DON'T MISS A THING

Manchester has some of the richest local history in England. From the Chorlton Cemetery Gates that influenced the widely known song by The Smiths to being the founding city of Rolls Royce and Vimto, you can find evidence of its colorful history on every corner. But a few markets and shops dedicate their business hours to celebrating the Northern Powerhouses’ history by offering all kinds of vintage favorites for all to enjoy. Here’s a list of the top 5 vintage markets and shops in Manchester where you can find your latest gems. 

Vintage Village, Stockport

Located in the gorgeous glass-walled Stockport Covered Market Hall, the award-winning Vintage Village happens every second Sunday of the month and is rated as one of the best places to uncover vintage treasures you never knew you needed. 

Amongst its 70 stalls, you’ll weave between vintage jewelry, homemade trinkets, collector’s items, and interesting artifacts. Try on a few grand coats or even pick up some incredibly crafted luggage and furniture – you won’t find stitching on leather like that on the high street! 

A definite draw to this market is the incredible motor scooter collections that park outside the market. While viewing these is free, entrance to the market is charged at a small fee. 

Concept NQ, Spear Street 

This new kid on the vintage block celebrates timeless clothing and other wares but with a curated flair. Brought to us by the team behind Suzy Loves Milo, Concept NQ is a global celebration of vintage brands, with much of its inspiration coming from Japan and Korea. 

In this double-leveled modern time capsule, you’ll even find a rotating selection of vinyl – meaning monthly visits are a must to find some new (but old) musical gems. 

The focus of the Concept NQ store is less vintage and more carefully curated previously owned pieces that tell a story of street style and uniqueness. A must-visit if you want a feast for the eyes and your trendsetter of a past life.

Blue Rinse, Oldham Street 

This is the first place vintage lovers go when looking for a new outfit. Their mantra is “repairing, reworking and recycling”, which loosely translates to that they embrace mending clothing that hasn’t been quite as well-loved as it should’ve been, and they create new items/ lines from older pieces. 

The latest recycled items to hit their shelves are remade dumpling bags created from vintage ski suits. Their sewing team is known for their incredible stitching and imagination of turning discarded items into once-off must-haves. 

Their kilo sales are also incredibly popular amongst both loyal followers and passers-by alike. On the rare occasion you can’t find what you’re looking for at the Manchester shop, then you can head over to the sister shop in Leeds – enough Blue Rinse to go around for everyone! 

Charity Stores, Most High Streets 

Charity stores are the ideal place to find all sorts of treasured items, from furniture to clothing or even toys and soft home furnishings. It’s easy to take a step to your right or left off the pavement and through the doorway of Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder, or Barnardos. 

The best part of buying from one of these stores is that the money is going straight to charity – which means that you are helping the Earth in more ways than one.

The variety of stock you’ll find is also sure to keep your vintage-loving heart aflutter. For most, donating to these organizations is the easiest way to part with their older items – meaning you’re sure to find that gold-ribbed soap dish emblazoned with hand-painted roses or a bit of faux fur delight. 

Top of the Town Vintage, Stockport 

A true celebration of curation by content creator Sophia Rosemary, Top of the Town is where die-hard vintage treasure hunters return to again and again. Visitors are instantly transported back in time as notes of nostalgia are found in every nook and cranny of this delightful shop. 

One of the best things about Top of the Town is the styling service offered to those looking for just the right vintage-inspired look. Instead of reams of similar styles, you’ll find thoughtfully cared-for items for all genders in a wide range of sizes. 

No matter if you want to fill your 2 bed flat in Manchester with vintage fair or just add one or two items, you can be sure to find your perfect slice of Mancunian history in these treasured vintage shops and markets in Manchester.

Feature Image: Photo by Kate Bezzubets

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