Whether it’s your favourite past time or you’re simply on a mission, Manchester is the place for shopping. Boasting absolutely massive shopping centres with everything you could possibly think of under one roof to quaint pedestrianised outdoor malls to mooch around, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. If you’re looking to shop til you drop or need to nip out for a quick errand like buying a last-minute birthday or Christmas gift, we’ve rounded up the best shopping centres in and around Manchester for you to visit.
1. Manchester Arndale
One of the only shopping centres found in Manchester city centre, Manchester Arndale is home to big fashion and beauty brands, as well as independent businesses ranging from fancy dress shops to cafés. Manchester Arndale is also home to its very own market where you’ll find plenty of food stalls if you get hungry whilst shopping, plus fresh grub from the butchers, fishmongers, and fruit and veg sellers. The shopping centre boasts entertainment venues such as Urban Playground which includes The Cube Live experience, bowling spot King Pins, Roxy Ballroom and Immersive Gamebox.
📍Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AQ.
2. The Trafford Centre
One of the biggest shopping centres in the UK and the largest in Greater Manchester, The Trafford Centre is a dream shopping destination for many. With ample parking, a bus station and a tram stop, it’s easy to get to both by car or on public transport. The shopping centre features a huge food court with big names and Manchester-born hospitality brands, beauty emporiums like Space NK and Sephora, an Odeon cinema and a host of entertainment venues and attractions including an aquarium, many of which can be found across the bridge at neighbour, Trafford Palazzo. For those after luxury shopping, you’ll find big department store names like John Lewis and Selfridges alongside designer brands such as Boss, Calvin Klein, Cartier and Michael Kors, to name a few.
📍The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 8AA.
3. Quayside MediaCityUK
Besides being home to the likes of ITV and BBC, you’ll also find Quayside MediaCityUK shopping centre at Salford Quays. From independent shops like Flock and Gaggle and Mossroom to outlet stores of familiar high street brands such as M&S, you get the best of both at this shopping centre. It is also great for those looking for a bite to eat as you’ll find Central Bay, the home of food hall Kargo MKT and 11 Central, a bar and microbrewery by Seven Bro7hers and Four Sisters. As well as offering a great place to shop, Quayside MediaCityUK also has inflatable park Oxygen Activeplay and a number of cultural spots on its doorstep such as The Lowry for theatre shows and art and Imperial War Museum North for exhibitions.
📍Quayside MediaCityUK, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AH.
4. The Rock
Although small compared to shopping centres like Manchester Arndale and Trafford Centre, The Rock in Bury is pretty mighty and you’re bound to walk away with at least one bag of new purchases. Here you can amble around in and out of shops such as big high street names like M&S, The Range, Next and H&M, to name a few. Whether you’re after a gift or some essentials, looking to cash a cheque at a bank or even book a holiday, it can all be carried out at The Rock – also be sure to look out for their cute installations and activities for kids too. Plus, you can even put your feet up at the cinema, get your game on with a round of bowling or take respite at one of their many bars and restaurants after a good ol’ shop.
📍The Rock, 1 Goodall Street, Bury, BL9 0JY.
5. Merseyway Shopping Centre
One of the biggest shopping centres located south of Manchester is Merseyway in Stockport, which is home to over 90 stores including high street favourites, local independents, leisure attractions, cafes and eateries. Located just off the M60 and close to Stockport Interchange and railway station, it’s super convenient to shop at whether you’re travelling by car, bus or train. The shopping centre has a wide range of entertainment venues to choose from including the comfy cinema The Light and ones offering virtual reality experiences, bowling, arcades and American pool. And so no one gets bored whilst shopping, Merseyway also hosts a variety of interactive events throughout the calendar year that are perfect for all the family to get involved in.
📍Merseyway Shopping Centre, 52 – 54 Great Underbank, Stockport, SK1 1PD.
6. Stretford Mall
Stretford Mall boasts a number of businesses ranging from start-ups to big brands as well as an assortment of food and drink spots. For food and drink, you’ll find independents like Bakehouse 32 for all your baked goods, focaccia sandwiches and pizza, Stretford Canteen for delicious French-inspired dishes and Longford Tap for craft ales, wines and spirits (plus a quiz night). You can definitely bag a bargain at Stretford Mall too with the charity shops and outlets available. The shopping area also hosts Stretford Socials – a town-wide celebration of all things local which everyone can get involved in and ranges from creative workshops to family activities.
📍Stretford Mall, Chester Road, Stretford, M32 9BD.