In April, Next will open a new ‘store-in-store’ for the Lipsy brand. Next, who have owned the company since October last year, say the 1600 square foot space in the Arndale will have its own entrance and store signage to distinguish the young fashion brand from its mainstream parent. They have also announced plans for two other stores to relinquish own brand space to Lipsy concessions including one in Dublin. Why choose Manchester for this? London would have been ruled out as the capital already has three stand alone stores eating away at it but still… is this a further dig that Manchester is seen by big businesses as the prime market for ‘chav’? Furthermore, do we really need any more Lipsy dresses in this city? Their collections were already available in Topshop Arndale and both of the Selfridges before the slightly desperate purchase by ‘I know what will prove we’re fashionable’ Next. Are both brands heading for a fall by over estimating demand? You know, I thought there was a recession on….