Joy

I have to disagree with James. I’ve been frequenting this store for years, even at one of its outposts in London when I was living there. This boutique is aimed at women, not men, and the clothes they carry are from up and coming designers which makes them quirky and edgy. The prices too are no more expensive than Topshop but you’re getting something with a boutique feel. I’ve bought a number of things from here over the years that have lasted really well including a few well cut dresses and winter coats. The dresses often start at £40 and can go up to £120 or more but for those items you really are getting a designer look.
Yes, there is a lot of gimmicky gifts and gadgets as well as funny cards in the shop too but also some well chosen items that serve well for a token birthday gift. This shop has saved me a number of times when I’ve been stuck for an idea.

I used to think this was a shop but am beginning to think that it’s actually a musuem to modern throw away culture– has ANYBODY ever bought ANYTHING in Joy?!
Yes it’s true, it is a lovely shop. It draws you in, it seems to be full of wonder and… stuff. But after two minutes of looking at the non descript but expensive clothing and the needless novelty section (that has been included in a painfully obvious attempt at fooling us into thinking we are in Urban Outfitters) don’t you just kind of, well, leave?

This shop always draws me in because it looks interesting and quirky however, I have never actually bought anything except a card from Joy. This may be because the mish mash of products doesnt really work, it is a poor man’s Urban Outfitters.
The random objects such as books and key chains seem to be gift ideas which don’t really hit the mark. The clothes are not bad but I never see anything special enough to make me part with my cash. I do however think they have a nice range of greetings cards which are worth a look.
I also find the shop ‘greeters’ a little annoying, I’m not really into someone standing and saying hello to me as a vocation.

I just can’t get along with this shop. It claims to be different but is nothing special at all. i think it appeals to those folk who think they stray from the crowd… but don’t

This place is, as everyone else has said really great if you love to be unique, or know someon who does. Why would you get your threads from Primark and look like everyone else when you can get a touch of class, with a retro, vintage even sometimes old school feel to your style, and be the envy of everyone around you!

Interesting paraphernalia shop located in the basement floor of the Triangle (with another larger store in the Arndale).
Although a little pricey (and a national chain), nevertheless this is perfect for that last minute ‘fun’ gift when you’ve forgotten important birthdays (or is that just me?).
With a wide spectrum of choices for all ages, from toys for kids and toys for adults to toys for adult children, this place is certainly worth a browse if nothing else.
These style of shops are ten a penny in the NQ or Afflecks Palace (and quite possibly cheaper) but as Manchester’s girth increases, it’s tougher to walk from one end to the other these days and if you’re in that end of town and in a rush well, it’ll save your back bacon come your lovers/​friends/​parents birthday the following morning.
They also sell a range of foot loose and fancy free greeting cards (some of which would make that perennial prude Sir Graham Norton blush) alongside some decent clothes and knicker-​wear (although I personally find the latter a little tight around my mid riff).
My girlfriend purchased a fine jumper, whilst my younger daughter chose a ‘fun straw’ which looked like it has been designed by Damien ‘The Dolphin’ Hirst. It was my birthday weekend as it happens so I was presented with a terrific little ‘robotic rabbit’ which adorns my ‘studio suite’!
You can see how the original Soho/​NQ et al type stores have been carbon copied and packaged up by ‘a team’ somewhere, but that’s probably happened since time immemorial.
With the Titchy Coffee Co. right next door you’ve got 45 minutes to write off one afternoon, put aside for colourful present shopping and a conscience massaged glug of ironic Kenco.
Unfortunately my daughter somehow lost her ‘fun straw’ in a clothes store next door the fella running this JOY store immediately gave her a replacement, no questions asked (we later found the straw and gave the replacement back). Top marks for this genuinely pleasing customer service.

Joy is a shop that sell ecelectic items that make perfect quirky gifts. They sell clothes that are good quality but I go there mainly for the unusual accessories. The atmosphere is chilled out and the staff are friendly. Recommended.

The Joy chain is expanding all the time, and it’s not hard to see why with the treasure trove this store offers.
you can find men and women’s clothes with a quirky/​vintage look, jewellery, and hundred of unusual gift ideas here.
and even if you don’t end up buying thing, it’s definately an entertaining browsing experience!