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5 hidden gems in Manchester’s quirkiest shopping district, Pollard Yard

*Regina George voice* Get in loser we're going shopping!

Thomas Melia - 29th October 2024

It might look like a shipping yard dropped into a car park in north Manchester, but Pollard Yard is in fact a community shopping space where you can get a birthday card, a vinyl record and a tattoo all in one spot. I’m in!

This community retail location sees vendors selling their products and services directly from industrial-style shipping containers, making for a quirky and eccentric shopping experience.

Nestled between Ancoats and New Islington while being only a couple of minutes’ walk from Holt Town tram stop, it’s a lively hub of retail therapy which everyone can easily access.

There are a wide range of shops and small businesses perched in this small and innovative retail village and unfortunately we can’t list them all.

So here are a few highlights of the independent businesses you can visit at Pollard Yard.

Pollard Yard – The Guide

Vinyl Fetishes

In September, Pollard Yard welcomed Vinyl Fetishes, a record shop catering towards pop and R&B records that may not be as readily available in other suppliers.

It comes as no surprise that they’re also home to various editions of Charli XCX’s iconic ‘Brat’ album, including its extended edition and remix variants, that is until savvy shoppers like yourselves snap them up.

The owners are keen to interest more people in pop music that’s pressed onto vinyl even recently running a competition for Kylie’s new album ‘Tension II’, promising the first six customers a bottle of her very own ‘Kylie prosecco’.

The Lucky Pig Tattoo

Ever wanted a tattoo but needed reassurance from a friendly face? Well fear not, because over at The Lucky Pig Tattoo, they don’t have one friendly face but four to assist you with your next piece of body art.

Megan, Zena, T.A.K and AJ make up this tattoo parlour family and although the containers may be on the small side, they’ll always have room for some more creative visitors welcoming artists to host guest spots for a few days throughout the year.

This time last year, The Lucky Pig Tattoo gave customers the opportunity to get some spooky Snoopy designs tatted at their Halloween flash day.

The Letter Arty Shop

If you suffer from decision paralysis you’re going to spend a while in The Letter Arty Shop picking out a greetings card. Their Christmas collection sees these paper greetings in foil, letterpress, typography and even 3D form.

The latest collection from this gift accompaniment shop is titled the ‘Obvious Cards’ range and it’s as simple as putting pen to paper (sorry).

These cards are in-your-face with writing like ‘Christmas Card’, ‘Valentine’s Card’ and ‘Thank You Card’, I think you get the gist of it…

Nusole Services

A wall full of trainers looking clean and fresh at Nusole – Pollard Yard.

This next vendor is an absolute must for keeping your kicks shiny and new and with rain forecast pretty much 90% of the time in Manchester you’re going to need to call them up.

Marketed as a premium footwear laundry brand, this company are giving your shoes some much needed TLC, while keeping your outfit game unmatched.

They scrub up most shoes, especially their most requested clean LV Runaways, even providing services for Manchester City youth player Jaden Heskey.

Good Thing Coffee Co.

After some amazing deals like a focaccia sandwich for £8 or a coffee and a cake for £5.50, then this should be next on your cafe checklist.

You can fully immerse yourself in a selection of hot drinks, focaccia and sweet treats or get your order delivered to straight tp your car if you want your foodie fix on the go.

This coffee shop even hosts its own club nights at the yard! It’s a good thing this place is a coffee spot as these collaboration events can run until 12am.

For Your Consideration…

Hoopin ‘N’ Lootin

While it seems like everyone is falling in love with american football at the moment, whether you’re watching it for the game or for the modern day Romeo and Juliet , Tight end player Travis Kelce and pop legend Taylor Swift, Hoopin ‘N’ Lootin are obsessing over another american sport, basketball.

Supplying Mancunians with all their sporting apparel needs, stocking basketball jerseys from greats such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Where better to buy your basketball essentials from than a dedicated fan, after all shop owner Elliot even has the NBA tattooed on his thigh to commemorate his recent trip to the game in Paris last January.

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A post shared by Hoopin’N’Lootin (@hoopinnlootin)

So whether it’s your first time discovering this fascinating shopping site or you’ve been before, make sure you’re not a stranger to Pollard Yard, after all there really is something for everyone.

Featured Image: The Manc Group