If rummaging for vintage gems is right up your street, you are in for a treat with the choice of vintage shops in Manchester city centre. This iconic northern city is bursting with quirky boutiques and specialist stores, catering to all fashion genres. There is no need for taxis as most vintage shops in Manchester city centre are located in and around the Northern Quarter, a neighbourhood famous for its independent small businesses.
Be mindful to take the opening hours with a pinch of salt, especially on the weekend, and hit the shops after midday to stay on the safe side.
If you are a local or planning a trip to Manchester, we have rounded up the best vintage shops the city has to offer, including pop-up events, and the charity shops in Manchester, so vintage lovers assemble and let’s get thrifting.
The Ultimate Guide: Vintage Shops In Manchester City Centre
Northern Quarter
Blue Rinse
Blue Rinse began as a market stall in Leeds in the 90s, expanding to four stores across the UK, including Manchester. There is a large selection of vintage items and reworked clothing, and check out their frequent £10 a kilo sales.
29-31 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JG
Cow Vintage
COW’s mission is to offer the best selection of sustainable fashion and designer and branded vintage. This is a great spot to pick up a pre-loved designer bag, and if you’re a label lover, check out this guide on the best second-hand designer shops in London.
61 Church St, Manchester M4 1PD
Pop Boutique
Pop Boutique opened in the heart of the Northern Quarter in 1994 and is the go-to for more retro pieces from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The shop is set across two floors and has a cafe with outdoor seating, perfect for a coffee and some people-watching.
34 – 36 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN
Gone Fishing Vintage
You will find hand-picked vintage from the 80s and 90s, including a selection of Italian brands and designer clothing and handbags. The vintage store also hosts regular pop-up events throughout the year.
95 Oldham Street M4 1LW
Suzy Loves Milo Concept Store
Just off Stevenson Square, you will find Suzy Loves Milo, who hand-picks vintage in Japan, so expect Japanese designers such as Issey Miyake alongside other international brands. There is also a lifestyle section stocking fun items to brighten up your home.
40 Spear St Manchester, Greater Manchester M1 1AS
Oxfam Originals
This store has a boutique vibe with a curated selection of vintage and designer clothing from different eras. This is a great spot for vintage dresses and if you want something a bit special.
51 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JR
Afflecks
Afflecks is a Northern Quarter icon and the ultimate shopping experience! Set across four floors, this vintage destination is home to a cool cluster of secondhand sellers. The weekends get especially busy, so head here during the week if you prefer a calmer vibe.
52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW
Milner and Son
On Afflecks first floor, you will find Milner and Son, a treasure trove for leather goods, and one of Queer Eye’s Tan France’s favourite shops when he lived in Manchester.
First Floor
Pop Boutique
You will find Pop Boutique on the first floor selling a selection of vintage from the 80s and 90s and recycled one-off pieces alongside their own brand of clothes. This is one older vintage shops in Manchester city centre opening in 1985, the second Pop Boutique is a short walk away on Oldham Street.
First Floor
Zeffa
Head to the second floor for Zeffa, which has been at Afflecks for over 30 years. Selling vintage for men and women, there is a vast range of genres and designer labels, and if you are looking for a unique one-off piece this is your spot.
Second Floor
Beg, Steal & Borrow
Beg, Steal & Borrow flagship store is on Affleck’s second floor. (Their other store is in Withington) The brightly coloured space specialises in quirky pieces and affordable vintage fashion, with a range of plus-size pieces. If you want fun patterns and a bit of sparkle you are in the right place.
Second Floor
Nouen
Go up a flight of stairs to the third floor for Nouen, and find a curated selection of vintage and pre-loved clothing. The shop also stocks Japanese products, including books and vinyl.
Third Floor
Bags Of Flavor
This store is the spot to find hand-picked unique pieces, and expect branded high-end vintage and check out their upcycled custom-made bags.
33 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1LX
Bionic Seven
This store specialises in men’s vintage and antique clothing, stocking a range of sportswear, workwear and military clothing.
60 Port St, Manchester M1 2EQ
ReMarket
At a whopping 6,000 sq ft, ReMarket is one of the biggest vintage shops in Manchester city centre, so make sure you allocate enough rummaging time. Inside, you will find independent vintage brands specialising in something different, and there is a coffee shop to refuel after browsing,
Brands at ReMarket
Archive X stocks a curated collection of premium and designer pieces.
Bare Necessities Thrift sells vintage pieces from the 80s to 00s, with a wide selection of outerwear, sportswear and Y2K.
Blanks Seams Vintage stocks workwear and is a high-quality denim destination where you can snap up a pair of vintage Levi jeans.
Cherry Blossom Vintage is Y2K heaven-stocking womenswear, including plus-size options and jewellery at affordable prices. This brand has created a buzz across social media.
Me To A Tee sells vintage men’s designer and branded sportswear, perfect if you like oversized graphic tees.
28 Vintage has a range of premium vintage outerwear from brands such as Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren and North Face. If you want a puffer jacket, this is the spot.
Some Luck Vintage specialises in pre-loved leather, so head here for a vintage pair of boots.
4-10 London Rd, Piccadilly, Manchester M1 3AN
Thrift Shop
This shop is a hidden gem, stocking premium vintage, and is the perfect spot to snap up some Y2K pieces. The items are very affordable and priced by colour.
39 Parker St, Manchester M1 4AJ
Worn Well-Inside Primark
Wornwell is an in-store concession in Primark stocking vintage pieces from the ’70s up to the ’90s, with lots of denim and branded and unbranded pieces. For direct access, enter via the store’s Mosley Street entrance, just off Piccadilly Gardens.
Primark-106 – 122 Market St, Manchester M1 1WA
Spinningfields
Permanent Orbit
Permanent Orbit is in Spinningfields, and you can jump on the number 1, a free bus that goes around the city centre if you don’t fancy walking. The store has a curated feel and handpicks unisex clothing with a focus on brands from the USA, also selling homeware.
21-23 Quay St, Manchester M3 4AE
Charity Shops In Manchester
There are not many charity shops in Manchester Centre, but there are a good bunch, and all worth a visit to snag a bargain.
White Rose
White Rose began as a social enterprise in 2009, growing to eight UK locations. Located in the Arndale Centre (Opposite Argos) The store is organised into sections and genres, selling branded second-hand items at reasonable prices.
The Arndale Upper Level, Map Here
Barnardos
This charity shop is a minutes walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station, so if you are travelling by train, this will be your first spot to visit. There is a good selection of second-hand and new clothes for affordable prices.
Unit 4, Gateway House, Station Approach, M1 2GH
Oxfam Emporium
This has to be one of the best charity shops in Manchester and is always busy. The stock is colour-coordinated, making it easier to find what you want. If you are a bookworm, you will be in literary heaven with the fantastic collection of books at the back of the shop.
8-10 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JQ
British Heart Foundation
This charity shop is an Aladdin’s cave with something for everyone. You will find new pieces, second-hand clothing, and footwear with a designated vintage section. This is one of the more expensive charity shops in Manchester.
51 Piccadilly, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 2AP
RSPCA
The RSPCA is hidden away from the hustle and bustle on Oak Street, but don’t overlook it, as there is a fantastic range of vintage and pre-loved designer apparel on offer.
15 Oak St, Manchester M4 5JD
Vintage Pop-Ups & Fairs In Manchester
Aside from the fantastic selection of vintage shops in Manchester city centre, there are loads of vintage pop-ups and fairs throughout the year to get your pre-loved fix. Keep an eye on Eventbrite and the event’s website and social media for upcoming dates.
Worth The Weight Kilo Sale
Choose from nine tonnes of hand-selected pre-owned vintage pieces, and mix and match by the kilo or less, as there is no minimum spend.
The Big Manchester Flea Market
This event is a huge mid-century flea market selling vintage fashion, thrift, and cool Y2K threads. If you also want quirky homeware or retro furniture; this is the spot.
Vintage Folk Warehouse
Vintage Folk holds thrift sales on the last weekend of every month at their warehouse alongside regular sales in the city, such as Manchester Metropolitan University, so check their website for locations; prices range from an affordable £3-£20.
LockUp Vintage
LockUp Vintage hosts monthly pop-ups across Manchester selling hand-selected 00s and 90s vintage. Be quick, as you could snap up a bargain in a £5 and under sale bin!
Marbu-Showroom Sale
Marbu showroom holds sales selling a curated range of 90s to 00s vintage designer clothing and accessories, priced from £3-£15. Marbu also holds pop-ups at other venues, so give them a follow on social media to stay in the loop.
World Vintage Kilo Sale
This event is ticket-only and sells premium vintage for £20.00 per kilo, but there is no minimum spend.
Blue Rinse Kilo Sale
Blue Rinse hosts regular vintage kilo sales, usually at the Sacha Hotel in the Northern Quarter. Head over to pick up some bargains for only £10 per kilo!
Manchester is the perfect city to go on a vintage shopping crawl, as most of the vintage shops in Manchester City centre are within walking distance. Don’t skip the great food and drink scene while you are there, so make a day or weekend of it, it would be rude not to.
