As the cost of living crisis continues to create misery for millions it's not just energy, food and fuel that are spiking and shedding pounds out of people's pockets. The price of clothes and shoes rose by 6.3% between January 2021 and 2022, outstripping the general rise in consumer prices, according to the Office for National Statistics.
As a result, if this continues a family with two children faces paying £148 more on clothing over a year Labour analysis has found. Buying new clothes could soon be a luxury many people can not afford.
We have rounded up some of the best thrift stores in Manchester - where designer goods can be snapped up at a fraction of the original price and some real gems can be found on a budget. Buying second hand can be a thrifty alternative to hiking prices if you shop at the right places and means designer items don't have to be a passing dream.
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Cow Vintage
From the hanging milk bottles to its assortment of chic vintage clothes and accessories, Northern Quarter’s Cow Vintage is udderly unique and prides itself on offering pieces that are ethically sourced from around the world. As an independent establishment that offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, you can find some unique gems here, spanning from the 60s up until the nostalgic 00s.
Where to find: 61 Church St, Manchester M4 1PD
Thrift Shop
As the name suggests, Thrift Shop offers the very best premium and thrift vintage pieces that strays away from norms of fast fashion brands. Located in Piccadilly’s City Tower, this store is much loved by the public. Part of the Cow Family but being a slightly smaller establishment than the Northern Quarter shop, there are many eclectic pieces on offer here.
Where to find: 39 Parker St, Manchester M1 4AJ
Blue Rinse
Not a hairdresser for old folk as the name suggests - this store specialises in vintage, reworked and thrifty clothing. From baggy flannel shirts to classic denim wear, this place in the Northern Quarter is a dream for any vintage junkie. As a proud Northern vintage clothes company, Blue Rinse also has a shop located in Leeds.
Where to find: 29-31 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JG
Pop
Having opened way back in 1994, Pop Boutique is a long-standing vintage clothing shop in the city - and it’s still very popular to this day. Part of the iconic Afflecks Palace, this establishment is packed with the very best of quirky vintage clothing and furniture, and there is also a variety of pop recycled and pop boutique own brand goodies on offer.
Where to find: 34 - 36 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN
Oxfam Originals
It’s a well-known fact that the Oxfam on Oldham Street is not just a regular charity shop - it’s a cool, retro Oxfam. The ethos of this charity shop is to sell “original clothes for original people."
With its stock carefully selected to reflect high street trends, as well as original retro and designer labels. There are also plenty of accessories, vinyls, books, CDs and a whole collection of other goodies for those looking to treat themselves or loved ones.
Where to find: Unit 8, Smithfield Buildings, 51, Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JR
The British Heart Foundation
Also worth checking out is the amazing haul of heavily discounted Pretty Little Thing bargains on sale at The British Heart Foundation shop close to the fashion giant's offices.
The store in Piccadilly House is stuffed with PLT products including jackets, tops, leggings, denim shorts, socks as well as bedding, cushions and accessories.
The busy shop has weekly deliveries from the fashion chain and samples are constantly changing. And savvy shoppers can take heart that their bargain is helping to save lives and stop clothing going to waste.
Customers can pick up dresses for as little as £4, denim hot pants for a tenner or under and jackets for around the £15 mark. Tops are as little £5 while brand new bedding is around £15. There are also racks of jeans in all sizes and discounted leggings and sportswear - all at around £10 to £15.
Where to find: 49 Piccadilly, Manchester Greater Manchester M1 2AP, United Kingdom
