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Manchester in boom: Why are high end retailers flocking to the City?

Manchester is a city synonymous with iconic bands such as The Stone Roses, Oasis and The Smiths. It’s a place with two successful Premier League football clubs, vibrant nightlife, people with a unique sense of humour and work ethic. But at the heart of the city a new and unfamiliar image of Manchester is beginning to take shape. From the shadows of traditional industry a new force is emerging in the form of high end retail.

Economic Power.

Often described as England’s ‘second city’, Manchester’s recent economic upturn is symbolised by the swathes of shoppers now hitting the high street. High fashion and luxury designer stores provide plenty of scope and opportunity for socialites and big spenders. The second city tag is certainly applicable to Manchester’s financial power. With a GDP of around £28bn, Manchester is second only to London. Home to over 2,000 foreign enterprises, this bustling northern hub is a symbol of business success.

So why are people with high disposable incomes flocking to Manchester?

The work-life balance we all strive for can prove to be elusive in cities such as London, where the cost of living can be so painfully high. Manchester hits the spot when it comes to value for money. The commutes in and out of the city are cheap compared to what our southern friends hand over. Your pound certainly goes a lot further up north, and the quality of life isn’t diminished as a result.

High-end fashion and designer goods.

London has been hogging the limelight for a number of years, but just quietly Manchester has been building a fashion reputation of its own. The design roots in the city are intrinsic; Manchester of course was the home of the textiles industry during the Industrial Revolution. The city is now home to some of the most prestige shops in the UK. Selfridges has two stores in the city, along with retailers such as Harvey Nichols and Belstaff. The luxury watch makers, clothes designers and boutique owners are flocking here because the city is fun, vibrant and offers value. Take a walk through the city streets and you won’t fail to notice the sheer volume and quality of the high end stores, such as jewellery specialists Hancocks.

Creative Spirit.

Manchester has a distinctively cool and stylish underbelly, and the vein of this is represented by the Northern Quarter. The district is jam packed with independent ventures; cafes, bars, restaurants and shops each with their own unique vibe. The encouragement to be artistic and expressive is there, and this can prove to be alluring for those with a high disposable income.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hancocks Jewellers .