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Store detective

Helen Tither
21/ 4/2008

WHAT? Puma

WHERE? Manchester Arndale. Tel: 0161 832 0685

WHY GO? Sometimes, the only real motivation for going to the gym is the chance to splash out on some lovely new sporty chic. So hurrah for the funky new PUMA store in Manchester's Arndale - the third "new concept" shop to open in the country - which has made fashionable fitness wear its mission.

Aiming to be more than your average sports shop, there's much more emphasis on fashion and lifestyle clothes than many of its competitors. That makes it a much more pleasant shopping experience than the usual sweaty trainer-filled sports emporium.

Decidedly down-with- the-kids, the store has a bit of a hip hop vibe going on with its graffiti wall fixture - signed by visiting DJs and the like.

There are also going to be a few in-store gigs, and more on the way. As for the fashion, the range of cool Evisu jeans are already one of the store's bestsellers.

However, we loved the funky new From The Puma Archive range, which revisits and revamps some classic pieces from the German company, which was founded back in 1948.

Retro pieces on offer from the range when we visited included the "Nu rave" style neon trainers, as part of the 1990s revisited collection, which are sure to bring back happy Hacienda days memories for many Manchester shoppers.

For the girls, meanwhile, we were most impressed with the range of accessories - from oversized bags to giant shades - which make going to the gym an altogether more appealing fashion prospect, while the subtle range of yoga and fitness gear had a certain air of urban chic.

Of course, if you are really dedicated to getting in shape, there are some serious sporty pieces to be found and a rather natty line in golfwear.

Indeed, it's hard to miss the polo shirt as worn by various golfing celebrities - in bright hot pink.

Now, there's no excuse for not getting in shape - in style.

WE LOVED

1 Evisu jeans from £85 to £100

2 Pink golf shirt for guys £35 

3 Rave revisited trainers £85

4 Super sexy shades £95

5 Gym bag £65, silver pumps £40

BEST FOR Stylish sports fans