Where to go shopping in Manchester

Manchester may be the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, but this city in the north of England long ago shed its industrial character to become a cultural powerhouse. One of the biggest cities in the UK, Manchester has had a huge impact on the arts, music, history, and sporting heritage of the country, and you can celebrate all of that on a visit to this lively and fascinating place.

There are lots of ways to spend an enjoyable day in Manchester, but given that this is one of the UK's biggest cities, it will probably come as no surprise to hear that it has some of the best shopping in the country, too.

Manchester city centre offers all the usual High Street brands, not to mention shopping malls like Manchester Arndale. But if you're willing to explore down the side streets or visit some of the busy markets, you can find independent traders and specialty stores that add a lot to the atmosphere and vibe of the city and make shopping in Manchester what it is.

Make your shopping easier by leaving your things behind with Bounce. We can store suitcases, shopping bags, and just about anything else for as long as you need while you go shopping or sightseeing. By partnering with local businesses, we ensure your belongings are safely looked after in our secure Manchester luggage storage locations so that you can focus on having fun.

All you need to know when shopping in Manchester

Shopping in Manchester is a mix of tradition and trendiness. This is a city where there's always something new and exciting going on, and whatever kind of shopping you like to do, chances are you can do it here. Although it's a big city, it's fairly easy to get around, so you can explore different aspects of Manchester's shopping scene and hunt for what you really want.

Shopping Architecture

Manchester’s shopping districts are diverse, featuring everything from luxury malls and historic arcades to bohemian neighborhoods. The city centre is more or less impossible to avoid, as that's where most of the city's top attractions are. And the center of town is where most Mancunians do their shopping, and where you'll find department stores and well-known brands. But if you're shopping for something a little more unusual, don't be afraid to explore the outlying areas, where you're more likely to find unique shops that offer something different that you won't find anywhere else.

• Manchester Arndale: One of the UK’s largest city-center shopping malls, offering a wide range of retailers and dining options. Get everything you need under one roof, including a food court where you can get some snacks and coffee while you spend the day shopping.
• The Trafford Centre: A luxurious out-of-town shopping destination with over 200 stores and entertainment facilities. Although you'll have to head out of town to get there, it's reachable on the Metrolink tram which runs from the centre of Manchester, and it may be worth it if you want to spend a day out of the weather shopping for all the must-have brands.
• Northern Quarter: A creative hub with vintage shops, record stores, and independent boutiques. If you prefer to shop for something more quirky and unusual, this is most likely where you'll find it. The center of Manchester's rich counterculture, this may be the coolest place in the entire city to shop.
• King Street: A high-end shopping street featuring designer brands and upscale retailers. This street, along with nearby New Cathedral Street and Spinningfields are the perfect place to find exclusive stores offering international fashion house designs and the work of local designers.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Manchester open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays. The Trafford Centre offers extended hours, especially during the holiday season, with the shopping center staying open until 11 PM in December. Just like everywhere else, smaller stores tend to have less generous hours, while the big multinational companies stay open longer, so it might make sense to plan your shopping around the independent retailers you want to visit, and then go to the big brands afterward.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as UK stores charge for single-use plastic bags, if they provide them at all. Lots of stores have moved away from plastic bags, and if you have to buy a new reusable bag everywhere you go, it's going to get expensive.
• Use Manchester’s excellent public transport system to navigate shopping areas easily. The Metrolink tram can take you to most of the places you are likely to want to go, including the Trafford Centre, and if the tram doesn't go somewhere you want to see, there's bound to be a bus that will. Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria railway stations operate as central hubs of the city's public transit network. Consider purchasing a transit pass for the day or longer if you intend to use public transit a lot.
• Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially in popular destinations like Manchester Arndale.

Unique shops to visit in Manchester

Manchester’s unique stores and markets are a great way to get in touch with the soul of the city. If you want something different from the urban shopping experience you can have just about anywhere, check out some of these unique stores that offer something special and distinctively Manchester.

Afflecks

A legendary indoor market in the Northern Quarter, Afflecks is home to quirky stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry and art. If you're the kind of person with your own distinctive sense of style and you like to shop for unique items, this is one of the best places in Manchester to do it.

Address: 52 Church St

Fred Aldous

A haven for artists and crafters, this shop offers art supplies, crafting materials, and unique gifts. It’s a Northern Quarter staple, and the high-quality items on offer here make perfect gifts for the creative people in your life.

Address: 37 Lever St

Shopping experiences in Manchester

Manchester’s markets and specialty shops offer a wide range of goods, from fresh produce to artisan crafts. They also offer a chance to shop like a local and get in touch with the beating heart of the city. The markets and specialty shops of Manchester can give you a glimpse of what the city is really all about, away from the tourist attractions and the famous name brands. Leave your belongings behind with Bounce and check out some of these locations that are more of an experience than they are just a store.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Held annually, these festive markets span several city-center locations, offering handmade gifts, festive food, and mulled wine. Manchester was the first city in England to embrace the European Christmas market tradition, and its Christmas markets are still well known as being some of the best in the UK.

Address: Albert Square and other locations

Mackie Mayor

A restored market hall in the Northern Quarter featuring gourmet food stalls, artisanal goods, and local produce. Located inside Smithfield Market Hall, this brick-walled space is far removed from the usual mall food court. Here, you'll find inventive dishes by some of the best-regarded chefs in the city, and there's always a lively atmosphere at the communal dining tables.

Address: Eagle St

Vinyl Exchange

For music lovers, this iconic record store in the Northern Quarter offers an extensive collection of vinyl records, CDs, and music memorabilia. The knowledgeable staff can help guide your purchases, whether you're looking for old classics or the latest in popular music. In today's era of online streaming, music shops like this are getting more and more rare, and this shop gives you the opportunity to discover new music the old-fashioned way.

Address: 18 Oldham St

Traditional shopping options in Manchester

For a more conventional shopping experience, Manchester has several world-class malls and shopping streets. Sometimes, you just need to go to the mall to pick up a few items or get everything under one roof, and Manchester has several options for places that can help you do exactly that.

Manchester Arndale

The city’s largest shopping mall, featuring over 200 stores, including Zara, Next, and Apple. Located right in the city center, this shopping center is hard to miss, and it's the most convenient option to do some shopping close to Manchester's major attractions.

Address: Market St

The Trafford Centre

A luxurious shopping complex with high-street and designer brands, as well as a cinema, dining options, and an indoor theme park. You'll need to ride the tram to get here, but if you want one of the most extravagant shopping experiences in the city, it's worth taking the time.

Address: Stretford, Manchester

King Street

Known for its upscale retailers like Hugo Boss and Burberry, King Street offers a sophisticated shopping experience in the heart of the city.

As one of the UK's biggest cities, Manchester offers an extremely diverse shopping scene. Whether you want to spend the day in the mall buying everything in a single location or you prefer to go hunting through trendy boutiques in a cool area, Manchester has you covered. Drop off your belongings with Bounce, and you can enjoy the diversity and excitement of Manchester's shopping scene for yourself.