Over lockdown Brothers & Sisters has marvelled at the creativity, energy and resilience of our brilliant local shops. From April 12th we’re looking forward to showing our support in person, by going shopping IRL….in actual shops, physical, bricks & mortar shops with real products, lovely things you can see in 3D. With another human behind the counter, guaranteed. Oh my. Who’s giddy?
Our new ‘Let’s Get Physical’ series will feature some of the best indie shops and boutiques across Greater Manchester. The local recommendations will signpost the small businesses dedicated to expertly sourcing exclusive brands, fashion, lifestyle treats, vintage finds, music, books and mags in each of our local areas.
We’re kicking off the grand indie tour by showing the Northern Quarter some love….
Mooch route: Hop off the train at Piccadilly, scoot right, down to Port Street, walk down Thomas Street through the Northern Quarter, detour into MCDC and finish at the end of High Street.
Pit stop: The legendary GoFalafel, 3 Newton Street, M1 1HW, for a large wrap with extra chilli, Siop Shop, 53 Tib St, M4 1LS, for take-away coffee and doughnut (and an online side of Minecraft)
Don’t forget: Face mask, 2m social distancing, re-usable tote, big coat (because sometimes it snows in April)
The Modernist, 58 Port Street, M1 2EQ.
The Modernist is a shop, magazine and gallery dedicated to modernist architecture & design. The Port Street shop stocks magazines, books, artworks and gifts for concrete fans.
What’s New: In partnership with the Manchester School of Architecture, The Modernist Society is pleased to present an exhibition of paintings by Jen Orpin. From 13th April to 26th June 2021
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm
Bionic Seven, 60 Port Street, M1 2EQ.
Since 2003 Bionic Seven has excelled in providing timeless premium hand picked vintage & second hand modern classic clothing.
What’s New: Plenty of new stock and full shop refresh ready for the spring season.
Opening times: Week of the 12th: Monday to Wednesday – 11am to 6pm, Thursday to Saturday – 11am to 7pm, Sunday – 12 to 5pm
Beaumont Organic, 49 Hilton Street, M1 2EF.
49 Hilton Street is Beaumont Organic’s flagship store, a destination retail space and creative hub housing the renowned contemporary conscious clothing brand, Beaumont Organic along with a selection of luxury artisan home and accessory pieces.
What’s New: The Beaumont Organic Spring 2021 collection draws influence from nature local to us.
Opening times: Thursday 15th, times TBC
Vinyl Exchange, 18 Oldham Street, M1 1JN.
Opened in 1988, Vinyl Exchange is now the largest seller and buyer of rare and second-hand CDs, records and DVDs in the North West, with a growing global presence online.
The shop has two floors of CDs and records, and a team of staff who know their specialist areas like the backs of their hands.
Opening times: 7 days a week: 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12 to 5pm Sunday
Bags of Flavor, 33 Tib Street, M4 1LX.
Fresh vintage clothing sourced from around the world. The shop is always chock full of treasure for your mind, body and soul.
What’s New: The shop is fully stocked with vintage handpicked pieces.
Opening times: 7 days a week, 12 to 4pm.
Deadstock General Store, 48 Edge Street, M4 1HN.
A carefully curated selection of timeless accessories and gifts to organise your life’s belongings. Find a range of bags, aprons, mugs and other life tools from both small batch and independent makers.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, M4 5JD
Opening times: 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.
For nearly 40 years, Manchester Craft & Design Centre has provided a home to some of the region’s most talented independent designers and makers. Selling textiles, jewellery, accessories, ceramics, glass, prints and homeware, each of the 20 studios offer much more than just a shopping experience. You can meet the makers behind the work, watch them create unique pieces by hand, and hear all about their skills and inspiration. From contemporary jewellery designers to printmakers, glass artists to ceramicists, there’s so much to discover on a visit to the centre.
Form Lifestyle Store, 6 Bradley St, M1 1EH.
Form Lifestyle Store is a small lifestyle store, celebrating independent makers and thoughtfully-made goods. Form’s little shop is tucked away in a beautiful grade II listed building, a calm and peaceful environment where you can take your time browsing and learning more about the products and their makers.
Opening times: Doors open April 14th, Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm
Oklahoma, 74 – 76 High St, M4 1ES.
Home of colour and the biggest independent gift shop in Manchester. Oklahoma showcases independent artists and makers and work closely with independent companies and individuals – celebrating handmade, fair trade and ethical goods.
What’s New: Freshly decorated and super colourful, with new furniture lines, all the newness listed over lockdown and more joyful products in the pipeline.
Opening times: 10am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm Friday to Sunday
Brothers & Sisters 