It’s been a strange old year, but we’re thankful that we’ve all had a chance to enjoy a few weeks of festivities.
We’ve loved seeing the centre light up with Christmas decorations, Christmas shoppers and of course the little ones posting those all-important wish lists at Santa’s postbox. Thank you all for bringing a little magic to the Arndale this season.
We spoke to some of our superstar retailers to see what they’ve most enjoyed about working during the lead-up to Christmas and what they are most looking forward to about the day itself.
Ryan at FOSSIL
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
Working this time of year can be exciting, you get to know the customers and chat to them about the gifts they’re buying for someone! As you can imagine it’s definitely a lot busier but we tend to get a buzz from that. People are in festive spirits and all the decorations are up around the centre.
That being said, if anything I think I’m most looking forward to time off and spending it with family after the year we’ve had.
Do you have any favourite products in store?
It’s got to be our new Gen 5E smartwatch, it’s a better design and style. Some models have also sold out within a week of us reopening again. It’s got a really sleek look that’s attractive on the wrist. The full silver design is the most sought after product this Christmas.
Emma at RITUALS
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
It’s been lovely to see a return to the centre and seeing our regular customers again. It’s great having that team spirit back, which we thrive on. And we’re all passionate about making this Christmas special for all our customers!
I’m looking forward to spending time with loved ones and seeing my little boy on Christmas Day morning, the feeling is so warm inside seeing his face glow up when Santa has been to visit!
Do you have any favourite products in store? Anything you have your eye on?
I love the precious amber fragrance sticks. To me, it smells like Christmas and is great in these colder winter months. It leaves a scented aroma around the whole house which people are always commenting on when they come around. It makes a great Christmas gift as we do it in two sizes!
Anthony at MORPHE
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
I’m looking forward to seeing regular customers on the daily again during the festive period and of course more so going into the new year. We’re also massive foodies here in Morphe, we love a good mince pie and traditional Christmas foods! I should mention if you leave anything in the fridge it’s bound to be gone the next day.
I can’t wait to spend time with the family as much as I can -that has to be number one on the list.
Do you have any favourite products in store? Anything you have your eye on?
The new Nikita Dragon is a product I’ve got my eye on, it’s one of the first pallets in store for transgender people. It’s not just exclusive, the pallet is made for everyone. It’s also one of our first transgender led faces for Morphe. We’ve had 65 preorders of it and we’re bound to have sold out in the coming days.
Becky at PANDORA
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
I think everyone coming back to the centre for the return to shopping has been something we’ve looked forward to. Seeing fresh faces has been really refreshing for us, we’ve been keeping ourselves busy serving lovely visitors again. Its nice people are getting the confidence to visit the centre and shop in our store.
I’m sure this is probably the most common response to this kind of question but also finishing for Christmas and spending it with family is something we all look forward to.
Do you have any favourite products in store? Anything you have your eye on?
We have an offer at the minute where if you spend £99 you get a free moon and stars bangle which is just beautiful. Everyone is also eyeing up the little travel jewellery box that came out recently. That’s got to be next on the purchase list for me!
From our all retailers and the Manchester Arndale team, we wish you a wonderful Christmas break and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
