Northern Quarter favourite Oklahoma MCR to close physical store and move online

Oklahoma MCR, the biggest independent gift shop in Manchester is set to close after 25 years of trading.

Written by Thom Bamford
Last updated 2 years ago
Business, City of Manchester, Community, People, Shopping

The shop has been hugely popular in Manchester City Centre, based in the Northern Quarter selling a range of quirky ethical gifts, and showcasing many artists in the store.

The Owner, Nicola, said that the last three years had been ‘ones of upheaval and change’ for the business with Covid bringing many ‘opportunities and problems’.

During Covid she said she had focussed much more on their online shop which was ‘exciting’ and allowed for ‘new creative focus and ideas’

You can see their online offerings here.

Nicola said on Twitter this morning: “As a result we were able to reach lots of new customers all over the UK and abroad and share a little of the Oklahoma magic.

“Since the bricks and mortar shop reopened I have been juggling two business and now feels like the perfect time to close our physical shop and focus all my energy on our website offering, exciting new products and collaborations.

“After 52 years of age I hope to find more time to garden, travel, take up yoga again, relax with friends and family and get a bit of well deserved head space.”

Spread out over 2000 sq ft of floor space and packed to the rafters with vibrant & colourful homeware & kitchenware, handmade jewellery, cards, books & stationery, tin toys, novelty items & curiosities from around the world, the shop will be sorely missed.

Nicola said having the shop had brought her ‘so much joy’.

She continued: “It’s been a pleasure working with so many beloved staff members, many of whom I’m still in regular contact with all over the world!

“And of course, BIG love to all you wonderful customers who have visited the shop over the years!

Nicola said she was excited by the next steps in her personal life and for the business.

“I can’t wait to bottle all the best colourful bits of Oklahoma and continue to showcase our brand along with all the great finds on okla.co.uk.”

The Manchester store is set to close on Tuesday the 31st of January.

This article was last updated 2 years ago.
It was first published on 13 January 2023 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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