Handforth Dean at 30: A Throwback to 1995
Wednesday 25th October 1995, was a day to remember. At Buckingham Palace, the Queen was knighting Sir Cliff Richard, whilst adoring fans sang his hit ‘Congratulations’ outside the gate. Across the pond, Julie Andrews dazzled on Broadway for the opening night of Victor/Victoria.
Meanwhile, near Manchester, the air crackled with excitement (and fireworks!) as Handforth Dean Retail Park officially opened its doors for the very first time to the soundtrack of Simply Red’s iconic track ‘Fairground’ on the radio.
Thirty years later, the retail park is a cornerstone of the community, but the world and our shopping habits have changed radically. To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re taking a nostalgic look back at 1995 and comparing it to life in 2025.
Fashion Forward (and Backwards)
Stepping back into 1995, fashion was a glorious contradiction: grunge met minimalism. We were rocking everything from velvet chokers and tiny backpacks to sleek slip dresses. And let’s not forget the era of the platform trainer, thanks to the Spice Girls, a look that has certainly made its return!
Fast forward 30 years to 2025, and our style is all about blending comfort with Quiet Luxury. We’ve thankfully kept the best elements of the 90s (hello, wide-leg denim!) while prioritising quality and fit.
Want to build a modern wardrobe that lasts? Head to M&S and F&F at Tesco for your foundation. They offer flattering denim staples and versatile pieces designed to fit every shape, proving that basics don’t have to be boring.
Meanwhile, the ’90s sportswear craze has evolved into the reign of the Chunky Trainer. Whether you’re chasing comfort or the latest street style, JD is your destination for the newest drops and technical sportswear that merges performance with high-street cool.
Beauty: 1995 vs. 2025 Transformation
Back in 1995, beauty was bold: ultra-thin brows, heavy lip liner, and frosty matte everything! Today, in 2025, the focus is on perfecting the canvas: laminated brows, “glazed donut” skin, and seamless contour. Getting this polished look is simpler than ever!
Master your modern routine at Boots. Discover the No7 Pro Artist Collection, featuring premium, highly-pigmented makeup and expert brushes designed for totally effortless application.
The Great Food Evolution
The 90s championed low-fat, ready-made pasta sauces, and big microwave meals. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re obsessed with global cuisine, iced latte’s, health, and speed (hello, air fryer!).
Whether you’re grabbing quick, fresh ingredients for a healthy weeknight meal from Tesco, or picking up a delicious, gourmet dessert from M&S, Handforth Dean makes cooking and eating effortless.
Looking Forward to Christmas: A 1995 Vibe Check!
As we gear up for Christmas 2025, we’re borrowing some style notes from 1995!
Remember the maximalist cheer of the mid-90s? Think chunky gold tinsel, big coloured lights, and every ceramic village piece you could find! Now, the trend is more curated: muted Scandi tones, elegant flocking, and fun themes like the viral Gingerbread and unusual baubles crazes.
Whether you prefer a nostalgic neon glow or a modern monochromatic tree, you can find everything you need. Tesco and M&S are fully stocked with classic ornaments and elegant new themed collections.
Join Our 30th Anniversary Celebration!
The celebrations don’t stop here! We’re inviting you to be a part of our 30th Anniversary festivities at the retail park.
We’ve got special events, treats, and plenty of nostalgia planned throughout the anniversary season.
Find out all the details and how to join the fun on our dedicated event page: Handforth Dean’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
Be part of Handforth Dean History
We want to celebrate 30 years of history with you. If you have any photos from your visits to Handforth Dean over the last three decades, please share them!
Your photo could be featured in our new 30th Anniversary Community Mural! To share your photos, simply visit our Facebook page and follow the instructions on the pinned post.
