Choosing the right University and accommodation aren’t the only factors to consider when moving to Manchester. It’s important to know the best locations for buying essential groceries and the occasional retail gift.
At Manchester PC, we can provide you with some useful insight into the best areas of the city for shopping, so there’s no need to stress.
All major retail hotspots are within close proximity to the main University campuses, meaning you’re never too far away if you need to grab anything quickly and efficiently.
Here are some of the most popular shopping destinations in Manchester.
Market Street and Arndale Shopping Centre
Market Street and the Arndale are located in the heart of the city centre and are home to over 240 high-street retailers.
The shops include women and men’s clothing, footwear, health and beauty, electricals and more. Most shops are open 7 days a week, however, opening times vary amongst different retailers.
There are plenty of food and drink outlets as well as fast food and snacks that you can find mostly in the food court area of the Arndale – a perfect place to stop and take a break from some retail therapy.
These areas for shopping are perfectly placed in the centre of Manchester, making it a convenient place for many visitors to the city as it’s close to other amenities.
It also makes it easy to visit via public transport if you’re slightly outside of the city, with Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly being the closest train stations to central.
For Market Street, the MetroLink tram stops in the centre of the area, making it convenient to stop off and start shopping.
There are plenty of essential supermarket chains and pharmaceutical shops located in the Arndale and around Market Street. For students living in the heart of Manchester, you won’t struggle to find what you’re looking for in the area.
King Street, Cross Street and Exchange Square
When it comes to King Street, Cross Street and Exchange Square, the word “students” might not initially come to mind.
This is Manchester’s luxury retail area. Expect to find designer stores and high-market jewellers – for those luxury designer splurges rather than budget-friendly bargains.
Nonetheless, it’s a great area for traditional high-street shopping, with designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton and department stores like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.
It’s a popular Christmas shopping destination for those special gifts and one-time purchases for friends and family.
The area is close to Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly train station and Exchange Square tram stop will drop you in the heart of it all.
It’s also walking distance to many living areas in the city centre, making it a convenient shopping destination for students.
Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter located in Manchester has a reputation for being the fashionable area of the city with many creatives such as designers, artists and musicians locating here.
You can find it located in between Piccadilly and Ancoats and is in close proximity to the city’s major University buildings.
There are many independent retailers based in the Northern Quarter that sell unique goods, vintage clothing and second-hand trinkets that appeal to shoppers who wish to find something unusual that wouldn’t be found on the high street.
Even though the area lacks many national retail chains, grabbing essentials is possible with many independent and local businesses in NQ providing groceries and toiletries.
The area has become a trendy hotspot for new and upcoming bars and restaurants in the city. In recent years, it’s developed housing areas, making it a popular destination for student living.
The area is a quick and easy commute with Manchester Victoria being the closest train station and the Market Street tram only a walking distance away.
Intu Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is one of the largest shopping and leisure malls in the UK. It’s located in the Trafford area of Manchester with a brand-new tram line that will stop you right next to the complex, making it an easy commute for students that wish to explore.
There are also plenty of car parking facilities around the area.
The centre also offers several department stores to choose from such as John Lewis, Selfridges and Marks & Spencer, making it the perfect Christmas shopping destination for many people.
The Trafford Centre has become a recognisable symbol of the Manchester shopping scene. It’s home to over 140 shops and offers plenty of choice for shoppers, ranging from high-street chains to designer boutiques – there’s something for everyone.
There are shops for clothing, gifts, electricals, kid’s toys and many more. It also offers leisure facilities such as kid’s play areas, a multi-screen cinema as well as many pubs, bars and restaurants.
There are train links available to the centre with Piccadilly station as well as dedicated bus routes from Piccadilly gardens tram stop that will stop next to the shopping centre.
The Trafford Centre is a great student-friendly shopping destination, catering to the essential and indulgent shoppers alike.
It’s important to know where the major shopping destinations in Manchester are and how close they are to your student accommodation.
Moving to a new city can be daunting and this guide aims to provide friendly and useful information that will make your student experience fun and exciting rather than stressful.
Whilst shopping in Manchester is a great experience for students, it’s important to remember that these areas attract large crowds of people and you should be vigilant to ensure the safety of yourself and your valuables.
For further student guidance and advice, check out Manchester PC’s Complete Student Guide.
