Manchester Shopping Guide

Market Street, Manchester
Market Street, Manchester - © Siebrand

The Manchester Shopping guide introduces visitors to the various shopping facilities available in the area. Manchester does offer a wide range of shopping experiences ranging from large malls such as the Trafford Centre and the Arndale Centre to High Street Shopping and local markets, there is something for all shoppers. Manchester and the city centre has witnessed plenty of redevelopment and regeneration over the past few decades and this is very much evident in the range of great shopping that is now available here.

The best known of Manchester shopping malls is the Trafford Centre, it attracts visitors from the surrounding areas and beyond for its range of shopping and leisure facilities and is a popular destination for shopping breaks. Our guide is intended to give visitors an outline on places they may wish to visit for shopping and leisure.


Shopping Facilities


The Trafford Centre is one of the largest shopping and leisure malls in the UK. Located in the Trafford area a short distance, the Trafford Centre has become a very recognisable symbol of Manchester and the great shopping facilities it offers. There are over 240 shops all under one roof offering shoppers with bewildering choice whether you want budget priced goods or designer goods. Among the stores to feature here are a stellar cast of high street favourites Selfridges, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Debenhams.

There are shops for clothing and fashion, gifts and accessories, toys, electrical and phones, services such as hairdressing, opticians. The Trafford Centre is much more than just a shopping centre it is also offering leisure facilities such as a multi-screen cinema where you can catch the latest film releases. There are plenty of restaurants offering a range of snacks, fast food and cuisine from all over the world. With so much going on, there is something for everyone here.

The Trafford Centre is open 7 days a week, however individual store times vary.

There are train links with Manchester Piccadilly station where visitors can catch a Metrolink Tram to Stretford and from there take the dedicated Shuttle Bus to and from The Trafford Centre. Local bus services include the bus number 250 running from Manchester city centre to the Trafford Centre.

Parking is available for free at The Trafford Centre, the car parking is located close to the centre itself.


Manchester Arndale Centre is located in the heart of Manchester and boasts over 240 stores, it is the largest inner city shopping centre in the UK. The varied shops here include women and men’s fashion and clothing, footwear, health and beauty, sports, telecoms and Computer and Electrical among others. There are also plenty of outlets offering food and drink including snacks and fast food. The city centre makes it a convenient location close to other high street shopping in Manchester and places of interest.

Manchester Arndale is open 7 days a week, however individual stores may have varying opening hours.

The city centre location makes it convenient to visit by public transport, the closest train station is Manchester Victoria with Manchester Piccadilly also in the vicinity. The Metrolink Tram station of Market Street is within a short distance from the Arndale Centre.

Car parking facilities are available at the NCP car park on High Street next to the Arndale Centre.


The Triangle shopping centre located in central Manchester by the Millennium Gardens. Triangle is now housed in a historic building that was once the corn exchange. Here you will find a range of top designer name outlets that include Adidas Originals, Karen Millen, Lambretta, Storm and more.

There are retailers here catering for fashion and clothing, gifts and accessories, jewellery, health and beauty and food and drink. There are several floors of shops to explore, shoppers can also take a break from shopping and relax and have a drink at one of the cafes or a snack/meal at restaurants such as Pizza Express and Zizzi.

Triangle is open 7 days a week, however opening hours for individual stores do vary.

There are several car parks in central Manchester including those at the Bullring that can be used when visiting the Triangle centre. The Triangle is located close by to the Arndale Centre. Public transport also serves the Triangle, train stations at Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly are all within walking of the shopping centre.


The Barton Arcade is housed in a historic and architecturally appealing grade II listed building. Originally built in the 1870s, the building has been restored and renovated. There are 15 exclusive individual stores here that will appeal to the discerning shopper. There are shops catering for men’s and women’s fashion and clothing, bridal clothing, footwear, jewellery and more. The wonderful surroundings make this a great place to visit for shoppers and for those window shopping.

Individual store opening times may vary.

The closest train station is Manchester Victoria Station.


The Northern Quarter in Manchester has long been associated with creativity and fashion. It is home to those in creative professions, artists, fashion designers, art galleries etc. There are also a number of retailers based here that sell unusual goods in particular clothing, for shoppers who want to see something a bit different to conventional high street fashion or designer fashion, this represents something a bit different.

See weird and wonderful creations from a range of independent designers and outlets. The Northern Quarter has become a very fashionable area, there have been a number of new bars, restaurants and housing developed in the area in recent years adding to its popularity. The Northern Quarter is located between Piccadilly and the Ancoats, the area has a laid back bohemian atmosphere and feel.

The closest train station is Manchester Victoria with Manchester Piccadilly a bit further away. The Metrolink Tram stop at Market Street is within walking distance of the Northern Quarter.


New Cathedral Street, with retailers Harvey Nichols and Selfridges among others, Market Street and King Street known for the upmarket designer shops and boutiques, offer shoppers with the chance to experience more traditional high street shopping. There are a range of high street shops such as Marks & Spencer located here along with smaller independent retailers giving shoppers a nice mix of shops.

The city offers shoppers a range of markets where they can get themselves a bargain. There are a range of markets in Manchester to choose them, including:

Farmers & Producers Market takes place two times a month, it is a great place to buy local produce. Among the produce on offer is different types of fresh meat, breads, jams, spices, diary products, chocolates and cakes, pies and soups. Visitors can enjoy a snack or meal here at the market with a range of snacks available such as soups, burgers and patties. The market is located at Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester.

The Fashion Market located on Tib Street Manchester city centre lose to Debenhams department store is the place to go if you would like to see individual pieces at highly competitive prices. This market is dedicated to fashion and offers visitors with plenty of choice. It is home to emerging designers and gives them a great opportunity to show their talents & creations to the public. Among the items sold here are clothing, lingerie, bags, purses and jewellery.

Opening Times:

Every Saturday from 8am to 5pm.

Car parking is available in the Arndale Centre Car Park, with its entrance on High Street. City Buses stop at Piccadilly Gardens and Cross Street from here the market is close by.

The closest train stations are Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly where either visitors can walk a bit or can get a Tramlink to Market Street stop next to the market.

For the Metrolink Tram the closest stop is Market Street, close to Debenhams which is right next to the market.


Manchester Arndale Market is located on High Street in Manchester city centre. The market is open 7 days a week. The market contains stalls selling fashion goods and accessories, gifts and services. There is also a food hall selling a range of produce both local and international. Visitors can enjoy a nice lunch at a choice of cafes serving a range of cuisines including British, Greek and Italian.

The closest train stations are Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly.

For the Metrolink Tram the closest stop is Market Street, close to where the market is.


Maps


Use the Shopping Search map to find the location of shops and shopping facilities in Manchester. The markers on the map show the shopping facilities mentioned above. You can also use the local search for restaurants, Bars, Hotels, Coffee Shops, Tourist Attractions and more. There is also a place finder and phonebook to help your search. To view click on the Manchester Shopping search link below and ensure your browser is pop up enabled: Manchester Shopping Map


Tips & Other Considerations


There may be variations on the opening times of individual shops and outlets within shopping centres and arcades. The hours are dependent on the particular shop and day of the week.

Visitors will hopefully thoroughly enjoy their shopping visits to Manchester, however you should be aware of crowds and those around you and maintain vigilance & common sense measures to ensure your safety and that of your valuables.

Always be alert and aware of your belongings especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to snatch your bag.

Do not leave your shopping bags unattended to ensure you do not loose them or they are not stolen.

If you are travelling by car ensure you park in either in designated car parks or official street parking bays in Manchester. Carefully check the parking rules & ensure you fully understand them. If you are not sure of the rules it is safer not to park there, beware of possible fines and other sanctions that can be used if you park illegally or not in accordance with the rules.

Manchester along with other cities in the UK has been subject to much development and modernisation work including the roads, be alert for car parking rule changes and possible parking suspensions or temporary measures to help avoid fines.




AddThis Social Bookmark Button





Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
Copyright © 2024 Essential Travel Guide Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form or by any means without our written permission.