Manchester’s circular economy is growing by the day, with the city now home to a plethora of incredible reused, pre-owned, pre-loved and second-hand shops selling everything from antiques and homewares to clothing, books and records. Not only do these places offer great value for money, there’s a huge environmental argument for why buying new simply won’t cut it anymore. Or at least not every time you need fresh tunes or a wardrobe upgrade. As a society, we need to start using less and make the most out of everything produced, or risk unnecessarily wasting precious resources. Including your cash.
Enter Vintage Folk, an extraordinary thrift store that makes a strong case for more ecologically-minded retail habits. Located on the Piccadilly Trading Estate, close to many excellent microbreweries the business operates as an online shop and IRL pop-up, with digital space showcasing an overwhelming range of amazing stock from big brands. So lifestyle and fashion by Bench, Levi’s, Diesel, Ed Hardy, Miss Sixty, Tommy Hilfiger, Schott, and True Religion, premium bits by Armani, Barbour, Ralph Lauren, and Supreme, workwear from Carhartt, Pendleton, Wrangler and L.L. Bean, outdoor threads such as Berghaus, Nike ACG, Sprayway and The North Face, and sports clothing by Adidas, Champion, Kappa, Reebok and many more.
With hundreds of items being uploaded to the website each week, you’ll be spoilt for choice, although we are also huge advocates of Vintage Folk’s warehouse sales. Not just a cool name, these events see five tonnes of stock put out for people to physically peruse, which is a dream come true for anyone who loves a good rummage. All you need is patience and a little disposable income to bag an incredible bargain and walk out looking the part. Easily one of our favourite Manchester indies, suffice to say very few leave empty handed.