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A vintage kilo sale shop with ‘live window models’ is opening in Leeds
After a long Covid-related hiatus, the company is now seeing a massive influx of new customers who want to shop for affordable, sustainable vintage clothing.
Fourteen years after deciding that vintage clothes should be sold dependent on their weight, Shop Kilo, allegedly the first kilo sale operator, is opening a store in Leeds.
The Merrion Centre in the heart of the Arena Quarter will host a pop-up store for the vintage clothes store for the foreseeable and will be the first long-term shop for the brand.
Image: Shop Kilo
The original kilo store broke the boundaries of normal retail when it launched its 'buy by weight' events 14 years ago.
After a long Covid-related hiatus, the company is now seeing a massive influx of new customers who want to shop for affordable, sustainable vintage clothing.
As a size and age inclusive brand, the 'weigh by kilo' clothing store is looking for ‘live window models’ for their opening. Auditions will take place on the main mall at the Merrion Centre on Friday 4March between 11am-3pm and the chosen winners becoming ‘live-in models’ that will represent their potential customer demographic.
Founded in 2008 by fashion stylist and former Selfridges personal shopper Judy Berger, the main ethos of Shop Kilo is to help others to live sustainably and believing in using the clothes of the past to protect the future.
Judy Berger, Director of Shop Kilo, promises exciting things to come for the first pop-up:
"We are super excited to announce the launch of Shop Kilo in The Merrion Centre. Our company has always been events based and we can see crowds of up to 1500 people per day all over the country. We are Leeds born and bred and we knew that to set down roots, we need to set our flagship up in our home town.
"The Merrion Centre staff share our vision of sustainable retail and we are both working together to create a shopping environment that doesn’t damage the planet. Circular retail is the future of shopping and [the new kilo store] is perfect for guilt-free shopping.”
Image: Shop Kilo
Esme Briggs, Graduate Asset Manager for Town Centre Securities (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre commented:
“We are delighted to announce Shop Kilo is coming to the Merrion Centre as it mirrors our own sustainable ethos which is high on our agenda. More and more consumers have become ‘greener’ in their shopping choices"
"The brand will benefit hugely from the massive influx of student accommodation around the centre; a demographic that continuously looks for more environmentally friendly shops that offer affordable products."
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
Sophie Smith -
25th February 2022 
