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While the popularity of online shopping has been something of a death knell for most high street giants, independent retailers (based in actual, physical shops) are becoming more popular by the day. Which is hardly a surprise. Who really wants to order everything they own off a screen, or pour more money into the pockets of mega-companies like Primark? Here in Manchester, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to local gems, so we thought we’d put together a list of our favourites.
Here are our picks
Deadstock General Store, 46 Edge St, Manchester, M4 1HN - Visit now
This small shop has a well curated range of stock that focuses on vintage homeware and gifts. From Japanese hemp socks, to botanical paperweights and HAWS plant misters, each object is beautiful, practical and well made. A great place to browse and buy unusual presents.
Rivet and Hide Manchester, 59 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA - Visit now
Manchester’s newest destination for denimheads, Rivet and Hide stocks a collection of quality, Americana-inspired men’s casual wear and raw selvedge denim – including prized Japanese brands like Momotaro, The Flat Head, and Pure Blue Japan.
Utility Gift Shop, 128 Oxford Road, University Green, Manchester, M139GP - Visit now
Utility Gift Shop is all about unique, quirky and cool products, all created with top-class design features as a priority. You’ll find a superb range of the very best in contemporary products, taking in cards, jewellery, gifts, home accessories and much more.
Paramount Books, 25-27 Shudehill, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 2AF - Visit now
Probably the only place in Manchester where you can pay in either pounds or euros (bar the airport) and get a free piece of fruit with every purchase to boot; Paramount Books is an eclectic Aladdin’s cave stuffed to the ceiling with second-hand books, dusty magazines and miscellaneous vinyl.
Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak St, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5JD - Visit now
Nestled away in the very heart of Manchester’s independent-central Northern Quarter, this is the place to head if you prefer to actually meet the person who made the beautiful scarf or earthenware jug you have your eye on.
Form Lifestyle Store, 6 Bradley Street, Manchester, M1 1EH - Visit now
Founded by a couple with a passion for excellent craftsmanship and perfectly-formed products. Though it may sound intuitive, Form Lifestyle Store encourages its customers to buy less rather than more, by choosing items that will last and be cherished.
Altrincham Market, Greenwood Street, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 1SA - Visit now
‘Passionately regional. Fiercely independent.’ As well as being a food-lover’s paradise, Altrincham Market’s themed weekends are also ideal for picking up unique handmade jewellery, homeware and craft from some of the North West’s finest local suppliers.