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Support Local Business: Exploring Manchester’s 10 Best Independent Shops
Manchester isn’t the world’s first industrialised city for nothing. Hard work and ingenuity run deep in our veins, so it’s no wonder there are plenty of Mancunian businesses that have become so iconic, that it’s hard to imagine life without them!
Yet, as time moves on, some have faded away into non-existence, like those old abandoned buildings we’re sure you’ve seen around, while others continue to thrive.
Because we love a good stroll (and even better products), we’ve mooched in and around the city to round up what’s still there—plus a few exciting newcomers.
Grab your brolly and let’s go exploring!
Fashion and Accessories
Afflecks
Media from AFFLECKS
Address: 52 Church St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: 0161 839 0718
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
At this point, we’re not shy about admitting that we’re huge fans of Afflecks—we’ve already featured it a few times on the site (and that just proves how iconic it is)!
Afflecks got its name from its predecessor that existed in the same building, the Afflecks & Brown department store, which closed in the early 1970s. Afflecks as we know it opened in 1982.
What makes it a true Mancunian gem is the collection of independent shops inside—a far cry from its posh department store past. If you’re after a quirky gift or an eye-catching outfit, Afflecks is the place to be.
Pro tip:
Not sure which Afflecks shop to check out? Save yourself the hassle by heading to its website and browsing over the Trader’s Directory page for a full list of stores.
McQueen Independent
Media from Mcqueen Independent
Address: 54 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Contact details: 0161 881 4718
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Chorlton, make sure to bring your feet to McQueen Independent. This stylish clothing store has been kitting out fashion-conscious shoppers since 1994.
It’s a top pick for those who care about ethical fashion, as McQueen only stocks brands from manufacturers committed to fair and sustainable production. The prices might be on the higher side, but for premium quality and a clear conscience, it’s a fair trade-off, innit?
Now, if you’re game to take your fashion to another level with the dresses here, the ladies in-store are more than welcome to help. Just ask!
Pro tip:
Can’t make it to McQueen Independent just yet? No worries—shop online through its website and let the shipping gods deliver ethically made finds straight to your door.
Books and Stationery
Chapter One Books
Media from Chapter One
Address: 23 Lever St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: £
Website
A stroll through the trendy Northern Quarter wouldn’t be complete without stopping by an equally stylish café. Enter Chapter One Books—an independent spot loved by both locals and tourists.
Whether you’re after a quiet morning or a laid-back afternoon, a hot cuppa and a slice of cake here will do the trick. Oh, and don’t be too startled by the actual fountain in the middle of the place—it’s not that huge but is still quirky enough of a character, and it’s all part of the charm.
That said, here’s a caveat: the “books” element of Chapter One is gone. Management changes are still new, so let’s see what happens next we’re keeping this spot on our list, for now.
Pro tip:
Chapter One is now under new management and has started to share its space with the bar next door, Mala. Expect loud music.
Fred Aldous – Manchester
Media from Fred Aldous
Address: Sevendale House, 37 Lever St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: 0161 236 4224
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Website
Despite opening its doors back in 1886, craft store Fred Aldous feels anything but old-fashioned. Now in its fifth generation of leadership, the family business has kept pace with changing times and tastes, staying as creative and vibrant as ever.
Head to its Manchester branch—the original and only HQ—and unleash your imagination! With over 30,000 arts and crafts products spread across three floors, Fred Aldus is easily one of the best spots in town for pottering about on a Saturday afternoon.
Pro tip:
Fred Aldous regularly teams up with artists for unique, limited-edition collections sold on the store—so pop by as frequently as you can to catch something special!
Music and Entertainment
Vinyl Exchange
Media from Vinyl Exchange
Address: 18 Oldham St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: 0161 228 1122
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Website
The Vinyl Exchange is one of the biggest second-hand record shops in Northwest England. Since opening in 1988, it’s been an oasis (no pun intended) for music lovers, offering (almost—nothing’s perfect) every genre you can think of.
Spread across two floors, you’ll find stacks of vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and even cassettes—an ideal environment for hunting down that elusive release or long-lost favourite album pressing.
If, unfortunately, you’re looking to part with your own collection, Vinyl Exchange also offers fair deals for pre-loved records.
Pro tip:
While you can always shop conveniently online at Vinyl Exchange’s website, we still recommend visiting the store in person to make sure the item you want is actually in stock. The shop’s pace in updating its online inventory can be slow at times.
Clampdown Records
Media from Gisela Szlatoszlavek
Address: 9-11 Paton St, Piccadilly
Contact details: 0161 237 5932
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Clampdown Record’s bold red facade is hard to miss, so if you still manage to get lost, well, that’s all on you (just kidding)! Though it’s a bit removed from the Northern Quarter’s main cluster of record shops, its Piccadilly location is still well worth the off-route trip.
Inside, you’ll find shelves packed with new and used records spanning a wide range of musical styles—most priced pretty fairly, if you ask us. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon that rare pressing or a special collector’s edition of an album you’ve been chasing for years.
Pro tip:
If you spot owner Neil, give him our love and strike up a chat—he’s a proper audiophile with a cracking sense of humour. Also, his music knowledge will blow your mind!
Food and Drink
Barbakan Delicatessen
Media from Barbakan Delicatessen Ltd.
Address: 67-71 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Contact details: 0161 8817053
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – CLOSED
Chorlton’s Barbakan Deli may have Polish roots, but it’s grown into a hub of European cuisine in general since opening in 1964. Over the years, it’s become one of Manchester’s best bakeries and delicatessens, for good reason: it’s quality food and service.
Visitors flock from all over to sample its bestsellers, including the German Norlander, Chorlton Sourdough, and ciabatta sizzlers—freshly baked Italian bread served with meat and vegetables. With its iconic status, though, expect prices to be a bit higher than average.
Pro tip:
Barbakan Deli often gets busy, so pop by early if you want to beat the queues.
The Cheese Hamlet
Media from The Cheese Hamlet
Address: 706 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury
Contact details: 0161 434 4781
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Step into a world of dairy delights at the Cheese Hamlet on Wilmslow Road. This family-run cheesemonger and deli first opened in Chorlton in 1960 before moving to its current location in Didsbury.
While speciality cheese is still the undisputed star of the show here, there’s also plenty more to explore: fresh artisan bread baked in-house, tasty sauces and chutneys, as well as a selection of quality cold cuts.
The Cheese Hamlet is a haven for food lovers looking to indulge in the finer things in life, since it gives the peace of mind and efficiency in procuring these premium products.
Pro tip:
Want a truly special wedding cake? The Cheese Hamlet crafts stunning multi-tiered cheese towers—perfect for any cheese lover and with a much longer shelf life!
Home and Lifestyle
Stocktons
Media from Stocktons
Address: 140 Great Ancoats St
Contact details: 0161 273 5331
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday – CLOSED
Pricing: £££
Website
We’re quite sure that most Mancunians will recognise the name Stocktons when they hear it.
Some might even already have furniture bought from this shop sitting in their houses for decades now—pretty much like how common IKEA furniture now are in younger people’s homes. The stark difference, of course, is the superb Stocktons quality.
Now run by the founders’ grandchildren, Stocktons continues to thrive, offering over 3,000 designer furniture styles ready to find their perfect home. Keep an eye out now for clearance sales because you might then just score a premium piece for a bargain.
Pro tip:
As of late 2024, Stocktons’ long-standing location is set to be redeveloped into a housing project. While the shop is still there, pay a visit and soak up the charm of its original premises before the business moves.
Form Lifestyle Store
Media from Form Lifestyle Store
Address: 6 Bradley St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: 0161 236 3334
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Monday – CLOSED
Pricing: £££
Website
Form Lifestyle Store is a treasure trove of goods from independent, UK-based makers.
Reaching the shop for the first time might be a tricky endeavour, since it’s tucked away on narrow Bradley Street (which is more of an alley, really), which isn’t accessible by car or large vehicles.
Owners Elly and Harry handpick every item at the store, from homeware and gifts to stationery, focusing on simplicity, sustainability, and traditional craftsmanship. Each piece featured is handmade with care and built to last, making it a go-to for thoughtful, high-quality finds.
Pro tip:
Plan your visit carefully—Form Lifestyle is closed on Mondays.
