Ark

I miss the glory days of Ark. I mean, the days when I used to go hang out around the Corn Exchange in Leeds with friends for an entire day, clothed in the baggy jeans, funky vest-​tops and hoodies that Ark made a name for itself with back in the early ‘noughties. Heavy in Bench, Firetrap and Fenchurch brands, they brought a fresh, sportier trend to the «alternative» shopping area.
Since then, Ark has morphed into a more grown-​up fashion store, stocking more lace and cardigans — but luckily I’ve grown up with them, so Ark is always one of my top destination stores when out shopping in Manchester. Yes, it is rather annoying that their clothing range doesn’t feel as ‘exclusive’ now as it used to. Because the prices are quite cheap (think higher than Primark, lower than Miss Selfridge) it is also a destination for many pretty young things on a budget. So do expect to see someone else out wearing something you own, and rocking it far better than you do!
Among all the flowery prints and collared stuff — things that really aren’t my style at all — there are usually some more plain or rocky numbers that I can get use out of. One of my favourite things about the shop is that they stock Motel and Religion — firm favourites of mine, and at a slightly lower price than you can find them for in House of Fraser.
Finally, the bags they package your purchases up in are just the coolest. I’ve had some for years, and have even used them for moving house. Talk about value for money!

Whenever I go in here, I always find something great! It has a great selection of flirty dresses, great jackets and denims. And the best part is they’re all latest fashion and trends. This store likes to be in sync with what’s going on.
It houses Superdry, Gio Goi, Motel, Mina, Hearts and Bows and many more to stumble upon whilst you’re hunting for yourselves. For men and women alike, they always have something new and vibrant! This is NOT a boring store, it actually likes colours and sexy clothing. It differs from a typical Arndale shop and does divulge in experiment.
Anyhoo, its a must visit when you’ve come out specially for some dresses or jackets!

I like Ark. I’ve been in there quite a few times and come out with exactly what I wanted.
However it can be a little hit and miss.
It’s kind of like a cheaper USC. It has designer clothes, not all the tacky chav-​tastic ones but some of the better ones like Superdry.
They are always up-​to-​date with the trends though which oftens means you’ll walk past and see something horrendous in the window, laugh about it with your mates and then end up seeing at least twenty or so people wearing it the next time you go out.
But to agree with Rachel, it does tend to be smaller sizes left in everything whenever I go in.

when this place first opened its doors a few years ago, I was like WOW. Clothing is unique, fantabulous and cheap!
And today it is still the same, it is not quite a secret anymore. Nevertheless they do have some great stuff!
The fella is a massive fan and recently we went in and he bought a Superman Jacket — looks great and I am planning on stealing it as it is so warm!
The women’s part is upstairs and they do have some wonderful clothes, but sometimes they only have size 6 left. And as a J Lo bum lady, I do get annoyed. I cant help having a big bum, It’s curves! But apart from that I give it a 4 outta 5!