Shopping in Manchester

If you’re visiting the self-proclaimed home of British style and music then shopping will undoubtedly be high on your to-do list. Book your room at a Novotel hotel in Manchester for a comfortable place to rest and relax after a hard day on your feet.

Great gifts

There are several good-quality gift shops in Manchester where you can find souvenirs from your trip as well as gorgeous homewares and accessories. In the Northern Quarter, Oklahoma is a great place to rummage for unusual gifts, including jewellery and clothing. At the back of the shop you will find a popular café, much loved by locals thanks to its excellent coffee and cosy atmosphere. For gifts that are good enough to eat, Cacao & Co is a family-run chocolatier selling home-made treats as well as high-quality chocolate sourced from artisans around the world. The shop also houses a café so you can indulge while you browse. On Oldham Street, the dainty Fig and Sparrow sells great-value stationary and gifts that have been made locally, and is also known for its friendly service. For the little ones, Manchester has its very own branch of Hamleys, the wonderland toy store that is as much a play centre as it is a shop.

Fashion wonders

Manchester is full of great boutiques where you can pick up a piece of local fashion to remember your trip by. Oi Polloi menswear boutique in the main shopping area of the Northern Quarter is the place to find high-end clothes and gifts for the modern man. Not far away, local gem Afflecks houses independent designers, spread over four impressive floors. When you’ve had your fill wander over to the Manchester Craft & Design Centre. Housed in a former poultry market, the centre is a collection of studios where artists work and sell their products. For the little ones, Milly Mog in West Didsbury has a stylish range of playful kidswear from leading labels as well as rising stars. Vintage lovers will be right at home amidst the packed rails at American Graffiti.

Local tips

Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter is a great place to walk around and discover independent shops and cafes. Grab a cup of coffee at The Anchor, a quietly popular establishment that serves up delicious bagels and artfully brewed coffee. As the evening arrives, grab a bite to eat and a drink at the legendary Night & Day, where live music acts appear most nights. If you happen to be on the lookout for unique and well-priced furniture, head to the Upper Chorlton Road Furniture Warehouse, where a huge number of items are available at reasonable rates.

Musical Meccas

Manchester is known as a city of music, so a trip to Piccadilly Records is a must. Selling vinyl and oozing with Manchester cool, this is a true local gem and a great way to soak up some Manchester culture. The Vinyl Exchange is also worth a look for true record hunters.