While we’re huge advocates for shopping independent at the best of times, after the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses in particular – there’s no better time than the present to show our support for local shops in and around Manchester. From handcrafted pottery, to fantastic artmakers, here’s our guide to some of the best independent shops and online businesses based in Manchester to get your shopping from this year.
1. Oklahoma
Known for their quirky homeware and gifts, Oklahoma has a little something to suit all budgets. Although the Manchester shop no longer exists physically, you can get your hands on their most popular stock on their online store here. From bright furnishings to nik naks emblazoned with pop culture references, this little shop can keep you browsing for ages (even online).
2. Love Raw
Founded in Manchester, LoveRaw is the perfect gift for those on a vegan diet or living with intolerances, promising to be a ‘game-changer’ for anyone who can’t have the regular milk kind. The recipe has been perfectly crafted by husband and wife duo Rimi and Manav – and tastes just like proper chocolate. A gift any milk-free recipient will be grateful for this year! Shop here.
3. Manchester Christmas Markets
If you’ve tried to walk through Manchester since early November, you’ll be well aware of the Christmas Markets in town. Although they can act as a massive hinderance, they do serve a purpose, as lots of unique gifts can be found at the hundreds of stalls peppering the city. Whether you’re after speciality cheese, hats and scarves, unique prints, local spirits, chocolates or pretty much anything that says “Christmas”, you’re pretty well covered – plus, there’s plenty of stalls to sit with a drink and something to eat if you’re shopping til you drop!
4. The Salford Rum Company
Hailing from Salford, obviously, The Salford Rum Company has climbed the ranks to become one of the most well-known local alcohol producers in Greater Manchester, and the bottles are a thing of beauty. Down at Dirty Old Town Distillery, yep, that’s it’s name, they’re producing spiced rum, honey rum, and dark spice rum, sticking to their roots of making three simple but effective blends. With a map of Salford on each bottle, one (or a set) of these creations would make the perfect present for a rum-loving Salfordian, of which we know a few. Find the range here.
5. Glass House/Nice Things
Got a plant enthusiast in the family? Glass House not only has hundreds of beautiful plants, but it’s a lovely shopping experience, too, thanks to its pretty in pink décor. Pick up gorgeous potted plants, pampas grasses and lovely pots. You’ll be spoiled for choice. Shop online or visit IRL at 74 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6JD | Nice Things at 3 Central Hall, Manchester M1 1JQ.
6. Petit Paris Deli
Having just turned one year old, you could say that Petit Paris Deli on the glamorous King Street is still pretty new to the town, but what it offers is nothing short of Parisian perfection. Not only could you take a loved one to experience the indulgence of the wine, cheese and charcuterie on offer, but treat someone (or yourself) to the likes of heavenly gourmet olive oils and vinegars from Château d’Estoublon, La Perle sardines or even a gorgeous gourmet hamper full of hand selected wine, cheese and jams. Drop in to Petit Paris to browse the selection at 10 King St, Manchester M2 6AG.
7. Buzzy Bee Bakery
Baked goods make for a really thoughtful gift for anyone, and if there’s one local baker nailing it at the moment – it’s Buzzy Bee Bakery. Based just outside of Manchester in Cheshire, the sister-run bakery creates gooey cookies, brookies and more – with huge brownie towers on offer which are perfect for celebrations. Check it out at Buzzy Bee Bakery, 3 Hawthorn Ln, Wilmslow SK9 1AA.
8. Manchester Gin
Craft Gin Club’s ‘Gin of the Month’ for December 2023, a bottle of Manchester Gin from Spirit of Manchester Distillery makes the perfect gift for gin-lovers. Not only do they feature in some of Manchester’s favourite cocktail bars, but you can get your hands on a carefully crafted bottle or set yourself, including its signature, Haçienda and raspberry blends. Manchester Gin also stocks vodkas, rums, whiskey and liqueurs so you can be sure to find something for everyone here.
9. Fred Aldous
Famous for inspiring Stevenson Square’s seasonal street art, Fred Aldous is an Aladdin’s cave for crafts, art and quirky little thing-lovers. With gift ideas galore, you’ll find objects you never even knew existed, that make perfect presents for those in your life who seem to have everything and want for nothing. Whether it’s tote bags, photography gifts, household items or anything from the entire haberdashery section in the basement, you’re bound to find something quirky. Visit Fred Aldous at 37 Lever St, Manchester M1 1LW (also stores in Leeds and Sheffield).
10. Seven Bro7hers
Salford brewery Seven Bro7hers have had quite the expansion in recent years, successfully opening three beerhouses throughout the city. Not only does each pour a mean pint, but Seven Bro7hers offers gift sets for the beer-lover in your life – mix and match on their website to find the perfect combination for your loved one, whether it be lager, IPA, stout, or something completely different.
11. Feel Good Club
Manchester’s first mental health and wellbeing cafe Feel Good Club isn’t just a great place to grab a cuppa – but they also have a small apparel offering, which is feel-good vibes all round. The super cute designs are perfect for putting a smile on anyone’s face, and they’re sure to suit any style, too. Check out the range here, or visit the Northern Quarter store at 26-28 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EH.
12. Pear Mill Vintage Emporium
Pear Mill in Stockport is an emporium of vintage clothing, antiques and homeware of all kinds, making it the perfect place to get most of your Christmas shopping out of the way. If you’re looking to shop sustainably and locally this Christmas, as well as giving something truly unique, Pear Mill cannot be missed – it’s a treat for the eyes and will be an experience you can enjoy, rather than milling uncomfortably around a shopping centre. Find Pear Mill Vintage Emporium at Unit B1, Pear Mill Industrial Estate, Stockport Rd W, Bredbury, Stockport SK6 2BP.
13. Christmas Manchester Wine Tours
Whether you want to gift the wine-lover in your life a voucher, or coax them along to an event with yourself, Manchester Wine Tours is at your service. Kelly Bishop, Manchester writer-turned-wine tour guide, is offering special Christmas Manchester Wine Tours and ‘Trashy snacks and classy wines – festive edition‘ to get you in the festive spirit, alongside vouchers available to purchase as gifts for a future tour in the New Year. Kelly really is the bee’s knees when it comes to wine, and you’re bound to have the most fantastic time, laughing and drinking all the way. Find out more and book now here.
14. Piccadilly Records
Know a music lover with a vinyl hobby? Piccadilly Records are absolute pros when it comes to all things vinyl, and they have a huge library of records to choose from, too. Pop in for a nostalgic browse, or opt for their new click and collect service where you can pre-order online. Not only will you be lining the pockets of a local instead of Jeff Bezos, but it’s also a great shopping experience for vinyl lovers. Order here or visit them at 53 Oldham St, M1 1JR.
15. Classic Football Shirts Shop
An absolute staple of the independent shopping scene in Manchester, the Classic Football Shirts Shop will most definitely provide the ideal gift for the football-lover in your life. Whatever the team, country or colour, you’re sure to find something retro and stylish to adorn, and although the name would suggest otherwise, there’s much more than shirts to choose from. All types of apparel from hats and scarves to funky accessories are also available, the difficulty will be choosing from the incredible stock! You can find the Classic Football Shirts Shop online here, or in person at 25-27 Dale St, Manchester M1 1FY.
16. Salvi’s Deli
Salvi’s is much-loved here in Manchester for its authentic Italian cuisine, with a number of sites dotted around the city. But for those who love to try their own hand at cooking, their deli is the perfect spot to pick up a few treats. From hampers packed with goodies straight from Italia, to specialist ingredients that you won’t find in Tesco – Salvi’s Deli in the Corn Exchange has everything you need to nail Italian grub at home. New for 2023, you can also grab the Poretti x Salvi’s hamper which includes two Birrificio Angelo Poretti lagers, a jar of Salvi‘s tomatoes, Salvi‘s balsamic vinegar, Salvi‘s olive oil, Salvi‘s pasta and an Italian Christmas cake; Panettone or Pandoro – found on the Salvi’s website, or at Unit 22b, The Corn Exchange, M4 3TR.
17. Deadstock
Tucked away in the quirky Northern Quarter, Deadstock General Store offers up an array of modern and aesthetically pleasing homeware including serveware, gorgeous plants, candles and more. And not only can you visit the store IRL – but they have a lovely online store, too, meaning you can shop from the comfort of your sofa without popping into town. Visit their website or check them out at 48 Edge St, M4 1HN.
18. Gig tickets from our independent venues
OK, not technically a shop, but we have plenty of incredible independent live music venues here in Manchester, hosting shows by locals, those from far and wide and others we know and love – why not give the gift of a live music performance? Venues such as Band on the Wall, Gullivers and The Deaf Institute are still completely independent with no sponsorship from well-known brands, so going direct to their websites rather than a mainstream one like Ticketmaster can really help keep the local economy thriving, and ultimately keep places like these open and great bands playing.
19. Nola Boutique
Located in the beautiful Grade II listed Barton Arcade, between Deansgate and St. Ann’s Square, Nola is a boutique that’s made a comeback. The independent brand is definitely not cheap, but the quality of the clothing just screams “gift”. Nola has sourced winter-weight fabrics for the colder months and the Manchester studio has been working their socks off to turn them into some fabulous pieces, including all kinds of clothes, gifts and accessories. If you’re on a higher budget this Christmas and want to gift something really special to a fashion-lover in your life, Nola is definitely the place to go. Find it at Unit 2 Barton Arcade, 61 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW.
20. Paramount Books
A true gem around the Shudehill area, Paramount Books has been providing the community with books since the 60s, with a ton of second-hand classics to explore (with fantastic covers, may we add). The bookshop also stocks a number of comics, too, so it’s the perfect place to find something for that avid reader in the family. Visit them at 25-27 Shudehill, M4 2AF.
21. Afflecks
Iconic Afflecks is an absolute treasure cove of treats, housing a number of local independents throughout the historic building. Local artists, designers, foodie makers and more call Afflecks home, making it a pretty fun gift-shopping maze to explore. This Christmas, Afflecks is hosting an alternative crafty Christmas brimming with independent shops and is encouraging the people of Manchester to support local. Visit Affleck’s at 52 Church St, M4 1PW.
22. The Crafty Cheese Man
Self-describing as “Flogging amazing British cheese; The most bonkers team of fromage fiends; Events, tastings, training and general cheese ramblings”, The Crafty Cheese Man is an elusive cheesemongers in Manchester, dealing in some of the very best fromage from these British Isles. Choose from soft cheese, hard cheese, cultured dairy, blue cheese, cold cuts and pâté, pork, goat and sheep cheese, butter and nuts, all on the online store – find that perfect present for the cheese-lover in your life.
23. Nordic Muse
A one-stop-shop for homeware, jewellery and gorgeous stationary – Nordic Muse stocks gorgeous Scandi-style décor pieces that would be extra special as a gift for a loved one. Choose from gorgeous kitchenware and stunning vases, or browse through their cute selection of storage baskets and plant pots. Check them out here, or visit the shop at 106 Tib St, M4 1LR.
24. Cocoa Cabana
Trained by iconic chocolatier Slattery, Cocoa Cabana creates beautiful artisan chocolates that can be picked up from either of their cafes or ordered online. The chocolates come in all shapes, sizes and colours, and would be a beautiful surprise for anyone this Christmas. Choose from truffles and chocolate boxes, or opt for something a little more creative. Be sure to grab a hot chocolate there too! Cocoa Cabana, Murray Street, M4 6HS | 168 Burton Rd, West Didsbury, M20 1LH.
25. Top of the Town Vintage
Following success online, Top of the Town Vintage has a one-year-old IRL home on Lower Hillgate, Stockport, where vintage lovers can find pieces from the 60s and 70s, among other eras, with tons of bellowing sleeves, quaint florals and flowing skirts to browse. You’re bound to find something worthwhile if you or a friend are into vintage, one-of-a-kind items, and the shopping experience is one that takes you back to the height of high street shopping – quaint, successful and hopefully without complication! Find Top of the Town Vintage at 17 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 1JQ.