Manchester is a vibrant city known for its rich history, thriving music scene and, of course, its incredible shopping destinations. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, quirky independent boutiques or bustling markets, Manchester has something for every shopper. Whilst Manchester has a range of suburbs that offer their own unique shopping experiences, we wanted to look at where the best parts to shop are in Manchester city centre. In this article, we’ll explore everything from iconic shopping centres to luxury boutiques.
Market Street
One of the busiest shopping streets in Manchester, Market Street is home to a variety of high-street brands, department stores and independent retailers. Set right in the city centre, Market Street has it’s own tram stop and it’s located near one of the busiest bus stations in Manchester, making it extremely accessible for commuters. It’s a great place to find fashion, accessories and everyday essentials. Shoppers can find stores including H&M, size?, Peacocks, Slaters Menswear, Urban Outfitters, UNIQLO and a mega Primark on the shopping street. The street attracts a large amount of footfall so avoid peak times if you don’t like walking through crowds.
Exchange Square
For luxury shopping, Exchange Square is the place to be. Exchange Square in Manchester is a premium shopping destination for luxury fashion enthusiasts and draws visitors from across the country. It offers high-end designer brands, available to shop inside a flagship Selfridges store. Selfridges is known for its curated selection of high-end brands, including Chanel, Gucci and Christian Louboutin, making it a go-to destination for luxury shoppers. Beyond fashion, the store also provides exclusive beauty services, personal shopping experiences and a variety of dining options. There is also underground, exclusive parking for visitors. Exchange Square is also home to a large Harvey Nichols store.
The Northern Quarter
Whether you’re looking for retro fashion, vinyl records, or handmade jewellery, the Northern Quarter has something unique to offer everyone. Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a haven for fashion lovers, offering a mix of independent boutiques, vintage stores and alternative fashion retailers. If you’re looking for unique and stylish clothing, Afflecks is a must-visit, featuring multiple independent stalls selling retro, punk and streetwear fashion. For those seeking retro and sustainable fashion, Pop Boutique and Cow Vintage offer an impressive selection of handpicked vintage clothing, while Blue Rinse specializes in reworked garments with a contemporary twist. Thunder Egg is perfect for those who love quirky and colorful fashion, stocking independent brands with bold and distinctive designs. If luxury lingerie and bespoke corsets are what you’re after, Kiku Boutique provides beautifully crafted pieces. Sneaker enthusiasts can head to KershKicks, which offers rare and exclusive trainers, while Bionic Seven and Bags of Flavor cater to vintage streetwear lovers with high-quality outerwear and curated fashion finds. Margot & Lux is an ideal stop for carefully selected vintage accessories, completing the Northern Quarter’s reputation as Manchester’s go-to destination for alternative and one-of-a-kind clothing.
King Street
If you’re after designer fashion and upscale shopping, King Street is a must-visit. This historic street is lined with luxury boutiques, offering high-end clothing, accessories and jewellery. Visit Hobbs if you’re looking for elegant and tailored womenswear, perfect for sophisticated everyday looks and formal occasions. Belstaff International specialises in premium outerwear and apparel, known for its heritage-inspired designs and high-quality craftsmanship. For casual yet distinctive fashion, White Stuff Manchester provides a range of colourful and textured styles for both men and women. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Patagonia, which stocks sustainable and performance-driven clothing ideal for adventure seekers. Bravissimo caters to women with a focus on luxurious lingerie, swimwear and nightwear designed exclusively for D-L cup sizes. If you’re looking for pre-loved designer fashion, Elite Pre-Loved is a sought-after boutique offering high-end second-hand clothing. Meanwhile, Rapha Manchester is the go-to store for cycling enthusiasts, featuring performance sportswear and stylish activewear. With its blend of designer brands, independent boutiques and specialty fashion stores, King Street remains one of Manchester’s most stylish shopping destinations.
Spinningfields
A modern shopping and dining district, Spinningfields is home to stylish boutiques and designer stores. It’s a great place to shop for contemporary fashion while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Manchester’s Spinningfields is a stylish and modern shopping district, home to a selection of premium fashion retailers and designer boutiques. Flannels, located on The Avenue, offers luxury clothing, footwear and accessories from high-end brands, making it a go-to destination for designer fashion. For those looking for pre-loved luxury pieces, Designer Exchange provides a curated selection of second-hand designer items from brands like Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, promoting sustainability within high-end fashion. Armani Exchange, known for its contemporary and sophisticated styles, is another standout store in the area, catering to those who appreciate sleek and modern fashion.
New Cathedral Street
New Cathedral Street is a premier shopping destination, known for its luxury fashion and high-end retailers. Home to designer boutiques and stylish brands, this pedestrianised street features BOSS, offering premium menswear and womenswear with a focus on tailored fashion. Reiss provides contemporary clothing with sleek designs, perfect for modern wardrobes. ZARA is a staple for trendy and affordable fashion, catering to men, women and children. JOSEPH specialises in elegant, tailored suits and sophisticated apparel, while Michael Kors showcases luxury handbags, accessories and stylish ready-to-wear collections. Harvey Nichols, a renowned department store, houses multiple designer labels, making it a one-stop destination for high-end fashion. With its mix of luxury brands and stylish retailers, New Cathedral Street is the perfect place for shoppers looking to indulge in premium fashion in Manchester.
Afflecks
Located in the Northern Quarter, Afflecks is a multi-storey shopping emporium filled with independent retailers. It’s the perfect spot for alternative fashion, vintage finds and unique gifts. Afflecks is known for its eclectic mix of independent retailers and alternative fashion. It’s a haven for those seeking unique clothing, vintage styles and subculture-inspired fashion. Modern Streets Apparel offers punk rock-inspired clothing, hand-printed in Manchester, perfect for those who love bold designs. Beg, Steal & Borrow is a thrift shop specialising in second-hand fashion, allowing shoppers to trade gently used pieces for store credit. Grin is another standout store, known for its quirky and alternative fashion selections. Whether you’re looking for retro styles, streetwear, or one-of-a-kind pieces, Afflecks is the ultimate destination for independent fashion in Manchester.
Manchester Arndale
Manchester Arndale is the largest inner-city shopping centre in the UK, located in the heart of Manchester. With over 200 stores, it offers a diverse shopping experience, catering to fashion, beauty, electronics and lifestyle needs. Fashion lovers can explore popular high-street brands such as Zara, H&M, River Island, Next, JD Sports, Foot Locker, Urban Outfitters, Uniqlo and Levi’s. Beauty enthusiasts will find top brands like Boots, Superdrug, The Body Shop and Lush, while tech shoppers can visit the Apple Store for the latest gadgets. Jewellery and accessories are well-represented with stores like Pandora, Swarovski and Ernest Jones.
Beyond shopping, Manchester Arndale features a food court with a variety of dining options, including Nando’s, Five Guys, Greggs, KFC, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Boost Juice and Starbucks. The centre also hosts Arndale Market, offering fresh produce, artisan goods and street food stalls.
Conveniently located near Market Street, Exchange Square and the Northern Quarter, Manchester Arndale is easily accessible via Manchester Victoria Station, Piccadilly Gardens Metrolink and local bus services. Whether you’re looking for fashion, tech, beauty, or a bite to eat, Manchester Arndale provides a comprehensive shopping experience in the heart of the city.
