After an incredibly long few months of clothing shops being closed, Manchester’s high street will finally reopen on April 12.
I’m sure many people are already geared up for their first post-lockdown shopping trip, whether it’s a visit to The Trafford Centre or stocking up on Primark’s latest offerings.
But there is much more to Manchester’s shopping scene than these big-name brands – the city is filled with hidden gems that will also be welcoming back customers on Monday.
If you’re looking to shop somewhere new while supporting local businesses, we’ve got just the list for you.
Here are some of our favourite independent clothing boutiques in Greater Manchester that you’ll be able to visit from April 12.
McQueen Independent has been a staple of Manchester’s high street since 1994, offering a variety of colourful and creative garments with a personal touch.
Owners have curated a collection of lesser-known labels to build a lasting wardrobe for customers, plus these stylish pieces are also sustainable.
If you’re sick and tired of your existing wardrobe, this secondhand clothing hotspot will be your go-to location for discovering some fresh new pieces.
Lief operates a swap shop to find new homes for your old clothes, as well as selling many quirky and artistic pieces from independent makers.
Newly launched in February 2021, Mockingbirds is Withington’s trendiest boutique catering to all tastes, styles and needs.
This is a clothing store that isn’t afraid to step out of the ‘comfort zone’ with bold colours and designs – and it appears like there’s something here for everyone.
There’s no better place to embrace the iconic Mancunian street style than with this boutique, which offers premium hand-picked vintage and modern clothing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bionic Seven covers all of menswear musts – from authentic Levis to Burberry and everything in between.
Established in 1995, Abayas is the pioneer of stylish Islamic and modest clothing.
The brand has its finger right on the pulse of what’s trendy, showing that “conformity to Islamic guidelines need not compromise on elegance and style.”
This glamorous and girly boutique isn’t afraid to push the boat out with adventurous but still incredibly on-trend pieces.
ADVERTISEMENT
Whether you’re looking to make a statement in a faux leather coat or embrace your inner 70s with a fringed jacket, Eternal Envy will be your one-stop-shop for any spring wardrobe essentials.
If you’re not afraid to have some fun with your fashion, this quirky and retro boutique is for you.
The store has become a staple of the Northern Quarter with energetic and vintage-inspired pieces, offering everything from pastel rainbow crochet shackets to cat print midi dresses.
Manchester United set to release two classic remake kits, including a ‘blackout’ shirt
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly planning to release not just one, but another two classic remake kits, based on one of their most recognisable shirts of all time.
As many other teams have done for special anniversaries and limited edition strips, one of them is set to be a ‘blackout’ version of the iconic design, too.
Having already dropped a re-release of the 1990-92 ‘snowflake’ away kit this past April, along with various other bits of lifestyle/casualwear, the success of their retro range needs no explanation.
With that in mind, supporters who remember the initial Adidas era, football fashionistas and collectors alike will no doubt be clamouring to get their hands on either or both of these shirts.
The right-hand side is an educated prediction by the outlet. (Credit: Footy Headlines)
Based on the same adidas Originals template initially used for the 1986-88- home kit, according to the ever-reliable Footy Headlines, a similar faithful recreation is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
We’ve already heard rumblings of a Man United fourth kit expected to be added to their rotation for the upcoming campaign, but this is thought to be separate from the match-worn 2026/27 alternate.
As you can see, the rumoured ’86 remake by United will mark 30 years since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson first took charge of the club, before going on to spend the best of three decades there himself.
Featuring the traditional ‘adi trefoil’ logo and the famous Sharp Electronics sponsor on the front, as well as the sublimated old school pattern – just as seen with the aforementioned modern edition of the ’90-92 jersey – the second version will be exactly the same, only, you guessed it: all black.
With the INEOS ownership group clearly looking to double down on nostalgia and the improving mood around the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ now that they’re back in the Champions League, revenues already look to be on the rise.
Ruben Amorim famously turned this down – but not Michael Carrick…
The retro range has become just the latest of several new money spinners for the Red Devils as they look to get their finances back on track, as well as their performances on the pitch.
This summer transfer window is also now open, and with one deal already said to be done and at least a couple more in the pipeline, the income from merchandising will no doubt help to fund at least part of their various lots of these deals this year.
It isn’t just new players they have to pay for either, as it’s also costing them north of £1 million to returf the pitch inside the ground – and they still have the prospect of a new stadium to replace Old Trafford, let’s not forget.
Music charity launches exclusive giveaway after naming Liam Gallagher as newest ambassador
Danny Jones
A local grassroots music charity is holding a special giveaway of exclusive Oasis x adidas Originals merch to celebrate Liam Gallagher becoming their latest ambassador.
The legendary British frontman and global rock icon is no stranger to teaming up with charities, but this latest project is seeing him focus on his hometown and the Manc music scene more than ever.
Brighter Sound, who are based right here in Manchester city centre, announced the one and only Liam Gallagher as their latest collaborator on Monday, 1 June, but that’s not all.
As mentioned above, they’re also holding a prize draw to raise funds for the cause, with some special kicks up for grabs – and they’re a model that became collectors’ items almost instantly.
The local music development organisation, which has been helping support young artists and aspiring creatives for more than two and a half decades at this point, revealed Liam would be teaming up not only to help promote fellow Mancunians in and around the music industry.
But there’s still much more to it than that.
With this special fundraising initiative also on the table – as are a limited edition pair of his sold-out adidas Achille SPZL trainers (including the extremely rare and highly sought-after Japanese-exclusive version) as part of the giveaway – this marks a commitment to supporting up-and-coming talent.
All proceeds from the charitable prize draw will go towards a crucial pot of money that will then go directly towards backing rising musicians across the region.
In case you haven’t seen the shoes in question, both Liam and his elder sibling Noel teamed up with adidas Originals during the Oasis Live ’25 merch boom and reunion tour phenomenon as a whole, each creating their own special ‘Spezial’ design. You can see more of them down below.
They obviously flew off the shelves rather quickly.
Speaking in an official statement, the 53-year-old said of the fresh partnership: “I’m honoured to be an Ambassador for Brighter Sound and support the new generation of creatives launch their music projects. We need more help for the arts, especially for the working class.”
Getting to work in and around his native territory across Greater Manchester will no doubt be an added bonus for the Burnage-born Gallagher brother.
As for Brighter Sound, the organisation’s director, Kate Lowes, added: “It’s a real honour to be working with Liam and his team on this special prize draw, and to welcome him as an ambassador for Brighter Sound. Manchester is an incredible place for music – and Liam and Oasis are a huge part of that story.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to making sure that more amazing talent continues to grow from the city and find its place on the world stage.”
For anyone looking to enter the prize draw and help support Brighter Sound’s work across Greater Manchester, you can do so right HERE.
Daisy Bradbury -
9th April 2021 
