It’s the first standalone store from the sweet-maker in Greater Manchester – and will offer a very special pick ‘n’ mix for Haribo fansHaribo will open its first Trafford Centre store on December 5 – and it will include a pick ‘n’ mix(Image: Haribo)

Popular sweet brand Haribo is preparing to open its first store in Greater Manchester before Christmas. Haribo UK will open at the Trafford Centre on Friday, December 5, bosses have now confirmed.

And in new details revealed by the firm, shoppers can expect its own version of a pick ‘n’ mix station inside the new store.

Plans are underway to make it an extra special store launch at the Trafford Centre. It will become the 13th standalone Haribo store in the UK and first in the Greater Manchester region.

Bosses have also announced a special guest will greet the first shoppers through the door from 10am on Friday December 5.

Goldbear, the Haribo mascot, will make a guest appearance at the new Trafford Centre store(Image: Haribo)

For none other than Goldbear, Haribo’s iconic cartoon bear mascot, will be appearing at the store opening in life-sized form. Goldbear will be doing the official ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as hanging around for photos with fans.

There will also be a sweet treat in store for the first 75 customers who purchase something on the opening day. They can expect a free goody bag alongside their purchase if they make it to the front of the queue.

Throughout the shop’s first week, lucky Haribo fans will also be selected to receive random goodies to celebrate the store opening.

The new store will feature classics like Starmix and Tangfastics, plus new favourites like Nostalgix.

The new store will feature colourful displays(Image: Haribo)

The store also offers a wide array of Haribo’s halal, vegan, and reduced-sugar products, as well as exciting international varieties.

Interactive features include a ‘Pick your Mix’ station with over 40 different products to choose from. On top of this, shoppers can browse exclusive gifts and merchandise.

For the festive season, popular Christmas treats like Merry Mix and Elf Surprises will be available, along with other stocking fillers.

It will become Haribo’s third retail opening this year, with bosses saying it “marks another exciting milestone in its ever-expanding retail presence across the UK”.

Rebecca Fox, Head of Retail at HARIBO UK, said: “We can’t wait to welcome Trafford Centre shoppers to our latest HARIBO store just in time for the festive period. T he Christmas season brings a feeling of magic and excitement, that we want to share with both local fans and those travelling to this world renowned location.

Haribo is set to open in December at the Trafford Centre – amid a raft of new openings at the giant mall(Image: MEN)

“We want anyone walking into this new store to be taken back to the nostalgic feeling of stepping into a sweets shop for the first time and to enjoy some moments of childlike happiness together with each other and our team throughout this festive season and beyond!”

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: “We’re excited to welcome HARIBO to Trafford Centre, just in time for Christmas. The new store promises to deliver a super-sweet experience for all ages, and we’re confident that our visitors will love it!”

HARIBO is UK’s leading sweets manufacturer and one of Yorkshire’s largest employers. They employ a team of over 600 skilled sweet-makers across two Yorkshire manufacturing facilities in Pontefract and Castleford.

They have been producing the much-loved treats for over 50 years – including Haribo’s top selling products Tangfastics, Starmix, Supermix, and Giant Strawbs, as well as our traditional Pontefract Cakes.

HARIBO was founded by Hans Riegel Senior in Bonn, Germany back in 1920 – and the name reflects his name – HA (Hans) RI (Riegel) BO (Bonn).