Top Independent Shops Manchester: Coffee, Books & More

The city’s marbled retail therapy destination, the Trafford Centre, is well-known to everyone in and near Manchester. However, most of the stores there are the high-street names that are available practically everywhere else in the country too. But there are plenty of other independent shops Manchester, you may and should browse if you’re searching for a special gift or want to treat yourself to something that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Why not take a leisurely stroll through the Northern Quarter or one of the city’s quaint markets? There are countless antique stores, gorgeous stacks of used books and comics and established, reliable record shops. 

You run the risk of spending a little bit more money than you had anticipated, but when you support independent shops in Manchester, every cent counts, right? Are you prepared to go explore outside? 

Below are the best independent stores Manchester has to offer.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

A trip to the Manchester Craft and Design Centre might be ideal for you if you’re the type of shopper who enjoys diversity under one roof but finds the Trafford Centre to be overwhelming. Also, if you are looking for independent jewelry shops Manchester, This 1873-era fish market has long ago been transformed into an artisan marketplace, including handcrafted ceramics, lighting, furniture, jewellery, and other items. In addition, you can unwind with a delicious dessert at Oak Street Café if your shopping becomes too much.

The Manchester Craft & Design Centre, which houses more than 30 artists, designers, and craft producers, was recognised as the “Best Independent Retailer” at the Manchester Tourism Awards in 2013. Even now, it continues to set the standard for independent shops in Manchester.

Located in the centre of the Northern Quarter, MCDC provides an amazing selection of high-quality, handmade, unique, and personalised products that are not available on the high street. It’s the go-to spot for gifts with that unique touch, and it’s lovely to be able to purchase something you truly adore directly from the maker of jewellery, purses, ceramics, and furniture. 

While prices can fluctuate, most products are not nearly as costly as one may assume. Its very own Oak Street Café has good coffee and a menu that includes pastries, salads, and stews that also highlights it amongst independent coffee shops Manchester.

The structure, which was once a fish market in 1873, is a stunning work of architecture that still serves its intended role today.

Bopcap Books

Inside the well-known Levenshulme Antiques Village, Bopcap Books offers a carefully chosen selection of books and souvenirs in the various categories like: pop culture, children’s books and illustrations, photography, design, occult and cult fiction, beat lit, crime noir, graphic novels, and pulp fiction. This is why it is one of the best of independent bookshops Manchester. Look for and purchase local authors’ books online.

Fred Aldous

Fred Aldous is one of Manchester’s true success stories, this venerable, family-run arts and craft store in the Northern Quarter has been in operation for well over a century, nearly 150 years, indeed. This is the place to go if you want to manufacture anything because they have everything. 

Vinyl Exchange

As the name implies, you may get more than just vintage vinyl, CDs, films in various forms, and souvenirs here. It’s a location where you can trade or sell items. And that’s what distinguishes Vinyl Exchange from other independent record stores in the area and makes it nearly difficult to walk out of there without discovering something that makes you exclaim, “Yes!”

If you approach it with an open mind, you could leave with an early copy of Trout Mask Replica or a DVD of Series 1-3 of ITV’s “Cold Feet.” Vinyl Exchange truly brings together all elements of popular culture, including expensive rave landmarks, frequently reissued rock masterpieces, and, yes, even films and TV shows. Compared to its neighbours, Vinyl Exchange is more of a collector’s dream because it specialises in rare, deleted, and used goods. You may need to do some digging, but the variety of options available is probably going to impress you because a large portion of the stock is exclusive.

In spite of this, there’s a laid-back vibe, and the management takes satisfaction in offering good prices for both purchases and sales. Those with more daring tastes or those who are very committed pop-pickers should be on the lookout for the occasional mystery packs of vintage CD singles.

Afflecks

Afflecks is somewhat of a Manchester institution, having opened its doors in 1982. And it’s not hard to understand why, with some extremely cool stores, bars, tattoo parlours, skate shops, events, and friendly people contributing to the area’s wonderful independent culture. Unquestionably a place to look for.  

Village Greens Community Co-ops

Located in the centre of Prestwich, this community-run cooperative is an organic store offering a wide range of products for your body and home, including bread, drinks, fresh produce, and ingredients for vegan and vegetarian dishes. In addition, they sell Salford Rum, a drink that may literally change your life and is a cause in and of itself to visit.

This grocery store, with a strong sense of ethics guiding its entire business, is located not far from Salford’s The Star Inn, the first bar in the UK to be run cooperatively and is amongst the best independent shops in Manchester.

As a substitute for supermarkets, it seeks to offer premium items and food that have been carefully chosen to guarantee fair trade, humane farming, and minimal waste. And it makes the dish taste even better. It’s also a real cooperative, owned and operated by locals, and they’re always looking to expand if you’re interested.

Now, if this makes you think of deserving people trying to sell you organic tofu, which is delicious, then well, there’s a lot more going on, like freshly baked cakes, coffee brewing while you shop, and the knowledge that, when you spend your grocery money here, you’re actually contributing to the community. 

Retro Rehab

Retro Rehab is one of Manchester’s many excellent vintage stores. There are no musty, mothballed cast-offs here; everything is restored to seem as good as new. Preston is now home to a location as well. 

Unicorn Grocery

This award-winning store in Chorlton offers about 70 types of organic fruit and vegetables in addition to cooking essentials, beer, wine, and freshly baked bread. A large portion of Unicorn Grocery’s fresh food is sourced from its 21 acres of land, so the quality is excellent, and the prices are thankfully not too excessive. They have branched out to include cosmetics, baby items, and eco-friendly household goods.