Darts World’s roving reporter AJ Urmston-Toft has clocked up some serious mileage this year on his Open Road features – so it’s fair to say he was probably delighted to find his latest stop just a quid bus fare away.
This time, ‘The Open Road’ led AJ not across counties or borders, but straight back home to the heart of Manchester. The reason? A brand-new darts haven that has suddenly appeared in the city centre – the Target Darts Pop-Up Shop.
Located in Manchester’s bustling Spinningfields district, the pop-up is a slick, modern showcase of everything Target has been working on behind the scenes. Inside sits an impressive array of the brand’s latest innovations, including new player signature darts, special editions, and exclusive releases that will have collectors drooling.
And, because it’s Manchester, there’s even a nod to local style – yes, there are bucket hats (and at a very reasonable price, too).
From Elysian to Archetype – Target’s Design Evolution
Target has never been shy of pushing boundaries, and their now-legendary Elysian Series proved that long before “premium” became the buzzword of the darting world.
As AJ explains, each Elysian release was a limited-edition experiment in grip, machining, and aesthetic – and the DNA of those early concept darts is still woven into today’s Target lineup. By the sixth edition, the brand had already begun blending innovation with flair, incorporating new grip patterns and bold Japanese-inspired colour schemes.
By the tenth edition, Target had truly flexed its engineering muscles, introducing K-Flex flights and some of the most intricate barrel milling ever seen. Each generation of the Elysian Series built the foundations for what was to come – the brand’s latest technological leap, The Archetype.
The Archetype – A Technical Masterpiece
Described by AJ as “a true modern marvel”, the Archetype is the pinnacle of Target’s craftsmanship. With over 100 hours of precision milling poured into each set, it’s a dart that blurs the line between performance and art.
The design incorporates a Swiss Point system with a hexagonal profile – a bold move away from traditional circular points – offering improved strength and a unique tactile feel. Paired with the spinning K-Flex flights, the result is a set of darts that look and feel every bit as futuristic as Target’s reputation suggests.
And where better to see them first-hand than in Manchester, where they’re now proudly on display – and available for anyone to test or purchase.
The Omni Experience – More Than a Shop
This isn’t just a pop-up store; it’s a darting playground. Inside, visitors can try out the latest Target innovations on the Omni Practice Lanes, each equipped with official Target boards and advanced Omni Rings.
These digital lanes automatically score, calculate averages, and guide players through finishing routes – it’s like having a chalker, statistician, and coach rolled into one. With five lanes available at the Manchester site, it’s a glimpse of how practice might look for the next generation of players.
Celebrating Innovation and Community
The Manchester pop-up isn’t just about products; it’s about celebrating darts as a fast-growing global sport. Between the cutting-edge technology, the aesthetic design, and the opportunity to get hands-on with world-class equipment, it perfectly captures the energy of modern darts.
As AJ put it after his visit – “Darts is booming, and Target’s innovation is keeping it miles ahead of the curve.”
The Open Road Continues – Where AJ’s Off To Next
With Manchester ticked off the map, AJ and The Open Road head back out on tour with NAPA Auto Parts, spotlighting more events, venues, and players from across the UK. Here’s what’s next on the calendar:
– Friday, 14th November – Crown Darts Competition (Leeds Road, UF12 7BU)
Straight knockout format on two boards. Registration 7:00pm, start 7:30pm.
– Hesketh Pub Knockout (Cheadle Hulme)
Week five of a nine-week series. Best of five legs until the final (best of seven).
Minimum winner’s prize: £600. Contact Chris Skelly for details.
– Saturday, 15th November – Brickmakers Darts Knockout
Doors open 12:00 noon, start 12:30pm. Contact Kerry Mason on 07456 015700.
– The Green Dragon Darts Summit (Swineshead)
£200 guaranteed prize. Sign up at 12:00 noon (£10 prepaid). Contact Finlay on 07926 309090.
– Tunbridge Constitutional Club – Winter Darts Competition
£8 entry fee. Contact Greg on 07738 090789. Winner £200, Runner-up £100, Semis £50, Quarters £25.
Exhibitions and Big Nights Out
For fans who prefer watching the pros do the business, there’s no shortage of big-name exhibitions coming up:
– Dumfries and Galloway Masters – 29th November
Featuring Gary Anderson, Cameron Menzies, Fallon Sherrock, and Robert Thornton.
Venue: Lornbrunn Hall, Dumfries.
– A Night at the Darts – Boston Rugby Football Club, 29th November
Featuring Rob Cross, Steve Beaton, Luke Humphries, Scott Williams, Josh Rock, and Trina Gulliver MBE.
Tickets for both the above available via dartshop.tv
With Target’s Manchester pop-up dazzling fans and the darting calendar looking busier than ever, AJ’s “Open Road” series continues to prove one thing: wherever the arrows land, there’s always another story waiting to be told.
—–ENDS—–
Images: Darts World
