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 Italian designer fashions |
12 John Dalton Street Manchester M2 6JP United Kingdom +44 161 839 9500 |
This major international chain of luxuriously appointed - all polished marble, glass and brushed aluminum - designer fashion stores has only three other branches in the whole of the UK and these are in the capital. The fabrics and designs used here are highly distinctive whilst maintaining a classic feel e.g for women, think more Audrey Hepburn than Vivienne Westwood. There is also a wide selection of beautiful shoes, knitwear, accessories and evening wear for both men and women. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Gourmet paradise in the city centre |
345 Deansgate Manchester M3 4LZ United Kingdom +44 161 834 2266 |
The concept for Atlas Delicatessen grew out of the popularity and quality of the catering at the Atlas Bar across the street. Now the shop sells everything used in the bar and a lot more besides, representing a veritable gourmet's paradise. There are plenty of exotic desserts available, such as the Hill Station gourmet ice creams in cinnamon, nutmeg or spiced coffee flavors and the maraschino-soaked polentina cakes from a small Italian village bakery. The shop also sells organic meat and poultry - including free-range chickens - as well as fresh breads, dates, pomegranates and an excellent range of wines and beers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Elegant Victorian arcade |
Barton Arcade Deansgate Manchester M3 2BB United Kingdom |
An elegant glass structure, constructed in 1874 during the reign of Queen Victoria, Barton Arcade oozes old-world charm and sophistication with a peaceful, airy, naturally lit ambience.Although it sustained considerable damage during the IRA bomb blast of 1996, careful, well measured restoration has helped restore the arcade - which is a Grade II listed building - to its original glory. Wander inside and you can admire the delightful coloured tile floors, delicate duck-shell blue walls and ornate white wrought iron work on the balconies above. There are a variety of exclusive boutiques and small independent designer stores located within, along with the unique Belgian chocolate shop, Truffles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Henry Law |
 Photo: matt funnell |
 Photo: Iain Dickinson |
 Photo: robertswann3265 |
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Largest in Europe |
32 Market Street Manchester M1 1PL United Kingdom +44 161 832 6533 |
This airy and ultra-modern branch claims to be the biggest Boots in Europe and it has some impressive features. All stock is organised into easy-to-understand function areas and the beauty hall includes a section devoted to personal beauty treatments and makeovers. The top floor, which has great views of the Royal Exchange Theatre and down Cross Street, is devoted to a pleasant cafe offering fresh coffee and a variety of light snacks and meals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Bank holiday shopping day out |
Liverpool Road Manchester M3 4JS United Kingdom +44 161 234 7357 |
It's becoming quite a ritual for locals and tourists alike to visit Castlefield on a sunny weekend to see what's going on. On each of the UK's four annual bank holidays, one of Manchester's biggest and best traditional street markets is held here. All the usual household and fruit and vegetable stalls are here, but you can also find stallholders - from as far afield as Holland and France - selling products as diverse as specialty cheeses, lavender, textiles, clothes and shoes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Experience Thailand in Manchester |
Chapel Walks Manchester M2 1HN United Kingdom +44 (0)161 832 8342 |
The Chaophraya Thai Restaurant & Bar brings Thailand to Manchester with authentic food and a luxurious setting. Choaphraya offers a wide variety of dinning experiences. Have a seat at the Yee Rah Sizzler Grill where lunch is cooked fresh while you watch. Stop by the extensive modern bar or dine a la carte for dinner. Don't have a ride? Arrange for the Tuk Tuk to pick you up, an authentic Thai three wheeled taxi! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 The city's leading art supplies store |
27-29 King Street West Manchester M3 2PN United Kingdom +44 161 834 2142 |
This wonderful arts and crafts supplies shop has been open for over a hundred years and perhaps predictably has an exceptionally solid product range. From acrylics and water colours to gouache, oils (including Bob Ross), pastels, pencils, brushes, canvasses, artist's stools and easels, they stock them all.They also sell a good selection of quality craft items such as stencils, glue, rubber stamps, pens, markers and various types of art paper. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A highly distinctive store inside and out |
76-80 King Street Manchester M2 4NH United Kingdom +44 161 819 1048 |
This beautiful store is highly distinctive both inside and out - from the eye-catching red-brick arched frontage to the bright, neo-industrial stylings of the interior - with a massive video wall to your left upon entering, along with lots of well spaced racks and beech wood floor displays. A popular designer, Donna Karan is known for her wearable classics and office wear and she has also recently branched into sporty gear, all of which are available in this stylish shop. The clothes are expensive, but retain a high fashion cache with her many fans. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A collection of quality and sophistication |
84-86 King Street Manchester M2 4WQ United Kingdom +44 161 839 8789 |
This spacious and well designed store at the top of King Street just oozes sophistication and quality - both inside and out - and is one of the city's best established and most popular designer shops. Emporio Armani stocks a mainly casual selection of Armani clothing, as well as a fine-tailored range of suits for men and women. The store also holds an excellent collection of the famous Armani jeans and the quality of customer service is unsurprisingly good. An alteration service is available and the end-of-season sales are usually quite good value for money. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Exclusive designer names |
Units 9 and 10 Royal Exchange Arcade Manchester M2 7DB United Kingdom +44 161 834 8669 |
These two shops stand directly opposite each other in the exclusive Royal Exchange Shopping Arcade and sell a range of top name designerwear from names such as Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, Versace and Joseph in a chic, minimalist environment. One unit stocks items from the latest collections, whilst its sister shop takes weekly deliveries of various oddments and discontinued lines which they sell on at hugely discounted prices. Both stores also sell a selection of designer shoes from all the major brands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The very best in hand-made shirts and accessories |
39 Princess Street Manchester M2 4FN United Kingdom +44 161 237 9253 |
This distinctive and highly traditional shirtmakers is located opposite the Town Hall and offers customers a glimpse of a bygone age in its style, service and undoubted attention to detail. Meticulously positioned shrubs and potted plants line the shop front and entrance, while the interior with its chandeliers, mahogany fittings and elegant displays provides a reassuring atmosphere. Shirts of just about every style, material and color are available, along with silk ties, cuff links and accessories of all kinds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Antiquarian and first editions |
The Ginnel Gallery, Lloyds House 18-22 Lloyd Street Manchester M2 5WA United Kingdom +44 161 832 7241 |
This atmospheric little bookseller is sited inside an antique centre that faces the Town Hall. The accent is on antiquarian tomes and hefty original leather-bound collections. However they also sell a good collection of modern first editions, Agatha Christie's for example. They're also strong on the arts and sport and if you want to buy sets of complete works of the literary greats such as Dickens or Shakespeare, this is probably a very good place to look. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Flagship branch |
14 St Ann's Street Manchester M2 7LR United Kingdom +44 161 835 1727 |
Despite their raunchy image, fcuk actually sell some fairly classically designed clothes. Lots of attention is paid to finishing touches like beading, stitching and buttons. The same goes for the airy, spacious interior of this flagship store. All subtle spot-lighting and smooth, clean lines. The prices are steep but console yourself with the fact that many of their basic separates and chic suits are timeless. Failing that, you could check out their famous end-of-season sales, where great discounts are usually offered. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marc |
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Shoes with style |
27 King Street Manchester M2 6AF United Kingdom |
Stylish shoes (predominantly in dark-neutral shades) are on offer at Hobbs. The merchandise is definitely targeted at the up-and-coming PR girl or advertising executive. The atmosphere of the store is elegant and sophisticated, with plenty of clean lines and cool pastel shades that match the aspirations of the clientele. Although very classic in design (in as much as they are not dependent on the whims of the latest trends), you can definitely pick out a Hobbs shoe as there's something quite distinctive about them. Clothes here are also a happy mix of chic and originality, but not for those on a tight budget. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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An unusual mixture of sport and high fashion |
69 Deansgate Manchester M2 2BW United Kingdom +44 161 833 3778 |
This unique store - with a second branch with a more sporting emphasis on Piccadilly - unusually mixes sport and high fashion clothing all under one roof. They also claim to be the only major independent sports retailer in Manchester selling a full selection of specialist equipment, international and European football and rugby shirts.The outside of the shop is eye-catching with lots of purples and greys with bold, modern lines, inside it is airy and informal with minimalist wooden shopfittings and displays. There is an extensive range of smart-casual sport and menswear from all the big brand-names such as Nike, Adidas and Reebok and they even provide a rapid racquet restringing service. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Quality clothing and sober styling |
12-14 King Street Manchester M2 6AG United Kingdom +44 161 832 4456 |
This well known, long established store, at the Deansgate end of King Street, has an unusual monochromatic frontage and displays. Black varnished window frames and fittings starkly contrast the white tiled floors and strong lighting.As with the store design, the clothes specialize in good quality materials in simple beiges, whites and blacks. This is really the place to come if you want to invest in a timeless classic. Ladies fashions can be found on the ground floor, while Jaeger Men can be reached in the basement, via a wooden staircase in the centre of the shop-floor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Massive photographic shop |
50-52 Deansgate Manchester M3 2FE United Kingdom +44 161 835 2404 |
This is the flagship regional store of a major national chain and is probably the largest photography store in the city centre. It stocks cameras, camcorders, digital video, binoculars and telescopes plus a comprehensive range of camera accessories including lenses, filters, lightmeters, camera bags and cases, tripods and darkroom equipment. As well as the gamut of standard camera types - APS, 35mm compacts, auto-focus and manual SLRs - Jessops is one of only five places in the country to have a specialist professional Medium Format centre offering prestige makes such as Mamiya, Bronica, Hasselblad, Contax and Pentax. There is an additional smaller branch in St Peter's Square and another in Stockport. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Elegant hand-made footwear |
47 King Street Manchester M2 7AY United Kingdom |
This store was established in 1857 and is very proud of its long heritage. The shoes however are thoroughly modern - some gorgeous, strappy wedge heels can be found here as well as traditional brogues and smart office lace-ups. The store's style is relaxed with warm, subdued lighting and a big, comfy sofa in the centre where you can sit and try on the shoes of your dreams. In addition, at the back of the shop they offer a small choice of Church's hand-made footwear. There is also a branch at the Trafford Centre that stocks a similar range. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Stunning colours and timeless designs |
1 King Street Deansgate Manchester M2 6AW United Kingdom |
There are some wonderful colors and extremely well-cut clothes in this stylish, beautifully appointed shop. Kaliko appears to favor the younger, affluent woman and the clothes here tend towards a timeless rather than outrageous look, which is also mirrored in the subtle decor with its pleasing, simple geometric lines and well-placed spot lighting. Woollen jumpers, shift dresses and great blouses are what they seem best at and the greatest thing about many of the designs on offer is that they cater both for the office and for an evening out. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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House of Fraser chain |
Deansgate Manchester M60 3AU United Kingdom +44 161 832 3414 |
The first thing you'll notice is the vast cosmetic and perfume department; a multitude of exotic aromas assaulting your senses as you enter. Manchester's largest department store has entire floors dedicated to the very best in housewares, electronics, designer shoes and formal fashions. The basement stocks a wide selection of expensive casual clothing from Paul Smith, Diesel, Ted Baker and many more. Try their dangerously tempting food court or the classy top-floor café with sweeping views of the City Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lex Hall |
 Photo: Jonathan Paul Jones |
 Photo: cliffajw  |
 Photo: Sean O'Muirig |
 Photo: Lex Robinson |
 Photo: Andy J Brown |
 Beautiful award-winning French cakes and pastries |
The Triangle 37,Hanging Ditch Manchester M4 3TR United Kingdom +44 161 819 1260 |
Located in the delightful Triangle shopping complex development, this is a unique cafe and shop owned by French patisserie chef Paul Caffet - who won a global award in 1995 for his confectionery creations. You can browse around the wooden shelves packed with fine foods, cakes and savouries or sit down in the great 50s styled leather chairs of the cafe area, with fine views across Exchange Square to the Cathedral. Individual pastries and cakes start at around £3 and you can also buy their famous ice-cream gateaux for that special occasion from £22. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine sandwiches and Italian deli |
50 Pall Mall Manchester M2 1AQ United Kingdom +44 161 832 4600 |
In the middle of the city's financial quarter, this stylishly low-key establishment sells the finest quality sandwiches (made fresh on the premises) ice creams, coffees and home-made soups. An outside catering facility for boardroom buffets is also available. Highly recommended is the smoked Penrith pepperpot sausage with apricot and ginger chutney, followed by Greek yoghurt with raspberries and Barbados sugar. The shop also boasts an excellent Italian delicatessen section, which includes flavoured olive oils, fresh pasta and all kinds of fine food gifts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Beautiful new shopping development |
7 Market Street Manchester M1 1WT United Kingdom +44 161 831 7341 |
Manchester's new Marks & Spencer is the largest in Europe. It has four huge floors within its gleaming glass walls. The food court and home furnishings departments are located in the basement, women's and children's clothing are on the ground and first floors, and men's clothing is on the second floor. All departments are accessible through glass elevators or escalators. There are five separate entrances, including a stunning elevated glass and steel tunnel walkway that connects from the Arndale Centre. On-site services include baby changing facilities, ATM's, a bureau de change, two coffee shops and a shopper's lounge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kev Purcell |
 Photo: plentyofants |
 Photo: Catherine Hartley |
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Long established city centre jeweller |
3 Royal Exchange St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7EA United Kingdom +44 161 835 1744 |
Established in 1825, this well-known city centre jeweller and pawnbroker also has branches in Collyhurst, Oldham and Salford. It offers instant cash for exchanging gold or diamond jewellery and will redeem it as long as it is within 7 months.They do a full range of new jewellery with diamond rings, sovereign rings, bar gate bracelets, curb chains and bracelets and Omega watches particular specialities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Shot Silk Shop |
15-17 King Street Manchester M2 6AW United Kingdom +44 161 834 3236 |
Gorgeous dresses and separates made from yards of scrumptious material. The colors used in the clothes are intense and the workmanship very good. Expect to pay a lot for any item you buy from here, but the clothes are long lasting so they could be looked upon as an investment. Accessories by 'accessorize' are also sold here. Even if the prices are a little bit expensive, it's good to go for sheer inspiration alone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The biggest stationers in the city |
14 Bank House St Mary's Gate Manchester M1 1PX United Kingdom +44 161 839 1500 |
The largest stationers in Manchester, you will find a massive range of funky cards, unusual stationery and interesting gifts spread out over three floors. A beautifully designed interior offers acres of space and lots of natural light, while the eye-catching spiral staircase in the centre of the store is the main focal point.On the ground floor you will find cards, gifts and every color co-ordinated stationery item you could possibly need. On the next floor you will find the more expensive pens, gadgets, bags and gift sets, but it doesn't stop there. There is a coffee shop (Costa Coffee) on the third floor plus hand-made paper, a large selection of artists materials and sale items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Discount CDs of all kinds |
123 Deansgate Manchester M3 2BY United Kingdom +44 161 834 1230 |
With a reputation as the region's fastest-growing chain of record shops, Polar Bear offers both new and second-hand CDs, music books, magazines and a limited range of vinyl - all at competitively discounted prices. It is a friendly looking shop with bright yellow decor, amusing polar bear murals and lots of posters on the walls. All types of music are represented including jazz, classical and reggae. The best thing to do is to take your time browsing the aisles as you can often pick up some real bargains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Classy shopping environment |
St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7DB United Kingdom +44 161 834 3731 |
Here you will three baroque-style floors housing the most exclusive small retail outlets in Manchester, with varnished wood, tiled mosaic floors and ivory ceilings all adding to the sophisticated atmosphere. The top floor is dedicated to a designer fashion market area which includes Long Tall Sally - a specialist shop for tall women.Ground floor wares include top quality luggage, cigars, designer jewellery, hand-made truffles, specialist coffee beans and many other delights. There is also a small coffee bar at the Cross Street entrance and the basement area includes a fascinating antique jewellery market. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Trade and specialist publications |
9-21 Princess Street Albert Square Manchester M60 8AS United Kingdom +44 161 834 7201 |
Formerly Her Majesty's Stationery Office bookstore, this large, imposing shop stocks a comprehensive range of books on computing, finance, parliamentary legislation, law, construction and management. They are also the principal stockists of HSE, British Standards and Ordnance Survey publications, along with a good variety of useful travel and tourist guides plus an excellent section devoted to the local history of the area. A fast search and mail order service is available on request. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Manchester mementos |
The Bridgewater Hall Lower Mosley Street Manchester M2 3WS United Kingdom +44 161 950 0000 |
Primarily one of Europe's leading concert halls, The Bridgewater has a delightful gift shop selling music-related gifts and designer jewellery in the central foyer area, where you can also pick up free event programmes, leaflets and flyers. In addition, there is a good range of Mancunian postcards and greetings cards, which would always make a great memento. As might be expected, the gifts do tend to be on the expensive side, but it is possible to buy lower priced items - such as mugs and bookmarks - and you are actively encouraged to browse around at your leisure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A high class shopping experience |
Exchange Square Manchester M4 3TR United Kingdom +44 161 834 8961 |
The Triangle is another example of the awesome pace of redevelopment within Manchester city centre. Created from the fine, Victorian Corn Exchange buildings - close to the cathedral - it has become a high class shopping centre, offering some of the best shops, restaurants and bars in Manchester. There are plenty of places to visit over 3 floors including Space NK, Calvin Klein, Jigsaw and the only Zinc Bar and Grill outside London. The top floors of the development are also home to major local radio station Galaxy 102. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Fair |
 Photo: Henry Law |
 Photo: Neil Turner |
 Photo: Fraser Fortune |
 Photo: Neil Turner |
 Photo: Paul Shaw |
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Uniquely bizarre British couture |
2a St Mary's Street Manchester M3 2LB United Kingdom +44 161 835 2121 |
Vivienne Westwood is known as one of Britain's most flamboyant designers and this small, but uniquely presented shop is a perfect example of her style. The shopfront is all varnished black wood and gleaming glass with a teak and polished brass sign hanging above. Walk through the narrow entrance and up some small steps to the second level, where racks of extravagant clothes fight for your attention with some outrageously over-the-top crystal chandeliers - adding to what is an impressively bizarre shopping experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Largest bookstore in town |
91 Deansgate Manchester M3 2BW United Kingdom +44 161 832 1992 |
Waterstone's on Deansgate is probably the largest bookshop in the North West. Spread out over several massive floors, you can find just about every book you could ever want here. They are known for their regular launch events and book signings and there is a free in-store magazine available to keep you informed about what is going on. Classical music or mellow jazz pervades the store which is tastefully decorated in dark wood throughout. There is another small branch on St Ann's Square Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Exotic blends always available |
Weesperstraat 69 Manchester 1018 VN United Kingdom +44 161 839 6102 |
This delightful shop, with an authentic old-fashioned feel, is located in the centre of Deansgate. It sells teas and coffees of every variety you can think of. There is definitely a personal feel to Whittards—even if it is part of a small chain—and they have regular free tastings of some truly weird and wonderful blends. They are always happy to provide friendly advice and they also sell quality coffee makers, grinders and other related items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Digital camera specialists |
45-47 Deansgate Manchester M3 2AY United Kingdom +44 161 832 2656 |
A friendly, well-established shop that prides itself on offering good, impartial advice on everything from cameras to camcorders and binoculars. They specialise in digital cameras, running regular demonstrations and can even print off test shots on a PC, so you can examine the image quality before purchasing.The shop also sells a full range of standard camera accessories including lenses, light meters, bags, tripods, films and darkroom processing equipment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |