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 Cool alternative shopping |
52 Church Street Northern Quarter Manchester M4 1PW United Kingdom +44 161 834 2039 |
This is the place for Manchester trend setters and alternative-minded shoppers. Shop owners and small retail outlets share the floor in this multi-level complex. The stairs are decorated with posters, fliers, photographs and personal ads and the whole place has an irreverent, independent feel. Browse vintage and club clothes, jeans, second-hand and rare music, watches and jewelery. There are some excellent gift and card shops on the ground floor, as well as a hairdresser's and skate shop. You can even find a couple of body piercers and tattooists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Garret Keogh  |
 Photo: hot ink |
 Photo: Davy Ellis |
 Photo: NEWELECTRICDAWN |
 Photo: tek0001 |
 Photo: Rebecca Horwood |
 Photo: Ben Stroud |
 Photo: Pete Blakemore |
 Photo: Heidi Haering |
 Photo: Andy Black |
 Photo: herbie_c |
 Photo: Mary Savege |
 Contemporary art in a designer clothes shop |
59 Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JR United Kingdom +44 161 831 7454 |
Although Arc is primarily a unisex designer clothes shop, it also houses impressive contemporary exhibitions by artists from all over the country, featuring their work around the walls of the shop. One of the most fashionable stores in the Northern Quarter the overall feel is understated, sophisticated and very cool. Changing every 3 months, the displays vary considerably and may include modern graphics, paintings, sculpture or ceramics. Previous exhibitors include the Rude clothing brand and the sleeve artwork of cult Manchester record label Twisted Nerve. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 A fascinating, labyrinthine selection of stalls |
Market Hall Arndale Centre Manchester M4 3AW United Kingdom +44 161 832 3552 |
This 2-floor labyrinthine, general market is a popular and fascinating permanent fixture of the Arndale Centre and offers a really wide variety of stalls. It is particularly well known for its very good food section, which specialises in great value fresh fish and poultry of all kinds. Other big attractions include the West Indian food store on the ground floor and the stall selling quality leather handbags at up to half shop prices. It's certainly worth a browse around for other bargains, particularly shoes and small electrical goods and there is always a definite buzz to the place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Hewis |
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Traditional street traders |
Church Street Manchester M4 1PW United Kingdom |
A taste of a time gone by, right in the heart of the city centre, this highly popular and richly atmospheric traditional market has been running for many years and everything you can wish for in fresh fruit and vegetables is available at ridiculously low prices. Get there early for the colourful exotic fruit stall as the more unusual produce tends to sells out quickly. Alternatively, for bargain hunters there are usually even bigger discounts all round if you can wait until the very end of the day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Rare soul, jazz and groove |
G19, The Smithfield Buildings 42 Tib Street Manchester M4 1LA United Kingdom +44 161 834 7783 |
With its funky, jazz-den feel, this is a great place to source all those rare soul, modern jazz and groove tracks. The shop mainly specializes in vinyl and CDs and has a large stock of collectible 45s, many of which decorate the walls. Their stock covers the work of artists dating from the fifties right up to the present day - although as it's only a small, specialist retailer, some of the more obscure releases can be pricey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kev Luckhurst |
 The most distinctive shop-front in the city |
34 Shudehill Greater Manchester Manchester M4 1EZ United Kingdom +44 161 839 0376 |
The Book Centre has one of the most unusual and distinctive shop-fronts in the city centre. Every available piece of empty space has been covered by bright blue signs advertising the massive choice of subject matter available. Inside the shop is dark, long, narrow and slightly ramshackle in nature, which makes it all the more fun to browse around. There is a particularly large adult fiction and biography collection, along with lots of stuff on sci-fi, horror, romance and crime. You can also sell and part-exchange your unwanted books for good prices on request. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ryan Brightwell |
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Quirky little record and memorabilia shop |
9-11 Paton Street Manchester M1 2BA United Kingdom +44 161 236 4022 |
A quirky little record and music memorabilia shop tucked away down one of the darker side streets past Piccadilly Station approach. Don't let the location put you off though, as within you can find all manner of interesting stuff. Crammed inside you can buy rare boxed sets, early picture sleeve singles, coloured vinyl, sheet music, magazines, books and much more. If you are after something specific they will run a search service on request. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Influential dance tune store |
5 Central Buildings Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JT United Kingdom +44 161 228 6432 |
This hugely popular and highly influential, independent dance record store has been open since 1985, making it the longest-running shop of its kind in the city centre. It is highly respected by people in the know, as well as by bedroom and club DJs. They specialize in house (both progressive and deep), breakbeat, techno and garage with a healthy import section also on offer. You can try before you buy at the several decks available and there is also a fast, efficient record search and mail order service if required. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Get your skates on |
41-43 Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JG United Kingdom +44 161 839 0437 |
Located right in the middle of Oldham Street, Exit Clothing and Skate Supplies stocks a variety of leading brand names in urban skating and extreme sports. Top labels - including Salomon, Merrell and Etnies - are all available at reasonable prices in this bustling, funky environment.A wide range of skates can also be found at this specialist shop including aggressive skates, fitness skates and professional quality skateboards. In addition, footwear, shades and various other crucial accessories are stocked to complete the look. Telephone orders are welcomed, and there is a free home delivery service if required. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hip hop is the thing |
20 Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JN United Kingdom +44 161 237 1181 http://www.fatcity.co.uk/fatci... friendsandfamily@fatcity.co.uk |
One of the most well known and distinctive dance record stores in Manchester, Fat City was started by Mark Rae (of hip hop maestros Rae & Christian fame) in 1993 to sell hard-to-get US import vinyl to the DJs of the burgeoning North West hip hop scene. Since then, it has become something of an institution with a generation of loyal fans and is the regular haunt of local luminaries such as Mr Scruff and the award-winning Rob Bright. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The definitive science fiction store |
65 Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JR United Kingdom +44 161 839 4777 http://www.forbiddenplanet.co.uk/ fp@fpmanchester.plus.com |
Based in the Northern Quarter - this is possibly the definitive sci-fi and fantasy collectors store in the city. Over two jam-packed floors you can find items covering Star Trek, Babylon 5, Thunderbirds, Dr.Who, Star Wars, Buffy, Pokemon and many, many more. On the upper floor there is a full array of action figures from cult movies, plus plenty of videos and clothing. The lower floor is dedicated to US comics, graphic novels, posters and books. A comprehensive mail order catalogue is also available on request. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Ellis |
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One of the country's largest |
90-100 Market Street Manchester M1 1PB United Kingdom +44 161 834 8550 http://www.hmv.co.uk/ |
A truly cavernous store, one of the largest HMV's in the country on 3 floors that stocks just about every kind of record you could want, from indie and dance to soul and jazz, along with a massive range of music books, videos, DVDs, magazines and computer games. The look is hi-tech and almost militaristic, with dark gun-metal grey decor and yellow stenciled graphics. An in-store radio station keeps you up to date with the latest releases and often bands come and do live performances and record signings. There are also two smaller HMV outlets at the Trafford Centre and at the opposite end of Market Street. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peanut99 |
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New Age specialists |
The Coliseum Church Street Manchester M4 1PW United Kingdom |
Dedicated to the advancement of spiritual science, the fulfilment of human potential, harmony and unity - this is a great place for anyone with an interest in New Age philosophies. Situated on the first floor of The Coliseum, the shop carries hundreds of titles on reflexology, reiki, auras, spiritual healing, chakra, occult and ritual magic. Their main centre is in Wales and access to this outlet is by appointment only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Love Saves The Day |
57 Thomas Street Manchester M4 1LA United Kingdom +44 161 839 0470 http://www.lovesavestheday.co.uk/ service@lovesavestheday.com |
A real treat in the back streets of Piccadilly, this delightful delicatessen and cafe stocks a variety of very classy and unusual food and drinks, which can also be eaten in. The cavernous shop space is light, airy and easy to browse around, with every section—from fine wines to cheeses— clearly separated. It claims to sell the finest cappuccino in town and even hosts occasional special events—such as wine tasting, cookery talks and food quizzes. The staff are really knowledgeable and the deli also offers a unique delivery service to city-centre dwellers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Ryan |
 Spiritual enlightenment in the city centre |
16-20 Turner Street Northern Quarter Manchester M4 1DZ United Kingdom +44 161 834 9232 http://www.manchesterbuddhistc... info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk |
One of over 80 centres countrywide established by the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, the Manchester centre is situated in a disused warehouse in the Northern Quarter of the city. Now restored and completely transformed, this spacious and welcoming building has two shrine halls available weekdays for meditation, a large reception, reference library, bookshop and wholefood café (Earth) situated in the basement. Other activities run in the centre include yoga, shiatsu, acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage - under the name of Bodywise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anthony Watt |
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For all things New Age |
110 Tib Street Manchester M4 1LR United Kingdom +44 161 839 9293 |
If you're interested in all things New Age, then you'll love this fascinating, quirky shop. Established for several years in the Northern Quarter, it is a magnet for anyone interested in exploring their spiritual side. It sells new and second hand books on all manner of subjects, including tarot, witchcraft, Celtic magic yoga, healing, psychedelia, body art, UFOs, cyberculture, folklore, shamanism and much more. There is also a popular vegetarian coffee shop on site, where you can relax with a hot drink or just sit and chat to like-minded souls. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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From Shakespeare to Star Trek |
25-27 Shudehill Manchester M4 2AF United Kingdom +44 161 834 9509 |
This is probably the biggest and best of the famous Shudehill bookshops. The large floorspace is filled to the ceiling with books of all kinds and the shop usually has music playing loud enough to be heard on the street outside. Heavily into science fiction—most specifically satisfying the needs of Star Trek fans—other shelf listings include everything from Shakespeare to sociology. The Exchange is open seven days a week and they also pay cash for any books, CDs, videos, LPs or audio cassettes you might wish to sell. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A leading alternative record store |
53 Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JR United Kingdom +44 161 839 8008 http://www.piccadillyrecords.com/ mailorder@piccadillyrecords.com |
Probably one of central Manchester's most comprehensively stocked record shops, particularly for those who like all things alternative or experimental. Since moving from Spring Gardens, Piccadilly Records has certainly gone from strength to strength.This roomy store has a vast range of vinyl and CDs all helpfully organized by a host of genres and sub-genres, many with useful comments and information to help you make an informed choice on that particularly obscure record you're checking out. There is also a unique range of specialist music magazines, fanzines and record bags available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kristina |
 Photo: Victoria Schofield |
 Photo: Mary Machin |
 Photo: Man Alive! |
 Photo: magicube77 |
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Tarantula, lizards, snakes and more |
7-9 Swan Street Manchester M4 5JJ United Kingdom +44 (0)845 013 4964 http://www.swanstreetpetshop.c... Administrator@swanstreetpetshop.co.uk |
Exotic pets are the specialty of this store. With a highly experienced staff on board, the Swan Street Pet Shop has become a favorite place for animal lovers. So whether you want a traditional fish tank or the uncommon tarantula, the bearded lizard or tropical snakes, walk in here. Furry friends back home also get pampered with great products from this store. And do not worry about going on a vacation as this shop also offers animal boarding services. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Oldham and Ashton NHS Trust Hospital |
Fountain Street Ashton-under-Lyne Manchester OL6 9RW United Kingdom +44 161 331 6000 |
Tameside General is a major NHS Hospital serving the local population of Oldham, Ashton and the outlying regions of east Manchester, with a good range of specialist and general medical care, along with an accident and emergency department. It is situated around 10 miles east of the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Disabled-friendly, 24-hour service |
27 Houldsworth Street Manchester M1 1EB United Kingdom +44 161 236 2322 |
Taxifone are one of the largest operators in the city centre, offering their customers several unique services. Providing a fleet of 5-seater licensed black cabs, they are disabled-friendly and will happily carry out courier services as well as airport or long distance journeys. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Quality arts and jewellery |
17 Oak Street Smithfield Manchester M4 5JD United Kingdom +44 161 832 4274 manager@craftmcr.demon.co.uk |
Situated on the site of Manchester's former fish and poultry market in the Northern Quarter, this centre is the perfect hunting ground for that unusual gift or else just a great place to browse. Originally set up with the idea of creating a unique environment where independent artists could both produce and sell their artwork, it has proved to be a huge success. From ceramics to jewelery, you'll find it here, making it the best place to find something different to anything the high street might have to offer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicola Anderson |
 Photo: Britt Breu |
 Photo: maofei |
 Photo: StephenNewton.com |
 Photo: Michelle G. Platt |
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Bright, well stocked collector's store |
5 Hilton Street Manchester M4 1LP United Kingdom +44 161 661 6393 vinylrevival@btclick.com |
Located just off Oldham Street, this is a bright, well-stocked record shop with an eye towards the bargain hunter as much as the more serious collector and memorabilia seeker.Records are bought and sold at competitive prices, while they stock all manner of vinyl, from rare singles to picture disc albums, along with posters, books and gig tickets. With friendly, knowledgeable staff and an unpressurized atmosphere, it's the kind of place that is well worth spending a spare afternoon in. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
