Ditch the High Street and Support Manchester’s Independents this Christmas

Christmas is literally around the corner and as always, you’ve left your shopping to the last minute. It’s not always an easy task to find that perfect gift for that special someone so instead of hitting up the high street, support our city and check out the independents From chocolate and cake, books and coffee, to vintage and new clothing, Manchester is full of independently owned businesses. Shop local, shop smart.

1. Bon Bon Chocolate Boutique

An artisan chocolatier and café, selling fine chocolates, truffles & treats in a beautifully refurbished venue. Bonbon offers a unique experience, being the only chocolatier in Manchester to sell handmade chocolates produced on the premises. Who doesn’t love chocolate?

*Top Tip: Try the pink salted caramels but get there early as they seem to fly out the door!

John St (Northern Quarter), Manchester M4 1EQ

2. Unicorn Grocery

Since opening in 1996 Unicorn Grocery has offered an unbeatable range of affordable, fresh and wholesome food to its South Manchester customer base. Named The Observer Food Monthly’s ‘Best Independent Shop‘ and Radio 4 Food Programme’s ‘Best Local Food Retailer’ in 2008, Unicorn Grocery is the premier spot to pick up all your holiday food!

89 Albany Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0BN

3. Fig and Sparrow

A boutique shop on Oldham St. in the Northern Quarter selling Manchester-made quirky and affordable home wares, stationary and gifts. Take a break from shopping and relax in the little coffee shop in the back of the store. Delish.

Oldham St (Northern Quarter), Manchester M1 1JA

4. The Art of Tea

This quaint little tea shop in Didsbury is the perfect oasis outside of the city. All produce is locally sourced and delicious! Wander around the second hand bookshop, sit back and relax!

47 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester M20 6TW

5. Magma

We all have that one person who is absolutely impossible to shop for. Magma sell magazines, design journals, books, stationary, cards and posters. Perfect gifts for the ‘artsy Manchester’ folk. We’re talking some seriously cool stuff.

22 Oldham St (Northern Quarter), Manchester M1 1JN

6. Oklahoma

Kitsch galore! At Oklahoma you can find the quirkiest and kookiest of home ware, jewelry, and anything else you can imagine! Make sure you set aside some time as there is so much to see!

74-76 High St (Northern Quarter), Manchester M4 1ES

7. Menikmati – Menswear

Menikmati is the independent clothing label for those who seek timeless fashion while immersed in the underground clubbing scene. Their winter line explores geometric, typographic graphic design in a monochromatic colour set that complements the urban environment that they are worn. Each item is selected to ensure the cut ensures nothing but great-fitting streetwear.

52 Church Street (Northern Quarter), Manchester, M4 1PW

8. Junkshop – Men & Women’s Fashion

Located on Dale Street, Junkshop stock vintage and reconstructed clothes and jewelry for men and women. Great gifts for those fashionistas we all know and love!

2 Dale St (Northern Quarter), Manchester M1 1JW