We’re pretty much overrun with old mills and factories in Greater Manchester, having been a hub for the cotton and textile industry during the Industrial Revolution, and although many have admittedly gone to ruin having been left for so long, there are plenty that have been repurposed. Of course, particularly Ancoats and the Northern Quarter are filled with old warehouses and mills that have been transformed for modern use like offices, flats and shops, even club venues, but one in particular, Pear Mill in Stockport, now houses an incredible array of vintage shops for all you preloved needs, in The Vintage Emporium.
This mill was begun by the Pear Spinning Company, with building starting in 1908. After several stoppages and a bankruptcy due to the cotton industry boom ending, it went into production in July 1913, although installation of the equipment was not completed until November. This made it one of the last cotton spinning mills to go into production.
From the outside, Pear Mill is just your average Manchester mill. Red brick, a huge chimney protruding from the surrounding trees, but something very special has been made of the interior. Whether you’re looking for clothes, music, furniture, books, collectables or something completely out of left field, you’re likely to find it in this palace of vintage.
What you can find at the Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill
The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill describes itself as: “A treasure trove […] overflowing with a diverse selection of traders sourcing a delicious array of vintage.” We’d say it’s accurate, but honestly nothing justifies the scale and selection at the emporium. Given the amount of quality vintage items for sale at the Vintage Emporium, we’re going to break it down for you to make things as easy as possible.
All Our Yesterdays
Wayne has been an avid collector for over 40 years and sells the things he likes, especially toys, Lady Bird books and those special things from everyone’s yesterdays.
Butler & Brown
Butler and Brown have been trading in vintage furniture, wall art, antique furniture and interior design pieces for almost 30 years. The owners have had recent success in selling several pairs of German cocktail chairs and retro furniture with a Scandinavian look, and their items are sourced from all over Europe and beyond (India and the USA), all selected by hand.
Garrick Books
Garrick Books is run by Peter, and is the only books dealer at The Vintage Emporium. Peter used to have the largest second hand book shop in the North West, and although he doesn’t have his own shop anymore, he still has most of the books. Tunnicliffe, locomotive and local history books are his passion, but you will find books of all sorts, spanning from works of the occult to bakers delightful recipe books.
Kuhl Vintage
Kuhl Vintage sell quality vintage fashion and accessories from the 1920s through to the 1980s. They offer a wide selection of men’s and womenswear including suits from the 1930s through to the 1960s. With famous clients including Lady Gaga, Blossoms, Wayne Hemmingway and the stars of Coronation Street, Kuhl is guaranteed to keep you stylish.
Logistique
Logistique is your doorway to collectables sourced around regions of France and the British Isles. The owners visit auction houses and antique shops as well as using their best connections over in France, in order to find truly unique vintage items and collectables.
Snygg
Snygg are specialists in mid-20th Century design, from ceramics and art to lighting and textiles. Since moving to the Vintage Emporium they’ve expanded their range to include furniture with character and whichever eccentric and unusual items take their fancy on their frequent buying trips.
The Modern & Teak Shop
The Modern and Teak Shop began at the Emporium selling G-Plan, Ercol and related mid-century furniture, as well as other well designed household and decorative objects from the 50s, 60s and 70s. It has since expanded the range to include French brocante, quirky antiques, religious art and selected industrial items − each with its own distinctive character; eclectic, stylish, unexpected and desirable, all at affordable prices and constantly changing.
Vintage Sewing Solutions
Vintage Sewing Solutions specialises in curtains, Roman blinds, cushions, seat cushion upholstery and other soft furnishings. They also offer clothes alteration and repair services and services for wholesalers.
Blueberry Vintage
Julie loves to buy and sell toys and board games of the 70s, vinyls of the 80s. She’s been a collector for many years. You’ll find quirky signs – particularly pub breweriana, recently supplying a bar in Stockport with a variety of interior fittings.
Dusty’s Vintage Interiors
Combining staple pieces with the decorative and decadent to bring a luxurious ambience to any home. You’ll be spoilt for choice amongst the stock where you will find pieces like Edwardian salon suites, large mahogany chests of drawers, an array of mirrors, tiffany lamps, chandeliers, rugs, gilt frames, Art Deco items, fire screens, dressing tables, collectables and so much more.
Alongside all of these incredible vendors at The Vintage Emporium, Pear Mill also stocks a wide range of quirky and interesting items available for hire. The Emporium has provided props for a plethora of projects from music videos to movie sets, and, of course, has been featured on the likes of the BBC’s Bargain Hunt, given its incredible collection of vintage and antique goods.
Once you’re done digging for hidden gems, there’s an onsite tearoom at The Vintage Emporium for you to relax with a cuppa and something sweet, so a trip to Pear Mill provides the perfect day out. What’s more, The Vintage Emporium is dog-friendly, so your canine bestie can join you on your vintage hunt, and Pear Mill offers extensive free parking, being just two minutes from the M60 (J27).
🕒 The Vintage Emporium is open 364 days a year, 9.30am – 5.30pm (10am – 5pm on Sundays).
📍 The Vintage Emporium, Pear Mill, Stockport Rd. West, Lower Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2BP.