Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 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 |
 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 |
|
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 |
 Capture that image |
63 Hill Top Road Paddock, WestYorkshire Manchester HD1 4SQ United Kingdom +44 1484 51 3066 |
Do you want to add that unique piece to decorate your room or just want to let your creativity find an outlet? Have a look at Elemental Images. If you are fond of photography, this is one company definitely worth your time. Marvel at digital blends of art and photography. Create your own artwork with their help or let them know your specifications, and sit back and watch the magic. Watch your commercial or private space bloom with these original works. Browse through their limited additions and gallery or choose from the weatherproof external installations. So whether you want psychedelic abstracts or pretty orchids adorning your walls, you don't need to look any further. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Hip hop is the thing |
20 Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JN United Kingdom +44 161 237 1181 |
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 |
|
One of the country's largest |
90-100 Market Street Manchester M1 1PB United Kingdom +44 161 834 8550 |
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 |
|
Thousands of Rare Records in Stock |
519 Wilbraham Rd Chorlton Manchester M21 0UF United Kingdom +44 161 860 4762 |
This is a bustling, crowded, mainly second-hand record shop with literally thousands of records in stock, covering just about every musical genre you can think of including rock and roll, jazz, punk, reggae and indie. They are also renowned as one of the country's major specialists in northern soul. Collector's items and rarities - from the 50s right up to the present day - are available, and competitive prices are paid for your unwanted vinyl and CDs. They can also provide a useful search service for that particularly elusive release. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
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 |
|
A leading alternative record store |
53 Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JR United Kingdom +44 161 839 8008 |
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 |
|
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 |
|
Where Oasis used to shop |
177 Fog Lane Didsbury Manchester M20 6FJ United Kingdom +44 161 445 8697 |
This predominantly second-hand record, tape and CD store is a great place to search out those old vinyl albums. It is still possible to come across some bargain collector's items among their stock if you call in regularly enough. If you want to buy new instead, there are always plenty of chart and popular CDs available.The shop was apparently a haunt of the Gallagher brothers - mum still lives down the road - and is even mentioned in an early Oasis song. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Tarantula, lizards, snakes and more |
7-9 Swan Street Manchester M4 5JJ United Kingdom +44 (0)845 013 4964 |
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 |
|
Bright, well stocked collector's store |
5 Hilton Street Manchester M4 1LP United Kingdom +44 161 661 6393 |
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 |
|
One of the biggest outside London |
52-56 Market Street Manchester M1 1QA United Kingdom |
Formerly known as a Virgin Megastore, zavvi is situated within the Trafford Centre. This spacious and modern store offers an assortment of popular media for every taste. Choose from a vast variety of music, movies, magazines, video games, t-shirts and popular books. If you want to try before you buy, there are headphones available so that you can tune in and listen to the latest releases. You can also purchase tickets for concerts and other major events. Check out the cafe for a coffee and a bite to eat while contemplating your purchase. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Refreshing decor and a retro atmosphere |
34-36 Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JN United Kingdom +44 161 237 5767 |
The Northern Quarter has plenty of record shops but Vox Pop tries to offer something a little bit different from the rest. Stocking mostly second-hand vinyl - with an occasional smattering of re-issues and new releases - the refreshing, bright decor and retro atmosphere keeps you coming back for more. If you enjoy pop culture in general, you can also find a fine spread of books, memorabilia and other collectibles at reasonable prices. Well, it is worth a look. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |