Not only does Manchester offer a vast number and variety of boutiques,
shops, galleries, and crafts centers, but it's also one of the
best hunting grounds for bargains in all of England.
Most of the larger shopping areas in the city are pedestrian-only.
These include King Street and St. Ann's Square, full of exclusive
boutiques and designer stores; Market Street, with its major chain
and department stores; Arndale Centre, Manchester's largest covered
shopping center; and the recently revitalized Piccadilly and Oldham
streets, for fashion, music, and plenty of bargains.
Kendals on Deansgate is the original department store and is still full of designer
gear. Selfridges however, is the place to shop with huge designer floors for
men and women and an excellent food hall on the bottom floor - perfect for an
exotic snack after a hard days shopping. The Trafford Centre (0161 629 1234),
one of the UK's biggest indoor shopping centres is about 15 - 20 minutes drive
from the city and can get very busy especially on the weekend. Full of big high
street names and designer stores, it's worth a visit but give it a full day and
try out one of the many restaurants and maybe see a film in the multi-screen
cinema.
Antiques & Fine Art -- Those who like rooting through dusty stacks of stuff
in search of treasures will find Manchester and the greater Manchester area prime
hunting grounds. More pricey antiques can be found along Bury New Road in Prestwich
village, just outside of Manchester.
Markets -- In the north, markets are a tradition and offer you a chance to jump
in and barter with the locals. Tourists tend to steer clear of them, so this
is a great chance for a really authentic experience. The major ones include Arndale
Market and Market Hall in Manchester Arndale Centre, Grey Mare Lane Market and
Beswick District Shopping Centre in Beswick, and Moss Side Market and Moss Lane
East in Moss Side.
Manchester is probably one of Britain's best cities for shopping, whether you're
after clothes, food, household items, music or whatever. With two huge department
stores, a massive indoor shopping centre and hundreds of high street names you
will find it difficult to come away empty handed.
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