Member Article

Manchester Arndale hosts game changing Christmas installation for shoppers

A game-changing Christmas installation launched in Manchester Arndale this weekend (25/11) to tackle people’s Christmas shopping lists.

The holiday phone booth – designed by local artist Maddi Marcantonatos– will be open to the public every Saturday in the run up to Christmas, each week showcasing a different festive theme, concluding on December 17th with a ‘Christmas bonanza’.

For the next four weeks, city centre shoppers will have the opportunity to win food and drink prizes, speak to a virtual fashion ‘agony aunt’ and have the chance to win their Christmas shopping.

In need of a gift for a picky teenager, or a present for your hard-to-please mother-in-law? The booth is designed to be a one-stop-shop to get your Christmas shopping done, with helpful advice to take the stress out of your shopping.

If you are dreading the return of the Christmas jumper or just don’t know what to wear for the office party, then noted stylist and fashion ‘agony aunt’ Rosie Farnworth will be available for a free virtual styling appointment. From the privacy of the phonebooth, people will be able to seek fashion and styling advice in a one-off event on December 9th.

David Allinson, Centre Director for Manchester Arndale, said: “As we enter the festive season and celebrate our busiest time of year, we believe it’s important we offer people visiting The Arndale something new from their shopping experience. We wanted to host an event to help take the stress out of Christmas gifting and allow customers to have some fun as they hit the shops.”

People will be invited to donate to Manchester Arndale’s charity partner, Real Change MCR, as part of a ‘Spin to Win Wheel’ game.

Real Change MCR provide long-term support to those on the journey to independent living, this can include help with a deposit for a new home, a training course, clothes for a job interview or furnishing a new home. Every £2.00 donation will go directly to the charity and organisations who support people who are homeless or sleeping rough in Manchester.

David Allinson, added: “Our ‘Spin to Win Wheel’ feature is a fantastic opportunity to raise money for an important cause, and directly help the homeless community in Manchester this winter.”

Situated in the Lower Mall of the Arndale, shoppers can find the booth opposite the Superdrug store and take part in its antics from 12pm until 7pm.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Elizabeth Lowe .