'Missed' Manchester Arndale shop that we loved to…

'Missed' Manchester Arndale shop that we loved to visit as kids

It's been nearly 30 years since one unforgettable flagship store - still loved and remembered in the city - first came to Manchester.

Since opening in the 1970s, Manchester Arndale has boasted many popular shops. But back in the 90s, kids from the Manchester were ecstatic when Warner Bros announced they were opening one of their popular Studio Stores in the city. Similar to competitors Disney, the Warner Bros. Studio Stores sold paraphernalia decorated with everything Looney Tunes, DC Comics and Warner Bros. to eager customers.

From Bugs Bunny to Tweety Pie, Batman and more, it became a staple in the shopping centre. You'd wander in to explore the treasure trove of toys, comics and gifts and be on your best behaviour in the hopes you'd be allowed to buy something to take home.

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In August 1993, The Independent reported how the first store in Britain was to open on September 9 at the Arndale Centre in Manchester and that "a big fanfare, complete with fireworks," was planned. Arndale's owners spent several million pounds refurbishing the centre to coincide with Warner's opening date.

At the time, Jackie Prosser, marketing manager for the centre's owner, P&O Shopping Centres, said: "We're delighted to have them opening up here. It's going to boost the image of the centre . . . and from a marketing angle they have such a lot to offer us."

The store is still remembered fondly today (Manchester Arndale)

When the Warner Brothers store arrived at Manchester Arndale in the early 90s - it was a very exciting time. The huge store was topped with a giant Tasmanian Devil and the nearby fountain was guarded by statues of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd.

Grabbing the attention of customers walking through the centre with its dramatic displays, inside the store looked like a Hollywood studio and boasted everything from cuddly toys to games, clothing and more. Shoppers could get their fix of all things Looney Tunes, DC superheroes, classic Warner Bros. movies and more and you'd often beg for more pocket money to take home some memorabilia, like a keyring, mug or a hoodie.

Do you remember Manchester Arndale's Warner Bros. Studio Store? Let us know in the comments section below.

On our Facebook page, we shared a photo of the lost store and many readers were quick to share their memories. Jane Fox commented: "35 years ago my little sons idea of a good day out was a train to Manchester to spend ages looking at the amazing Batman car in the window ! He actually ended up working there for a time when he grew up!"

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Jane Lou wrote: "Loved this store - I still have the Tasmanian Devil fleecy top and two Bette Davis t-shirts and mug that I bought there!" Paul Stevens said: "Definitely one of the best shopping experiences as a kid. Proper flagship store."

Ally Barlow commented: "I LOVED that shop!!! Still have the Scooby Snack cushion I bought in there." Stephen Peter Aldcroft posted: "The Batmobile in the Batcave in the side window display was my particular favourite feature."

Lisa Kenny said: "I loved this shop. Still got a hoody with Tweety on it from 29 yrs ago." And Gemma Williams wrote: "Awww miss this place! This used to make the Arndale when I was a kid I loved it so much."

By the noughties, we had said goodbye to all of the UK Warner Bros Studio Stores. And while retail and shopping experiences can be very different for younger generations, we still have fond memories of visiting this treasure trove.

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