With Coronavirus closing our much-loved high street for almost three months, the UK is finally starting to see lockdown restrictions eased and this includes the reopening of non-essential shops. Whilst companies are doing this at their own pace, we are all pleased to see our much loved high street trading again. So much so, we have written a guide to some of our favourite independent shops in Manchester, in the hope it inspires you to support independent businesses and shop local.

Moth

Moth is an independent interior shop. Established in 2006, the shop specialises in minimalist home and kitchen wear, as well as gorgeous jewellery and high-quality gifts. Their store is located on Burton Road in the popular area of Didsbury and the stock constantly changes to reflect current trends. Stock is hand-picked and for many locals Moth is their go-to for all things home styling. Their website is due to re-open on 18th June, just in time to pick out some key pieces to style your apartment for the summer.

Form Lifestyle Store

Form Lifestyle Store is an independent shop based in the Northern Quarter. Their shop is full of work from independent crafters, designers and makers who have been showcased due to their craftsmanship and attention to detail. The space is normally occupied with local makers who attend their regular workshops and pop-up events, varying in everything from hand embroidery to natural wax candle making. Their online shop is open and offering postage or pickup from the shop if you are local. They will be opening their doors again soon.

Magma

Magma is an independent bookshop based in the Northern Quarter. Although their physical shop on Oldham Street is still currently closed, their online shop, is still offering a huge choice of books, magazines, artwork and gifts.

Oi Polloi

Oi Polloi are an independent Menswear shop based in the Northern Quarter, who over 15 years ago set out to deliver high-quality menswear. Fast forward to now, they are still delivering on that promise by stocking some of the coolest menswear pieces in Manchester. Their shop on Thomas Street is a comprehensive tour of the best classic and contemporary men’s clothes and footwear and is renowned by Mancunions as their holy grail clothes shop. Their website, is still delivering as normal. They will be opening their doors again soon.

Northern Flower

Manchester’s most Insta-worthy flower shop has re-opened. Their potting-shed style boutique flower shop is home to an abundance of flowers and houseplants. Their team have been busy delivering flowers over the lockdown period but are back at their Northern Quarter shop 10am – 4pm every day, following strict safety measures of course.

Affleck’s Palace

Affleck’s is home to over fifty independent traders: describing themselves as home to an emporium of eclecticism. Their traders reflect exactly this, with everything from barbers to Clairvoyants and vinyl to vintage clothing. Affleck’s is certainly the heart of independent businesses in Manchester. A few of our favourites are:

Earth Friendly Rocker - home to all the best eco-friendly brands in fashion, health, wellbeing, and homeware. They also plant a tree with every purchase, so it is a real win-win.

Thunder Egg - a colourful clothing and gift emporium. Their clothes will brighten up your wardrobe and their gifts will brighten someone’s day.

Soapy J have some of the nicest smelling (and aesthetically pleasing) bath bombs, all made in a kind and ethical way, for both people and animals alike.

Affleck’s are due to reopen on Saturday 20th June, with new opening hours, reduced capacity, and all other appropriate measures in place, but are looking forward to welcoming back all of their traders and the public.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to some of the best independent businesses in Manchester. If you are out shopping this week, remember to stick to social distancing rules and wash your hands whenever you can.