Trafford Centre confirms opening dates for Uniqlo and Garage stores as huge names arrive

Shoppers can prepare for the opening of two huge fashion names at the Trafford Centre this Autumn.

Opening dates have now been confirmed for two of the most eagerly-anticipated store launches at the Trafford Centre this year. Clothes shops UNIQLO and GARAGE have had their hoardings up at the Trafford Centre for months, sparking much excitement among shoppers.

Now, bosses have finally confirmed their opening dates – and the good news is it’s not long to wait now for fashion fans. GARAGE, the Canadian lifestyle brand, will be first to open this weekend.

It will be followed in October by the hugely anticipated opening of the first ever UNIQLO store at the Trafford Centre. It will become the second outpost of the Japanese fashion brand in Greater Manchester after the Market Street original store.

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The UNIQLO opening is expected to see huge queues of shoppers after it was announced there will be a number of giveaways and offers for its opening weekend. On Thursday, October 15, the first 300 shoppers to spend over £69.90 in store will receive an exclusive goody bag.

There will also be free entertainment from traditional Japanese Taiko drummers on the Thursday and Saturday, October 17 outside the store. Bosses have also confirmed that there will be “exclusive offers for a limited time” inside the Trafford Centre store to celebrate its launch.

Meanwhile viral fitness brand GARAGE will be opening for the first time at the Trafford Centre on Friday, September 25 from 10am. It follows on from its launch at the Arndale Centre in the summer.

A statement from GARAGE said: “JUST ANNOUNCED: GARAGE is continuing its UK expansion into Manchester’s Trafford Centre.

“The Montreal-born lifestyle brand is set to open a new store in the Manchester Trafford Centre on Friday 25th September, marking its second location in the Northwest and its expansion beyond London.

“Known for its off-duty basics and active essentials, GARAGE is bringing its distinct aesthetic to one of the UK’s most visited retail destinations. These openings form part of GARAGE’s wider UK rollout, alongside Oxford Street and Bluewater.”

GARAGE describes itself as “more than a clothing brand – it’s a movement” and is known for its monthly drops of fresh clothing items.

In business for 50 years, its publicity states that the Montreal-born brand has “pushed limits and raised the volume for women who live unapologetically”. It is known for its elevated, off-duty essentials and has garnered a loyal following across North America.

Now expanding in to the UK, bosses says “GARAGE is here to turn up the heat, one drop at a time”.

The opening of GARAGE and UNIQLO represent two of the biggest store openings of the year at the Trafford Centre.

Recent launches have included the opening of the first standalone toy shop in a decade with The Entertainer on Regent Crescent. Meanwhile Disney has launched a big new concession inside Selfridges that has already been causing a stir among shoppers.

Still to open before the end of 2026 include a big new name in the Orient foodhall, with Dave’s Hot Chicken set to open in the weeks ahead.