For retail, there are few other British cities that can get compete.
Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street host some of the most desirable labels known to man- or womankind. Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and the upmarket Triangle Shopping Centre are always happy to welcome people who have no limit to their retail budget.
King Street and St. Anne’s Square are other areas where credit cards can take a serious thrashing amongst the boutiques of such haute couture luminaries as Vivienne Westwood, Armani and Joseph. At the bottom, running at right angles, is Deansgate, home to the slightly older school glamour of House of Fraser brand Kendals department store. Also worthy of time is the nearby small but beautifully-formed Barton Arcade, which features some high-end clothing and accessories beneath its ornate iron and glass structure.
For a more charismatic, bohemian and cheaper shopping experience, head to the Northern Quarter. The vast former warehouses here have a long tradition of the rag trade and have now become a hive of activity for hip independent retailers and creative businesses. Only 10 years ago this was a seedy part of town offering a bizarre mix of pet shops, militaria retail and prostitution. Now this is the place to go if looking for something a little different to wear or accessorise.
Affleck's is at the centre of all the clothing goings on, and offers a multitude of boutiques that feature vintage, retro and local designer clothing. Also nearby and flying the retro clothing flag are specialists Rags to Bitches and Pop Boutique. This being Manchester there is also a wealth of independent music retail cocking-a-snoop at the major chain stores, of which Fat City Records, Vinyl Exchange and Beatin' Rhythm are just some.
At the heart of the Northern Quarter's independent creative enterprises is the Craft and Design Market, featuring a range of creative studios that sell directly to the customer.
If its high-street stores and the basics of life, such as toiletries and stationery, then Market Street and the Arndale Centre have all the recognisable names to be found in every other British town and city.
Markets
Farmers and produce
Meat, locally-caught seafood, cheeses and vegetables from across the region are sold at Piccadilly Gardens on Fridays and Saturdays, on the second and fourth weekend of each month.
Fashion
Independent and mass-produced fashion and accessories are sold on Tib Stereet in the Northern Quarter every Saturday.
Christmas
Seasonal bonhomie, artisan gifts from across Europe and the festive aromas of gluhwein and German sausages are sold daily from the middle of November to mid-December. The stalls are spread between Albert Square, Exchange Street, St Ann's Square, New Cathedral Street and Brazennose Street.
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