Style

10 clothing boutiques to check out as the shops reopen

There’s more to shopping in Manchester than just the big Primark, after all.

Daisy Bradbury Daisy Bradbury - 9th April 2021

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.

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McQueen Independent

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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.

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Where to find them:
54 Beech Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 9EG
https://mcqueenindependent.com/

Lief

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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.

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Where to find them:
52 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PW
https://www.instagram.com/shoplief/

Read more about Lief here >

Old Town General Store

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Old Town General Store is one of the newest additions to grace Stockport’s high street – offering trendy and high quality items with a hint of luxury.

The brand offers an incredible variety; stocking many fan-favourite brands as well as newcomers.

Owner Tony’s 30 years of retail experience will definitely put you in good stead.

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Where to find them:
24 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 1JE
https://www.oldtowngeneralstore.co.uk/

Mockingbirds Fashion

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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.

Where to find them:
481-483 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 4AN
https://mockingbirdsfashion.com/

Bionic Seven

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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.

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Bionic Seven covers all of menswear musts – from authentic Levis to Burberry and everything in between.

Where to find them:
60 Port Street, Manchester, M1 2EQ
https://bionicseven.com/

Fallow Garms

https://www.instagram.com/p/CI3nKvNhqRT/

Fallow Garms is helping to style out residents in South Manchester – pioneered by local students living in Fallowfield.

The company’s pop-up shops in Haus will be returning from April 12, helping you fit in perfectly on the streets of Fallowfield in authentic clobber.

Where to find them:
https://www.instagram.com/fallowgarms/

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Read more about Fallow Garms here >

Abayas Boutique

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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.”

Where to find them:
7 Grandale Street, Rusholme, M14 5WS
https://abayasboutique.com/

Eternal Envy

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This glamorous and girly boutique isn’t afraid to push the boat out with adventurous but still incredibly on-trend pieces.

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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.

Where to find them:
73 Park Lane, Poynton, Stockport, SK12 1RD
http://www.eternalenvy.com/

Thunder Egg

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNU1PBjBfBy/

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.

Where to find them:
52 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PW
https://thunderegg.co.uk/

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Laundry B

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNZoBbfjXt5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Laundry B is helping Mancs transition from loungewear into regular going-out clothes with their variety of colourful and comfortable items.

The brand is incredibly meticulous about sourcing only the best items and brands, providing a modern selection that you can dress up or down.

Where to find them:
15 Stamford New Road, Altrincham, WA14 1BN
https://www.laundryb.com/