Keen to end up on everyone’s ‘nice’ list? Head for these shopping streets for inspiration, unique pressies and a fortifying side of Christmas cheer
Christmas shopping season is in full swing, and chances are you’ve a few people in your life who’ve earned themselves some great gifts. That’s where the city’s brilliant range of independent shops come in.
Every year, through Shop Small, American Express proudly backs the wonderful small businesses in Manchester and across the country. From dinky antiques shops to cosy neighbourhood cafés, they’ve helped shine a light on all manner of operations that may be small in size, but are big on charm.
Launching on Small Business Saturday (December 1), Shop Small is back for 2018. With the Shop Small offer, American Express Cardmembers just need to spend £10 or more at a participating outlet to receive a £5 statement credit. The offer runs December 1–16, and can be redeemed once per location but there’s no limit to how many outlets you can redeem it at. So get shopping, and keep an eye out for the Shop Small window stickers when you're out and about! Terms apply.*
The beating heart of Manchester’s independent shopping scene, Oldham Street offers a little bit of everything that makes the Northern Quarter a great place for a stroll. There’s Vinyl Exchange for those who like to rummage for records; Blue Rinse stocks a mind-boggling range of vintage ’90s clothing and Forbidden Planet is the best place in the city to buy comic books and movie memorabilia. Shopping doesn’t get much more nostalgia-inducing.
Those with an arty streak should set aside a good hour to browse the wares at Fred Aldous, a craft shop packed with everything lovers of snipping, cutting and sticking could ever dream of, plus there's loads of ready-made homewares and giftable trinkets. Pie & Ale, meanwhile, does pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, and to exacting standards. This being the North, everything on the menu comes with a side of gravy, and there’s plenty to keep you busy if meat isn't your thing.
This lesser-travelled thoroughfare serves as the western edge of the trendy Northern Quarter, but be quick admiring the street-art covered shutters, because there’s serious pampering to be had. First, pop into artsy salon Notjust, near the junction with Faraday Street, where chaps can get their facial fuzz seen to and ladies can get themselves a new ‘do. Then, pop into the plush Cow Hollow Hotel to see what’s on offer in the botanical-themed cocktail bar and, if it all gets too much, crash for the night in one of its beautifully decked-out rooms.
Shoppers with a competitive streak will find plenty to keep them busy here. As well as comics and books, Travelling Man stocks a huge range of board games, from old-school faves to modern cult classics. Time your visit right and you could even join in one of the shop’s regular tournaments. A few doors down, Twenty Twenty Two is a bar with a basement full of ping-pong tables, on which you can enjoy a half-hour stint for a thoroughly reasonable £5.
Nobody ever got all their gifts bought on an empty stomach now, did they? Well placed for a nice sit down after an afternoon of culture in Manchester Art Gallery, Vienna Coffee House is known for its speciality loose-leaf teas and hearty sandwiches, all named after Manchester locations. Meanwhile, down the road at Gio Ristorante, they’ve got a firm handle on classic Italian fare – great for a carb-loading lunch break during your Christmas shopping.
*Offer only available to UK issued American Express Cards with the exclusion of Lloyds Bank, Corporate and Pre-Paid Cards. Enrollment required, available in-store, participating merchants only, once per location
Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
