Christmas shopping in Manchester

Manchester’s city centre acts as a beacon for shopping enthusiasts and it’s not hard to see why! As well as a great mix of high-street stores and department stores, such as Harvey Nicholls and Selfridges, the city also has an abundance of designer boutiques and independent shops. 

What’s more, the whole of the city centre is easily walkable from Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford Road stations, making it a great day out to tick, tick, tick your way down your list while you explore the best shops during a Christmas day trip in Manchester. Travel with Northern this festive season and save up to 65% when you book your tickets in advance!

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Vinyl record music shops in Manchester

As you might expect from one of the music capitals of the world, Manchester has a number of outstanding independent music shops which, given the resurgence in vinyl sales, have become veritable meccas for music lovers. Here’s a couple of our top picks from the independent music shops in Manchester.

Piccadilly Records has been a stalwart of the Northern Quarter for over 40 years and, stepping inside, it’s easy to see why. With its collection carefully selected by their team of specialist buyers, you’ll be able to find the perfect selection whether it’s something hot off the press or a classic.

To hunt out a second-hand classic, from disco and techno, to soul and hip hop, make sure you stop by Vinyl Exchange also in the Northern Quarter. It boasts being the largest seller of second-hand vinyl and CDs in the North West and, with a range covering two floors, you’re bound to dig out some gems.

Indie & second-hand bookshops in Manchester

If you fancy escaping the hoards whilst doing your Christmas shopping in Manchester, Chapter One in the Northern Quarter is the perfect place to pick up a cup of coffee (and perhaps a slice of well-earned cake) and to peruse the great selection of books, ranging from the latest blockbusters to unusual selections you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Paramount Books on Shudehill is the classic example of not judging a book by its cover. The store’s a bit of a Manchester institution where you can pick up both new titles and absolute classic second-hand books – ideal for finding your childhood favourite and passing it on to the next generation.

Arts & crafts shops in Manchester’s Northern Quarter

If you’re looking for something a bit special, then the Manchester Craft & Design Centre can be an oasis in the busy city. Set in the city’s Northern Quarter, the former Victorian fish market is home to some of the region’s most talented artists, designers and makers, who display and sell work, including jewellery, ceramics, prints, fine art, sculpture and textiles – perfect for picking up a unique present. And, if your feet need a break, the centre’s café sells absolutely delicious coffees and homemade foods using local, responsibly sourced produce.

If you’re in the Northern Quarter, Form Lifestyle is also well worth a visit. The ethos of the store is all around slow-living and, as well as working with independent designers, many of the products selected by the store’s owners are hand-made and produced on a small scale. So, whether it’s a candle, ceramic, cushion, print or piece of jewellery, you know you’re picking up a truly special gift.

Vintage clothing shops in Manchester

For vintage and retro lovers, Oldham Street is the place to head. Make sure you check out COW which offers two floors filled with one of a kind vintage and handmade reworked clothing, as well as previously loved big brands. We challenge you to come out empty-handed!

In addition to creating its own range of new clothes and accessories, Pop Boutique offers a groovy mix of retro vintage clothing for men and women, as well as homewares at great prices. Well worth a browse.

Blue Rinse Vintage (also mentioned in our Leeds shopping guide) offers a whole host of options including its Remade in England range, which breathes new life into old clothes, as well as handpicked vintage gems. The store’s also great for finding retro football shirts.

While not technically an independent store, we had to mention the charity shop Oxfam Originals in this guide. Also, on Oldham Street next door to Piccadilly Records, the store offers seriously on-trend original retro clothing and designer labels. What’s more, it’s staffed by true vintage lovers, so if you need gift advice, just ask!

Plant shops, stocking stuffers & more in Manchester

Do you have a plant enthusiast on your Christmas list? Then head to Nice Things in the Northern Quarter. One of the most eye-catching plant shops in the city, Nice Things is open 7 days a week and offers vivid, unusual and spectacular plants for sale, along with some all-important expert advice.

If you have a ferocious foodie in the family then Salvi’s Delicatessen is the place to go for stocking stuffers. With specialist produce from their native Italy and beyond, Salvi’s stock an impressive array of ingredients to delight any keen cook.

Perfect for those with an eye for the unusual and a truly eclectic style, Afflecks indoor market is an ‘independent shopping emporium’ and is full to bursting with dozens of stalls, small shops and boutiques. You’ll find creative, unique and curious presents in Afflecks, it’s the place to go for a truly memorable gift this festive season. There’s a reason why it is known as one of the best Christmas shops in Manchester! 

Planning a Christmas day trip to do your Christmas shopping in Manchester? Remember you can save up to 65% off Northern trains to Manchester when you book in advance!