Manchester is pretty spoilt you know, especially for what is still a provincial city. Not only does it boast a healthy presence from the last few chain stores that are worth bothering with, it also has Oi Polloi.
But what about the sharp shopper who fancies being a bit more subversive by buying something from the past? Well, again there are a plethora of archetypal vintage stores, some good, some shite. But the two that stand head and shoulders above everyone else are Bags of Flavor and Bionic Seven.
Having relocated from that street next to Thomas Street (I’ve forgotten the name of it, and it doesn’t matter anyway), pretty much opposite Oi Polloi, Bionic Seven have gone from strength to strength. With hand picked classics at the forefront of what they do, there’s always something for the curious casual in there. Using the various subcultures down the years as their touchstones, there’s everything from Americana to Acid Rambling garb, from mint militaria to great goretex.
So when I was in there recently I pulled out my camera phone and took some pictures. Just to put on the internet, for you. No need to thank me. Just make sure you pop in next time you need to shelter from the Manchester rain.