At a time when the UK retail landscape is shifting shape significantly, it’s interesting to see one of the remaining names is spreading its wings rather than downsizing like many others.
Parasol Store began in the leafy Cheshire village of Alderley Edge, the domain of footballers and their wives amongst others. After a spell refining their offering online they’re back with a bang and a much bigger offering in another area of Cheshire, Altrincham. For those not local, this is a town on the edge of Manchester, accessible via the city’s tram network and regular trains on the Manchester to Chester train line.
With Hanon recently joining Oi Polloi, Wellgosh, Xile and several others in closing their doors, shops offering the type of brands we here at Proper write about are increasingly hard to find. Parasol is part of the same group as Yards and we’re comfortable declaring our own link here, in that Proper also works very closely with the same organisation. Impartiality is essential here though, it’s not like we’re telling you we really like Fat Face or Hollister or something is it?
Parasol stocks dozens of brands we regularly write about on these pages, and with a concept that began by trying to serve the modern traveller, they are particularly strong on bags, accessories and the useful items that make your everyday a bit easier (and cooler).
Online, alongside a comprehensive accessory offering you’ll find a vast array of Fjallraven to choose from, plus familiar brands like Gramicci, Kavu, Purple Mountain, our own Hikerdelic , plus Patagonia, New Balance and plenty of other big hitters. You get the idea.
An edited in store offering sees Yeti, Norse Projects, Fjallraven, Carhartt WIP, Novesta feature heavily.
If you’re local, visiting the area or fancy combining it with a trip to Altrincham’s celebrated food market, it’s defo worth a look.
Their URL is here
Their IRL is at 26 George St, Altrincham, WA14 1SF (or here)
