA system, lending the feverish atmosphere an almost apocalyptic air. Fortunately, the cavernous shop appeared large enough to absorb the crowd's momentum, and they disappeared inside. Over a thousand people had gathered outside, and all of them piled into the shop in what felt like a matter of seconds. Families had come from across Greater Manchester and beyond, many of them taking the kids to see their favourite YouTubers. Mark Coker, 38, brought his daughter from Birkenhead. He said: "It was crowded. It was mad because they came round saying they would let people in a few at a time, but as soon as the store opens that was it, barriers down they pushed through." Dave Jones, 47, came from the Wirral with his daughter. He said: "My daughter was happy because she high-fived one of the Beta Squad." Steph Casey, 42, brought her son Joe Taylor, 15, to see Beta Squad. Joe said: "It was good, I was upstairs watching it. I wanted to see Beta Squad." Steph added: "His friends have been here since 6 this morning so they managed to get in." Some people also came to catch a glimpse of Olympic icon Usain Bolt. Sarah Shard, 40, had cycled from Droylsden. She said: "I came to see Usain Bolt, but I've just missed him! I cycled about nine miles!" James Air, JD's Director of Group Acquisitions, commented: 'This new store at Trafford Centre was a true statement of intent. It's our biggest, boldest space to date – and it happened in the city where our journey began. This is JD at its very best: fashion-forward, community-focused, and pushing the boundaries of retail.' Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: 'We were incredibly proud to welcome the world's largest JD to Trafford Centre. This flagship store is a game-changer, not just for Manchester but for the retail landscape. With immersive displays, expert staff and dynamic services, JD set a whole new standard for what an in-store experience should be.'
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Coleen Rooney looks happier than ever as she steps out in Manchester - after Wagatha Christie ordeal finally come to an end
Coleen Rooney looked happier than ever as she stepped out in Manchester on Thursday, after the Wagatha Christie ordeal finally came to an end. The WAG, 39, couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she headed to the Trafford Centre for an exclusive event at Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Nichi. She looked typically chic in high-waisted denim jeans, complemented with a bright red cardigan and Victoria Beckham UK belt. The mother-of-four spent the day mingling with friends while sipping on champagne at the fine dining experience. The wife of footballer Wayne as been 'moving on with her life' after her high-profile libel case with Rebekah Vardy came to an end. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Meanwhile, Rebekah has been flogging her old designer bikinis after being ordered to pay Coleen £1.4M in legal fees. The WAG, 43, agreed to pay £1,190,000 of Coleen's legal bill, plus a further £212,266 in assessment costs, after sensationally losing their case. This takes the total Rebekah must pay to at least £1,402,266.20. MailOnline understands she has already paid some of the bill, including £800,000 four years ago and £100,000 last year. It emerged that the TV personality is selling her clothes on resale site Vinted as she advertised the items on her Instagram story recently. Rebekah was advertising a range of her colourful swimwear, from luxury brands including Luli Fama, ViX and Good American. One bikini from Luli Fama, where swimwear retails from around £170, was being listed on her page for a fraction of the price at £50. Meanwhile, the ViX bikinis, which would cost around £200 to buy new were being listed for similar price tags. Rebekah had also listed items of clothing from her wardrobe, as well as children's clothing she no longer wanted. The mother-of-four spent the day mingling with friends while sipping on champagne at the fine dining experience It has now emerged that the TV personality is selling her clothes on resale site Vinted as she advertised the items on her Instagram story Breaking her silence in a statement earlier this month, Coleen insisted 'time and money should have been put to better use' in the scathing message to Rebekah. She wrote: 'The ruling yesterday in my favour finally brings this claim to an end, it's a relief and brings closure for my family and I. 'Throughout this long process, I am grateful that the judgements have consistently gone my way. 'However, as I have always maintained this claim did not need to be made or run for as long as it did. 'The time and money should have been put to better use. 'I want to thank my legal representatives, management, friends and family for their guidance and constant support. 'Thanks also to the public and many well wishers who have been in touch with such kind messages. 'This episode is not something I ever wanted in my life however I am thankful for the way my family and team have dealt with it. We look forward to moving on with our lives.' Coleen must also pay Rebekah a total of £135,097.50 in costs under the terms of court orders from 2024, which will be set off against what Rebekah must pay. A source close to Rebekah told MailOnline: 'It's a huge relief for Rebekah that this long legal battle is now coming to an end. 'She's looking forward to putting the whole ordeal well and truly behind her. 'Now she's just focusing on the future. And there are some big plans coming up for her now that she just wants to get cracking with.' Coleen ran up a legal bill of more than £1.8 million while successfully defending herself against Rebekah's High Court claim in 2022. After losing their High Court showdown, Rebekah was ordered to pay 90 percent of Coleen's legal costs.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Are shops and supermarkets open on Easter Sunday and Monday 2025?
The Easter weekend that many people have been counting down to is here, giving lots an extra long weekend. The four day weekend gives an opportunity to relax, tick off some household chores and enjoy time with friends and family. But the Bank Holiday weekend will also see shops, stores and supermarkets operating different opening hours from their usual - with many opening and closing earlier on the two bank holiday days. READ MORE: Trafford Centre and Arndale opening hours for Easter bank holiday weekend 2025 READ MORE: UK supermarket issues update after removing self checkout tills in stores Shoppers out on Easter Sunday are also likely to see many stores closed. This comes from specific laws in place which limit certain retailers from being able to open on Easter Sunday. These rules are similar to the trading restrictions which shoppers will see on Christmas Day. In England and Wales, large shops that are over 280 square metres must close by law on Easter Sunday, although exemptions apply to certain stores, including shops in airports and railway stations. Small shops which are up to 280 square metres can trade on any day and at any hour and there are also no restrictions on when shops in Scotland can trade. These rules will, therefore, see large stores in England and Wales closing their doors for Easter Sunday. For supermarkets, this means that large Aldi, Asda, Tesco, M&S, Lidl, Morrisons, Waitrose and Sainsbury's stores will close on Easter Sunday, but their express and convenience stores will remain open. Supermarkets may also operate on reduced hours on other days in the weekend and so it is worth checking your local supermarkets opening hours to avoid being caught out. Other stores which will close on Easter Sunday include IKEA, Wickes, Screwfix and B&Q. Retailers such as Primark will also close for Easter Sunday, as will B&M and Home Bargains. In Manchester the Trafford Centre and Arndale Centre will also be closed for Easter Sunday - however some restaurants in the Trafford Centre will be open. Normal trading hours should fully resume for all stores on Tuesday 22 April.
