Shopping

You don’t have to be flush with cash to enjoy shopping in Manchester. You’ll find amazing value and some fantastic deals at a number of locations right across the city, with loads of independent boutiques and bargain stores to help you with whatever you’re looking for, and for those things that you don’t need but can’t leave behind.

But of course, a bit of window shopping is always a great way to spend the afternoon, and Manchester has plenty of elegant and desirable stores to wander past. Yes, you can buy pretty much everything you need online these days, but nothing beats the hustle and bustle of Market Street or the expert advice of staff who are always happy to help in this city.

When it’s raining outside, there’s no better place for retail therapy than the two big department stores right in the centre of the city: Selfridges & Co, and Harvey Nichols. Check out the latest trends, designer clothes, luxury food brands, hottest technology and beauty products, all in one place. A stroll down King Street is also worth it, if only to add items from Boodles, Vivienne Westwood, and Diesel to your wishlist.

For those who like their shopping unusual and unique, the Northern Quarter is the place to be. Start in Afflecks, a five-floor indoor market of the weird and wonderful, and you might never leave. Back on the street, go hunting for rare vinyl and CDs in Piccadilly Records or Vinyl Exchange, before browsing the shelves for comics, graphic novels and design guides at Magma, a colourful and creative bookshop.

If you’re looking to stock up on all the essentials or get your fill of student discounts at the mainstream shops, then Market Street is the place to be, with easy access to the Arndale Centre next door. It’s got everything you can think of, but if you want even bigger, make a trip to the Trafford Centre, the second largest shopping centre in the UK!

When you’re really watching the pennies, the massive Primark at the top of Market Street and Aldi in the Arndale Centre are perfect stops for stocking up without lowering standards. Bargains can be found in Pop Boutique and Oxfam Emporium in the Northern Quarter if you’re looking for vintage threads, whilst Withington and Chorlton both boast superb charity bookshops. And if you love a good haggle, head over to Longsight Market for an incredible range of goods and food products.

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