Junk

So, I was looking for a bin and my eyes caught one right beside two young women standing with a sign for something or other and handing out flyers. I decided to be polite and take one then saw the words ‘Sustainable fashion’. That’s for me! We headed straight to the small shop and had a wander around looking at the purses, jewellery, greetings cards, tops, skirts, and ‘Handmade in Manchester’ dresses. I spend most of my leisure money on food and drink and if I had a bit more of a disposable income I would definitely have bought one of the dresses; there were quite a few with beautiful detailed animal patterns, and one I picked up was only £32 — quite reasonable for a dress (being both a top and a bottom). I was able to curb my spending temptation when picking up the dresses I knew I’d never get over my body bits but when I saw a skirt with an elephant pattern which looked like it’d be a good fit I had to quickly put it back on the rail. I don’t tend to buy clothes very often so these sorts of places really appeal to me, being ethical and independent. If I wasn’t leaving Manchester tomorrow I’d definitely be back in soon, maybe with someone likely to be buying me something for my birthday anyway…

One of my favourite vintage shops in Manchester. An excellent stop on Vintage Boulevard alongside the likes of Afflecks, Vintage, Pop and Best Vintage, this place had my entire party occupied. I’m fascinated by little old trinkets and was happily sifting through novelty odds and sods, while the Alexa G fell in love with a sixties inspired two-​in-​one vest dress, and I myself simply marvelled at everything in sight. What a cool place.
A great thing about Junk, as previous reviewers have mentioned, is that not only does it stock second hand clothing and accessories, it also has its own very affordable range of clothes inspired by those eras gone by that we’ve fallen in love with. I had my eye on a £16 funky little T-​shirt covered with a pattern of bicycles and mopeds, but there’s something for everyone, from fluffy and sparkly cardigans from the eighties to hats for the dapper and dandy amongst you. I personally loved the little seventies style yellow kettle I spotted amongst the jewellery and homeware.
I spotted a pair of white lacy gloves that come right up to the elbow, great for wearing vintage dresses at parties. £12 and a perfect fit, — they’re just one of those lovely little ultimate finds that you seek out in these places, and no doubt I’ll be heading back to Junk in less than a week to grab that adorable T-​shirt. I defy anybody to leave this store empty-​handed, and even if you do, you won’t have wanted to.

I’m always amazed that Junk manages to stay open seeing as it primarily sells hand made jewellery crafted from plastic animals and lego people and all the cute vintage butter dishes and typewriters are for display purposes only. They have a couple of racks of good vintage clothing although the quantity is limited by the fact that everything they sell must be suspended from the ceiling. The changing room is in an old cupboard propped up in a corner and the lone member of staff is always helpful and friendly.
My boyfriend bought a vintage pastel coloured Hawaiian shirt from here last summer for around £12 that he got plenty of wear out of over the summer. Overall though I would suggest going for the mere browse factor as there are plenty of tiny trinkets scattered about with eccentric details that are well worth dedicating some time to.

Like its big sister in Withington, this wee boutiue specialises in upcycled goods, made locally, and quirky jewelry made out of toys and bits’n’bobs of vintagerie.
It’s basically the best shop to go into, if you can afford it. If you can’t afford it, it’s the worst place on earth. This is because it’s impossible to walk into this shop without instantly wanting to buy everything. And as wonderful as Junk is, it ain’t cheap. Mind, when the money is going to local upcyclers (based in Islington Mill, actually) it’s better than spending it to fill Sir Philip Green’s pockets at Toppy.
As well as offering a great face to face service, the Junk website is great too. Just a lovely wee local business with its eye on its eco credentials and a big supportive base for local textile designers.

Like its West Didsbury counterpart Junk Shop is a great place to have a good rummage. I was drawn to this shop by the window display and also by the girl standing in the street with a big sign.
Here you’ll find vintage and revamped vintage clothing. Look out for Junk Shop’s own label, ‘Made in the Mill’ label, so-​called because garments are handmade in Islington Mill.
As well as clothes, jewellery and accessories you’ll find other retro bric-​à-​brac such as vintage telephones, old annuals, assorted ornaments and even bicycles.
Definitely worth a visit.

This is a Manchester vintage at its best. I love Junk (although I’m not sure Junk really does love me). The owner of this shop obviously has a great eye for the fantastic and eclectic, there’s always something new (or rather, very old) in the window beckoning me in every time i pass by. It looks a bit like you’re Gran’s lounge, with 70s wallpaper and furniture strategically placed around the shop, furniture that comes in very handy if you’re with someone less enthusiastic than you.
As well as a great selection of vintage dresses, handbags and accessories, junk’s own line, which echos 60s to 80s classics, are very reasonable and well made. A gem of a store.

Barbarella? Club Kid? Screen Queen or Eco Warrior? If you are one or all of the above, Junk loves you (apparently). Open for around two years now, this city centre second (the original is in Didsbury) stocks vintage inspired clothes and bits and bobs for the home, passing the time. That sort of thing.
It is basically the car boot sale you’d always dreamed of in shop form and just off the trendy trendy Oldham Street. Because it is not junk, far from it. Its wonderfully selected pieces from a very eco-​friendly company. For instance, their ‘Made in the Mill’ pieces have all been handmade in the local Islington Mill. You can also rather wonderfully buy their own label clothes from their website and it is free delivery in the UK.
It has always been very quiet when I have been in this shop i.e. me and whoever I’m with are the only ones in there. Perfect for browsing. Plus the girl reads a book whilst she sits at the till. After four years working part time in retail I was never once allowed to do that. I salute her.
Junk not only has the style of its surrounding competitors but it also has substance.

Brilliant little vintage clothes shop in the Northern Quarter, located beside the Art Café.
As well as selling a large selection of already customised vintage gear, you can bring in your own clothes to get customised.
I did this with a cheap ‘n’ cheerful shoulder-​padded 80s dress from ebay, and a week later was the proud owner of a gorgeously altered sleeveless tulip dress.
Have a gorgeous selection of retro jewellery and bags also, and you know that you will be proud owner of a one off piece.
Changing rooms are worth a mention, as they are wardrobes set into the walls — lovely quirky touch!
Staff lovely and helpful — overall well worth a rummage in for something a bit special. Oh, and they do stuff for men too!

This is a great little shop that I came across in the Northern Quarter. The staff were so friendly and really helpful in mine and my friends choices. We ended up leaving with a few rings and my friend brought an amazing bag that people always ask where she got it from.
There are lots of cool individual items which are much better than the run of the mill high street offerings. The prices are a little more than topshop, river island etc but they are definitely worth it to have something a bit different from everyone else.
I definitely made a wishlist while I was in there!
They had displayed everything amazingly and mixed their new pieces with some really vintage things. I loved the kookiness of the shop and its individuality.
Somewhere to try if you’re looking for something a bit different.