It’s been a long time coming… but the brand-new M&S at the Trafford Centre has finally opened its doors to the public.
And the first look images of the place prove it’s just as swanky as we were expecting.
In case you hadn’t heard, after it was revealed all the way back in January that M&S would be relocating from its old unit and taking over the former Debenhams site inside the Greater Manchester shopping centre, the retailer’s brand-new Trafford Centre store welcomed its first customers yesterday.
The new ‘mega store’ officially threw open its doors yesterday (30 November) at 10am, and it’s all just in time for Christmas, so shoppers can get stuck in to buying all their festive food and gifts before the big day arrives.
The brand-new M&S at the Trafford Centre has finally opened its doors / Credit: Supplied
Having opened as part of M&S‘ ongoing plans and wider investment to regenerate vacant sites in major UK shopping centres, the new M&S Trafford Centre store spans across a whopping 98,000 sq ft of commercial space.
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Promising shoppers “an even bigger and better store”, there’s huge new “spacious and stylish” Clothing, Home, and Beauty departments, as well as a brand-new M&S Cafe, and the star of the show being the all-new “market style” Food Hall – which stocks the full M&S Food range, and has “wider and brighter aisles”, with free designated car parking to make shopping “more convenient”.
Percy Pig was on-hand to welcome shoppers to the new store, with the first 200 customers through the door handed ‘golden tickets’.
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Every golden ticket holder was guaranteed a win. whether that be a free bag of Percy Pigs, freshly-baked cookies from the new M&S Bakery, or something even bigger – with one lucky customer even bagging a £200 M&S voucher to take home.
It promises shoppers “an even bigger and better store” / Credit: Supplied
180 new jobs have been created by the opening of the new store, and staff at M&S’ former Trafford Centre store have also transferred over to the new location.
The store is led by Store Manager, Laura Smith, along with a team of 420 M&S colleagues.
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Soaking up the opening day celebrations, Laura said: “We are thrilled to officially open our brand-new store in the Trafford Centre. The last few weeks have been so exciting for us all as we’ve seen the store take shape, and I’d like to thank everyone in the team for all their hard work to make sure everything is ready for our customers today.
“The store is an exciting investment in the future of M&S in Trafford, and I can’t wait for our customers to explore all the new features that the store has to offer.”
The new M&S Trafford Centre store is now open from 8am-10pm Monday to Friday, 8am-9pm on Saturday, and 12-6pm on Sunday.
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
20 of the best record shops in and around Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
When it comes to listing things that define our city’s culture, music and Manchester go hand-in-hand; we’re up there with one of the most influential music places on the planet, and we’ve got the best record shops to go with it – no exaggeration.
It’s that time of the year again to give our independent music stores the love and recognition they deserve. In a city brimming with musical history, it seems only right that we celebrate properly.
With analogue media seeming to be back on the rise/ trending and the music event scene saturated with DJs using vinyl, there’s no time like the present to explore Greater Manchester’s wide selection of indie record shops.
Whether you’re looking to buy or are simply a music lover after ideas for a day out, these shops deserve some attention. We thought we’d help you curate your itinerary for this Record Store Day, so here is your guide for 20 of the best record shops to visit for RSD UK 2026.
20 best record shops in Manchester city centre and beyond
1. Sifters Records – Burnage
The vinyl action around Greater Manchester may be concentrated around the city centre, but you’ll find one of the best record stores out in Burnage.
Even if you’ve never visited Sifters Records, you’ll recognise the name – this is the very shop referenced by Oasis in their tune ‘Shakermaker’, where Noel Gallagher sings: “Mister Sifter sold me songs when I was just sixteen.”
The musician used to shop here when he was a teenager, way before Oasis started releasing their own records, and their impact on the surrounding community and other local artists is massive.
The shop was opened more than 40 years ago by Mr Sifter himself, Pete Howard, who stocked it with 700 of his own LPs. Inside, you’ll find a massive collection of rare and vintage records.
2. Piccadilly Records – Northern Quarter
Piccadilly Records, ironically in the Northern Quarter instead (Credit: Audio North)
This is arguably the city’s best-known (and most-photographed) record store, with its orange sign and pretty patchwork of vinyl covers in the window. You’ll find it in the middle of Oldham Street, right in the beating heart of the Northern Quarter.
Part of Manchester’s music scene since 1978, the shop thrived in the post-punk era of the 1980s.
Following relocation and new management in the 90s, it’s widely considered one of the world’s best independent record shops (yes, the world), and is always at the heart of Record Store Day, with queues forming at least a day before.
Be sure to check out Piccadilly Records’ website for their handpicked selection of the releases they are set to be stocking on Saturday, 18 April. Make sure to be down there nice and early, as they open at 8am this year, and it will not be possible to reserve anything. You have been warned.
3. Vinyl Exchange – NQ
One of the GOATsAlways busy on RSDAn NQ favourite (Credit: The Manc Group/Vinyl Exchange via Instagram)
Another Northern Quarter institution is Vinyl Exchange, which has stood on the corner of Oldham Street and Dale Street (give or take a few metres) since 1988.
Its impressive catalogue of collectors’ editions and fan favourites makes Vinyl Exchange a popular site with people of all ages – including, apparently, some of the world’s most iconic musicians themselves. Regular shoppers have included Tim Burgess, Johnny Marr, and Bez.
Sprawled across two floors are CDs and records spanning just about every genre, from rock and indie, metal, punk, alternative, experimental, industrial, psychedelic and soundtracks.
We sadly had to say goodbye to owner Rae Donaldson in February 2024, but what a legacy he’s left behind – rest in peace, legend. Their emails are open to any last-minute requests, but again, no reservations are possible, so don’t wait around.
4. Vinyl Revival – NQ
Vinyl Revival, also Northern Quarter (Credit: The Manc)
It’s all about Manchester’s musical history at Vinyl Revival, which proudly toots the horn of the city’s local bands from the 1960s to the present day.
Sandwiched in between a sex shop and an old pet store, it’s been sat here in NQ for almost 30 years and stocks a massive range of vinyl, CDs, t-shirts and posters.
Their Record Store Day collection is always up there with the very best, so keep your eyes peeled.
Bury‘s only independent record store spans two floors in a beautiful Grade II-listed building on Market Street in the heart of the town.
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As well as its new and used vinyl collection – which you can test out on a turntable and headphones set-up – there’s a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, food, snacks and fresh cakes.
It pulls in a lot of live music from some massive names too, with recent intimate gigs and meet-and-greets from The Lathums, Inspiral Carpets and The Cribs.
They’re another load of early birds too, with doors opening from 8am, but the queues for Record Store Day itself always start a good 20 hours beforehand.
6. Kingbee Records – Chorlton
‘r LesChorlton’s Kingbee Records (Credit: X/Facebook)
Once again, while many of you living outside the city centre might often complain ‘there aren’t enough record shops near me’, those of you living in Chorlton will know that isn’t a problem you have to worry about.
You don’t need to hop on a tram into town or wander your way down some miscellaneous backstreet to spot the sunny yellow frontage of Kingbee Records, a place that has been a staple in Chorlton for as long as most of us can remember and owned the entire time by Les Hare.
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The shop buys and sells all styles of music, with a stock that changes daily. Charmingly, their website bio says (and strap in for this):
“You can’t move in here on Saturday afternoon for errant dads who’ve been sent out for a loaf and taken a musical detour, indie hipsters discovering krautrock and discovering the 80s on 50p sevens, serious spending collectors eyeing the big pieces on the walls, disco mums with prams in the 12′ racks, reggae obsessives sifting the boxes for super heavyweight ska, still sharp in their 50s chaps in good shoes, evaluating the latest northern stock, Big shot US house DJs in town for the night and doubling up on obscure electro on sale at a snip, king bee WAGs huffing and puffing at the door while their loved ones spend half of next months mortgage on a pile of Cds that remind them of pramless teenage freedom, old fellers in the jazz racks lost in a world of trios, blue note and bossa, Beatle nuts buying different issues of records they already own, mods and sods, pop gods and odd bods – people who know that music is the only real magic in life.”
Anyone who’s spent time soaking in the sun on Eastern Bloc’s benches in NQ come spring and summertime will know that it’s one of the pure joys in life; however, it surprised us to learn how many people still don’t realise it’s much more than that. Upstairs, you’ll find (for our money) one of the best record shops anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Starting out as a record store back in 1985, ‘E Bloc’ soon became a cultural institution and music mecca in the Manchester music scene, helping launch bands such as the Inspiral Carpets and hosting many an in-store signing for the likes of The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
It’s also responsible for breaking plenty of the new dance music back in the day, being one of the only shops in the UK to import dance music from around the globe and with one of the owners even going on to become part of Manc electronic legends, 808 State.
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Countless names have come through here to get their hands on the latest vinyl promos down the years, and it remains a cutting-edge corner of the electronic scene, especially to this day. They don’t always take part in RSD, but it doesn’t mean it still isn’t a place to waste an afternoon looking through their catalogue and sinking a couple of pints.
For Record Store Day 2026, they’ve got their usual annual party with sets from DJ Navigate, Paul McKenna, Camilla Rhengenzi and more; they’ve also got a 40% off sale online this year, so that’s worth checking out, too.
8. Clampdown Records – Piccadilly
We’d well and truly label this an old-fashioned record shopping experience (Credit: Facebook)
Clampdown Records is another city centre sweet spot located on Paton Street at the back end of Piccadilly.
Not to be confused with the record-pressing company, the honest little independent record store has the charm of somehow always feeling quiet but cosy – well, except for when it comes to that one Saturday in April, obviously.
It started out life as a mail-order service only before setting up in the Corn Exchange in 1990. Sadly, following the IRA bombings six years later, they lost most of their stock and had to start again from scratch.
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Nevertheless, cut to more than 30 years later, and they’ve been open every day since, stocking some of the best rock, punk, indie, funk, soul and jazz records, both old and new.
Better still, it’s also one of the best places to exchange music, with healthy trade-in prices as owner Neil Clarke is always looking to add big collections to his catalogue.
9. Vinyl Resting Place – Afflecks
An Afflecks institution (Credit: Facebook)
And then, of course, we have Vinyl Resting Place: arguably the greatest name for a shop we’ve ever come across anywhere in 0161.
Located on the third floor of the ever-enchanting Afflecks Palace, the record store is taped in the Hacienda black and yellow with a sign and might be one of the busiest shops in Afflecks on any given day — and that’s saying something.
Run by fellow enthusiast Alistair Hall, who makes sure the soundtrack to this site is also on point, Vinyl Resting Place is, without a doubt, one of the best places to buy and sell records in Manchester. It really is as simple as that.
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From our experience, he’s also a very hands-on owner and is always happy to help you sift through as many records as he can stomach in the search for a winner, stocking a wide variety of stuff beyond his go-to classic rock staples.
10. FOPP – Central
FOPP on Brown Street – silly name we know, but a good shop nonetheless (Credit: FOPP)
Now, you might be forgiven for mistaking FOPP for a HMV — after all, they are owned by the same people; however, this place is much more and after being rescued by the music and entertainment store chain a few years back, they’ve downsized and have done better than just steady the ship.
With just six locations across the UK at present (Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Nottingham, Cambridge and Manchester), this quirky music shop sells everything from vinyls to games and DVDs, books, random merch and more.
Tucked away on Brown Street just across the way from the Arndale, FOPP is like HMV with an added feel of Forbidden Planet and still has plenty of traffic through its doors each and every day.
It’s also been the site of some really big signings in recent years, such as the Pixies, Declan McKenna, Idles and countless others. It’ll be packed for Record Store Day, so make sure to get there early.
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11. Empire Exchange – Piccadilly
Last but not least, we have Empire Exchange, which, as they famously note, is much more than a record store and is always a joy to wander around.
If you’ve never come down from the station and towards Piccadilly Gardens without hearing the speakers blaring music out of the front door to passersby all day long, have you ever really been to Manchester?
Empire Exchange on Newton Street sells everything from vintage records and retro CDs to comics, memorabilia and all manner of other trinkets. Starting out from nothing more than a young stamp collector’s obsession, it spawned into two shops (the old one up on Shudehill) before downsizing to this one legendary location over 20 years ago.
It was opened by two mates, John Ireland and Ian Stott, and although Ian sadly passed away in 2021, John and his son Dave have been keeping their love of music and collecting things alive. Now, if that doesn’t sum up how special places like record stores are, then I don’t know what does.
Last up on our list of a dozen brilliant shops selling vinyl and hidden gems from the Manc music scene is one of the newest on the record store circuit. It also happens to have one of the best names, too.
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Fittingly called Withy Groove in relation to the historic Stores over the road, this new addition to Shudehill is buried in a basement just next to Rambo’s Tattoos and really does feel like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret. There are very few of those left these days.
They’ve got a dedicated section for rarities and super valuable special editions too, and we spent a good long while flicking through it, believe us.
In fact, we were such big fans that we did a whole little feature on this new curiosity located just on the edge of NQ, so click HERE to find out more.
13. Rubber Ducky Records – Islington Marina
When you listen to a certain track, sometimes you can feel like you’re ‘Walking On Sunshine’ or ‘Flying Without Wings’ – Well, this shop doesn’t make you feel like you’re floating, you actually are.
Specialising in all things dance, trance, house and more, Rubber Ducky Records is just off the Northern Quarter, docking up in and around Islington Marina.
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Shop owner Myles also loves to show off his collection by spinning his records during DJ sets up and down the country.
While he’s technically based over in Liverpool most regularly nowadays, we’re hoping that he’ll sail his way back down the Mersey and Manc canals for a comeback sometime soon.
14. Vinyl Fetishes – Pollard Yard
Vinyl Fetishes – Pollard Yard’s LGBTQIA+ owned music shop with its many pop offerings.The selection at Vinyl Fetishes specialises in pop releases.Credit: The Manc
If you can’t get enough of pop music, this is the place to go (and you’ll also never want to leave).
Vinyl Fetishes is fairly new to the Manchester record shop scene, and it has definitely made a name for itself, stocking practically all variants of Parklife headliner Charli XCX’s monumental ‘Brat’ album after it hit our ears last summer.
One thing’s for sure: school is back in session, as you’re about to be educated on every single pop diva that has graced planet earth, from Whitney to Madonna, Mariah to Gaga, all the staples are covered.
In collaboration with Pollard Yard for RSD 2026, Vinyl Fetishes is also hosting a special all-day festival on Saturday (18 April) from 8am-5pm, packed with live music from local artists, food and drinks.
15. Off The Record – Bury
Record shop owners Bobby and Angie, Off The Record at Bury Market.Racks upon racks of holy grail (vinyl), especially Elvis.
If you leave a record shop feeling ‘All Shook Up’, or your bank account screams “You’re the devil in disguise” after one too many purchases, then this record shop is ideal for you.
Right in the heart of the much-loved Bury Market, you’ll find none other than Off The Record, the music shop with a ‘Burning Love’ for King of Rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis.
Fear not, though: it isn’t just the Graceland star who sits pretty on their shelves; music lovers can find everything from Metallica to some of the best deep cuts of reggae. This really is a shop for all.
Yes, you heard us right – while this shop has only been open since November 2025, it has quickly gained traction with the younger generation in the music and events scene. Haunted Dancehall supplies a selection of both new and used vinyl, with a specific focus on electronic music.
The shop is located on the second floor of Wellington House, New Islington, which is easily accessible via tram from the city centre.
Why not give a new shop a chance this Record Store Day?
17. SK1 Records – Stockport
DON’T panic! They’ve not closed down; due to increasing popularity SK1 Records,, they’ve simply moved next door to a larger space, so there’s more room to store all of that vinyl.
SK1 Records is an independent record shop and cafe in the heart of Underbank, which specialises in new and pre-loved house, techno, hip-hop and indie vinyl. It serves as a community hub for music enthusiasts and is best known for their lively street parties and events.
With in-store listening decks, some great coffee on offer and only 8 minutes on the train from Manchester Piccadilly – it’s a no brainer.
They also have some of the coolest street parties on the planet.
This hidden gem established in 2023 in Altrincham will be another one to hit on Record Store Day, specialising in collectible pre-loved vinyl as well as cassettes, CDs and limited new releases.
They even have their own section of their website dedicated to music from iconic Mancunian bands such as Joy Division, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
Be sure to come down and have a browse through their thousands of records and music themed t-shirts.
Pretty decent bunch of additions this week, might keep a couple if you don’t come get ‘em ✌️ pic.twitter.com/u012fwXk2o
Another Alty classic is Tasty Records; established back in 2013 this shop has truly become a staple for vinyl lovers.
Tasty Records has an inclusive atmosphere, with a variety of prices and genres, prioritising accessibility to all with an interest in music. They pride themselves on their rare selection of ‘back catalogue’ items and top quality niche stock, bringing in famous faces and locals, all after the ‘best records’ in town.
Record Store Day is a big deal over at Tasty Records. With their list finally out, make sure to fill in their online form to give notice of what vinyls you want to see there on Saturday.
With new stock almost every single day, this is not one to miss off your list.
Sticky Black Tarmac is located in Leigh Spinners Mill, which is an amazing space that hosts a diverse range of activities and businesses, only a short drive from Manchester city centre.
Best known for their pop-up stalls at Wandering Palate, a neighbourhood bar and deli in Monton, on the first and third Sunday of the month, as well as at The Snug in Atherton, on the last Sunday of every month, which is definitely an event worth the hype with DJ sets, guest stalls, drinks and pizza available.
This Record Store Day, they’ve teamed up with Bocoffeeco in the interest of bringing like-minded individuals together in the name of culture and community. Rated as a five-star record shop on their Google profile, the reviews speak for themselves.
Better yet, they’ll be offering 10% off to anyone who comes down and picks up a record that day.
Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list; we know full well that there are plenty more locations up there that many of you would consider among the best record shops in Greater Manchester — that’s what the comments section is for.
But that’s what the love of music is all about, right? Blindly trying to make your way through all of the incredible records and artists in the world, knowing full well it’s an impossible task and you’ll never listen to it all, as well as sharing it with your mates and getting them onto their new favourite band.
Record shops are one of the perfect places to do that and play your part in the eternal circle of a music lover’s life: never even scratching the surface of all the music out there but eagerly awaiting to play it to your friend, whilst watching their face light up as they discover a new obsession, and vice versa.
Happy Record Store Day 2026 from all of us here at The Manc and Audio North.
The UK’s largest thrift market is returning to Victoria Baths in Manchester
Thomas Melia
Clothes Cycle is heading back to Manchester, turning Victoria Baths into the UK’s largest thrift market and vintage shopping haven.
When it returns to our city, you’ll be able to browse literally thousands of pre-loved pieces, sold by a whole host of independent streetwear and vintage sellers.
Whether you’re after classic denim, fierce festival ‘fits, statement jewellery, or reworked pre-loved fashion, you’ll probably find it here.
Clothes Cycle has been a regular fixture in Manchester’s calendar, popping up here for several years in a row now.
It’s the biggest pop-up sustainable fashion market in the country and brings together everything from sustainability and affordability, to fashion and community.
Alongside rooting through racks of vintage garments, shoppers will be treated to pop-up jewellery and accessory shops, which are even offering nail and tooth gem services by qualified artists.
You can even bring five items to donate to the clothes swap, encouraging even more sustainable shopping.
Bring up to five preloved items and you’ll be able to swap them for tokens (one token per item of clothing) which you can use to shop at the swap rails.
Then anything left over from 4pm will be free for anyone to take home with them.
Manchester is already known for its love of vintage fashion and pre-loved clothing, with plenty of shops dotted around the streets of this city.
The lucky site which gets to host this fashion-focused event is Victoria Baths, which is just outside of the city centre.
Clothes Cycle returns to Victoria Baths in Manchester on Sunday 26 April from 11am – 5pm, with tickets starting from just £2 HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
1st December 2023 
