The Arndale Centre has an exciting new addition to its lower mall in the form of a Danish variety store chain which stocks everything from storage solutions and pencil sharpeners, to drinking games and stylish home décor. And the best part? Everything is SO cheap.
I discovered that Flying Tiger Copenhagen would be coming to The Arndale Centre when I stopped a new staff member for Steal Their Style, who informed me of the store opening the very next day. So of course, on my next visit to the city centre, I cleared my schedule and wrote ‘Flying Tiger’ in big letters on my to do list.
The retailer recently signed a five-year lease for a 2,493 sq ft unit in the lower mall, becoming one of 83 UK stores selling their affordable homeware, gifts and more.
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With most products in store priced between 50p and £5, with only a handful of higher ticket items, I took £20 into the sparkly new shop to see just how much I could get for my money.
Stepping into the store, I was greeted by a variety of Halloween products, from spooky decorations to trick or treating confectionery. I was tempted by a witches cauldron which would have made a fantastic punch bowl, and could have snapped up some last minute accessories to cobble together a costume, had I been planning to go out on October 31.
Each month the brand launches an array of new products, from gifts and gadgets to homeware and stationery. It also means that each time you visit, you’re likely to be met with totally new stock - and we can’t wait to see what they bring in over the Christmas period.
Flying Tiger, like Ikea, is designed in a one-way system, allowing you to browse all of the products as you make your way through the store. Like a total novice, I realised part way round I’d not picked up a basket and had to do the walk of shame back to the door to pick one up. Thankfully, I didn’t cause too much disruption.
After the Halloween section, we get into some of my favourite territory - stationery. There’s planners, notebooks, trackers and more for all of your jotting-down needs, as well as fun pens and pencils, erasers and sharpeners. Then you’ve got tonnes of hobby kits, like printing, clay, paint pouring and jewellery making kits, which are between £5-10 and make perfect gifts for the artsy people in your life.
There’s a section for homeware, although some more items are dotted throughout the store. I loved the wavy tufted mirror for £12, and the £2 vases. You can even get faux plants for £2 and photo frames for a quid.
Products are mostly grouped together, so you’ll also find a section of toys for toddlers and children, and a row of games averaging at about £5 each. You can pick up birthday cards for as little as 50p, socks for £2-3, a mini handheld sewing machine for £6 and a banana box for £1. I actually bought my dad one of these about 12 months ago and he says it’s the best thing I ever bought him - he takes a banana to work every single day in it, and it helps stop it getting battered about in his bag.
The final section sees lots of beautiful kitchenware like glass tea pots, cheap mugs and things like sandwich wraps and sustainable straws. If you can think of it, Flying Tiger have probably got it. And if they don’t, you probably didn’t need it that much, anyway.
The best way I can think to describe Flying Tiger is a cross between IKEA with their one-way system and some of the more minimalist products they stock, crossed with the Aldi Specialbuy aisle for some of their more fun designs. Similarly, it’s the kind of place you go in to pick up an umbrella and come out having purchased a dozen things you didn’t need - but would look totally cool in your house.
So, what did I pick up with my £20?
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Personal planner - £6
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Photo frame - £1
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Candlestick - 50p
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Vase - £2
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Sour UFO sweets - £1.50
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Glass straws - £4
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Four coasters - £1
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Lip balm - £1
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Socks - £2
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Orange sweets - 50p
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Carrier bag - 50p
Total: £20.00
I managed to get 11 items for my £20,meaning the cost an average of just under £2 each - which is great value. The planner will come in handy for work, while the coasters go great with our grey living room.
Flying Tiger’s knickknacks make for great stocking fillers and gifts for friends and family, especially with Christmas coming up, and you’ll be able to get everything you need in one handy little shop.
My top tips for shopping at Flying Tiger would be:
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Pick up a basket on the way in, you WILL need it
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Try to not go against the flow of traffic - if you’re unsure about an item, stick it in your basket because you’ll likely decide you DO want it
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Book at least an hour out of your day to visit - the store isn’t huge but there is so much to look at and you’ll want to take your time
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Set a budget and try to stick to it - it's far too easy to get carried away because everything is so cute!
Colin Flinn, spokesperson for Manchester Arndale, said: “The arrival of Flying Tiger Copenhagen further adds to the diverse range of retailers we have at Manchester Arndale. From high-end fashion brands to discount retailers this broad tenant mix, complemented by a growing F&B and leisure offer, helps to attract millions of visitors from across the North West.
“Flying Tiger is expected to appeal to Manchester’s younger demographic, especially its many millions of students as well as those on family visits to the centre. 2022 has already seen the centre grow its offering for those wanting a day out in Manchester with the opening of Urban Playground, and the upcoming arrival of Slim Chickens and Kokoro.
"We are looking forward to announcing further exciting new arrivals over the next few weeks as we continue to reinforce Manchester Arndale as an exciting destination for all.”
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