Fred Perry to launch new flagship store in Northern Quarter

British heritage brand Fred Perry is set to launch a new flagship store in the Northern Quarter this summer.

Relocating from their shop on Police Street, just off King Street, Fred Perry’s new retail store and showroom will occupy a larger 2820 sq ft space in Afflecks, on the junction of Oldham Street and Church Street.

Triple Wimbledon champion Fred Perry, who was born in  Stockport, founded his brand in 1952, designing the first Fred Perry pique tennis shirt himself the same year.

“Fred Perry is a true icon, and we’re delighted to be welcoming them to the ground floor of our famous Afflecks building,” said Chris Middleton from Bruntwood Works, who also own and manage retail and leisure sites including Hatch, Stretford Mall and Stamford Quarter.

“The addition of this much-loved brand will bolster the retail community in the Northern Quarter neighbourhood, building on Oldham Street’s offering as a lifestyle-led shopping destination.

“It feels particularly exciting to be announcing the news after what has been a challenging twelve months for retail, as we look forward to a bright future for Manchester city centre.” 

Richard Gilmore, managing director at Fred Perry, says the brand is delighted to be moving to the Northern Quarter.

“The area has no shortage of strong associations to ground-breaking music and subcultural style – something we continue to champion,” he said.

“Our retail spaces aren’t just shops, and we’re looking forward to sharing what we do with the Manchester community as part of an exciting continuation of Fred Perry and Afflecks’ mutual commitment to heritage and innovation.

“We now have a space we can be truly proud of in Manchester.”     

Inspired by its new home at the heart of Manchester’s alternative cultural neighbourhood, the design of the Fred Perry store will appropriately take its cues from the theme of ‘Past, Present and Future’.

“We’ve been conscious not to reflect the past in a way that feels too nostalgic, leaning instead into the city’s industrial heritage, its ties to the cotton industry, and the brand’s founder Fred Perry – born in Stockport,” said Sonny Cant, director of Brinkworth, designers of the store.

The store is expected to open this summer.