Shopping in Manchester. Best shops in the city.

From quirky boutiques to high-street glamour, read our top picks for shopping in the city this season

Boutique chic

As a major shopping destination Manchester has all the big-name stores you’d expect, but distinctive or even unique finds are out there, if you know where to look. Here are three of our favourites:

1. Renegade Marmalade. Steel your nerves and venture below street level to find a subterranean boutique that amply rewards the intrepid. Aimed squarely at the rock ‘n’ roll chick with a few quid in her pocket, Renegade Marmalade specialises in icon-print T-shirts, edgy separates and jewellery with attitude. Internationally-sourced labels include Fever, Pretty Disturbia and Spanish jewellers Uno de 50, whose limited edition ranges ensure there’ll be no embarrassing moments when you hit the town. Renegade Marmalade, 77 Thomas Street, M4 1LQ.

2. Thunder egg. Proving that Manchester can do quirky as well as any city you care to name, Thunder egg is a post-modern treasure trove of kooky finds. Bright colours and Japanese-inspired prints are the order of the day, from Hello Kitty and Paul Frank to owls, apples and Moomins. Youthful retro clothes are complemented by bags, baubles and knick-knacks that should appeal to a broader age range, including striking costume jewellery and Celia Birtwell homewares, plus the shop also stocks Brighton’s Get Cutie label. Thunder egg, 22 Oldham St, M1 1JN.

3. Manchester Craft & Design Centre. This Victorian former market hall offers unique jewellery, accessories, homewares and artwork from some of the UK’s best designer-makers. Nocturnal’s Perspex pendants will bring a touch of deco or high-end goth to any wardrobe, while Bleuet Textiles’ exquisite prints make a silk clutch bag a real necessity. There are three floors of gorgeous stuff here so build in a break at the centre’s tiny Cafe Aromat, which serves hot meals, great coffee and to-die-for home-baked cakes. Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, M4 5JD.

Retro-fit

Over the last decade Manchester’s Northern Quarter has become an enclave of boho cool, with indie cafes and bars, record shops and – best of all – numerous vintage clothing shops. Our top three:

1. Pop Boutique. One of the oldest vintage shops in the Northern Quarter, Pop purveys carefully selected clothing, accessories and furniture from the 50s to the 80s across two floors. As well as good-as-new originals, the boutique boasts a retro barber and an own label re-styled range, at very reasonable prices. It recently lost its well-known cafe but stocks the best selections of print frocks and vintage 501s we’ve seen, as well as sporty menswear and a range of kitsch homewares to make The Good Life’s Barbara proud.  Pop Boutique, 34-36 Oldham St, Manchester, M1 1JN.

2. Cow. Bravely setting up shop outside the Northern Quarter proper, Cow faces Piccadilly Gardens with the boldness of a vintage American Apparel. Huge numbers of similar items are grouped together so you can see exactly where to head and, more importantly, what to avoid. The innumerable handbags and (tiny-looking) shoes offer an easy way to bring an edge to a modern outfit, just allow yourself plenty of deciding time. You might need some stamina to find that classic 80s jumpsuit, but if Desperately Seeking Susan is your style inspiration this is the place for you. Cow, Unit C1 City Tower, Parker Street, M1 4BD.

3. Afflecks. Afflecks is legendary in Manchester, and for good reason. This towering indie emporium kick-started the careers of many a local entrepreneur, from Red or Dead founder Wayne Hemingway to Urban Splash head honcho Tom Bloxham. Today the former department store contains dozens of vintage and fashion stalls, selling everything from military garb and goth-ware to tea dresses. There are also dedicated bead, condom and ‘zine shops, and this is THE place to come for fancy dress. The place teems with teenagers but don’t let that put you off – head purposefully for the cafe near the top. Afflecks, 52 Church Street, M4 1PW.

High (street) and mighty

When you’re all quirked out by Manchester’s indie offerings and need some reassuring label love, the city’s top department stores take the work out of being fashion-forward. Here are three of the best:

1. House of Fraser. Still often referred to as Kendals, this is the original Mancunian department store and, some believe, still the best. Once owned by Harrods, and housed in a striking art-deco building, the store offers the best of the high street and those harder-to-find brands under one rather large roof. Its seven floors boast fashion for all ages, classy homewares, a kids’ department and two expansive shoe zones, as well as the city’s most comprehensive cosmetics hall, two cafes and a stylish champagne bar.  House of Fraser, Deansgate, M3 2QG.

2. Harvey Nichols. It was said that glamour came north when Harvey Nicks opened in Leeds, and Manchester wasn’t prepared to be outdone for long. This diminutive, L-shaped branch proffers cosmetics, bling and surprisingly wearable (if not always affordable) designer fashion below a bijou but enticing food hall, complete with HN-branded souvenirs for the more modest wallet. The cafe, bistro and restaurant trio, also squeezed onto the top floor, offer some of the best food and views in the city.  Harvey Nichols, 21 New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD.

3. Selfridges. The famed London emporium’s second Manchester outlet (the first is in the Trafford Centre) offers high end and occasionally high octane shopping. Its five floors combine big-name fashion, accessories and cosmetics with the edgier high street brands, positioning it firmly between our other retail behemoths. Much of its comprehensive food hall has recently been replaced by in-store concessions, including Cath Kidston’s first Manchester outlet, but decadent booze and confectionery selections still offer temptations; as does the obligatory champagne bar. Selfridges & Co, 1 Exchange Square, M3 1BD.

Words and images: Jo Nightingale (except final image, Susie Stubbs).

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