Where to shop in Manchester

Manchester has a proud identity unlike any other. Driven in particular by music and nightlife, this formerly industrial city has become one of the UK’s foremost cultural and artistic hotspots. Wander along its streets and you’ll see the words “This is Manchester, we do things differently here” painted on many a wall. Mancunians don’t like being defined by phrases, but this one serves them well – it’s an expression of assertiveness and of owning what makes you unique. Manchester’s shopping scene reflects all of this: bold, fascinating and singular. 

And remember, when you travel with your Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard^®, you’ll earn HKD4 = 1 for all overseas spending. 

1. Craft and Design Centre

A hidden sanctuary in the Northern Quarter, the gorgeous, airy building of the Craft and Design Centre has foundations dating back to the 1800s when Manchester was the centre of British industry and commerce. Today it has been repurposed to house a curated selection of jewellery, ceramics and textiles. Often, the artist will step away from throwing a clay pot or stitching a scarf to discuss their work with you. It’s the perfect place to find a thoughtful and distinctive gift.  

2. The Royal Exchange

Once a hub for Manchester’s influential cotton traders, today the Royal Exchange offers luxury and indulgence in a listed Victorian-era building that is shared by the city’s most prestigious theatre. The arcade walkway is particularly impressive, presenting an immaculate selection of fine jewellery, designer fashion and boutique cafés. With so much attention to detail, the space is a treat for the eyes; but more than that, it exudes a character only Manchester could provide. 

3. Vintage clothing shops 

Manchester's rich fashion history arguably makes it the thrift store heart of the UK; you can't go far without stumbling upon a second-hand clothes shop. Thanks to a major shift among British consumers towards sustainability and slow fashion, these outlets have never been more popular. New arrival Bare Necessities is the talk of the town, but make sure to check out Blue Rinse  too if you're a fan of vintage. 

4. Afflecks

As any Mancunian will tell you, you can't visit Manchester without venturing into Afflecks at least once. You can never predict what will be around the next corner when exploring this three-storey indoor market, boasting more than 60 independent shops from eclectic and disruptive creators and collectors. It's an experience only comparable to Camden Market in London. As you wander, you might want to leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find help your way out again. 

5. The Arndale

Deeply nostalgic for locals but catering to all, The Arndale offers the perfect one-stop shopping experience in Manchester. Opened in the 1970s, this mall has become synonymous with the city centre, housing high-street favourites such as Uniqlo, AllSaints and Monki. But take the glass bridge to Exchange Square and you'll find premium department stores Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, which carry big designer names, high-end beauty and homewares, and gourmet food. 

6. Fred Aldous

At first glance, it’s a quirky stationery shop similar to Kikki.K or Muji, but Fred Aldous conceals hidden depths – literally. Wander down aisle upon aisle of cute and kooky curios until you reach a staircase that leads to a room containing a vast range of craft tools and materials. If that wasn’t enough, a second staircase leads to an even larger room, with sale stock you can purchase for pennies and featuring windows into studio spaces where Manchester’s creatives are busy at work.  

7. Mancoco

In Manchester, you know a cup of coffee is going to be good when it’s made from Mancoco beans. Luckily, the brand has its own roastery near Deansgate where highly knowledgeable staff will discuss your coffee preferences and let you taste from a rotating selection of worldwide single-origins. You’ll leave with an affordable bag of beans roasted as recently as the day before, along with all the equipment to bring out the best flavours for yourself.

8. Travelling Man

The popularity of role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons has exploded in recent years, and Travelling Man is the top spot for everything from ready-made quests to tools and props. But that is not all: this friendly, cosy corner of the city sells books, manga, figurines, trading cards and just about every board game you can think of.  

9. The Trafford Centre 

A 20-minute tram ride from the city centre takes you to The Trafford Centre , a world-famous entertainment and shopping complex comprising the Legoland Discovery Centre, Sea Life aquarium, a golf driving range, rock-climbing gym and ski slope, plus an indoor shopping city that’s home to every must-have brand. It also features a food hall designed to look like a huge cruise ship – and a street fashioned after New Orleans.