Thrift Vintage Music
The Empire Exchange Emporium has a very unique vibe – fans of the store describe it as a time bubble, firmly locked in the 1980/90s. It’s a cave of treasures, with CDs and vinyl records to other collectibles such as comics and even BBC props. You can find the Empire Exchange in Picadilly Gardens in the heart of the city.
Thrift second hand Books
For books, look no further than the super quirky Paramount Books, which has a great and well-organised selection of used books and comics. It’s only open on Saturdays and Sundays, however.
Anywhere Out Of The World on Tib Street sells second-hand classics as well as new books. It’s well worth checking out!
The best Charity Shops for second hand vintage clothing, books and music
Oxfam Originals in Smithfield Buildings is a charity shop, but unlike other high street names such as British Heart Foundation Harpurhey, it only sells hand-picked pieces from the 50s through to the 80s, including amazing designer clothing picks. Fans describe it as one of the best charity shops in Manchester city centre.
Other charity shops worth checking out in the city centre include Barnardo’s in Gateway House, the British Heart Foundation shop on Piccadilly, the Mustard Tree on Oldham Road, and the RSPCA charity shop on Oak Street.
Benefits of Shopping Second-Hand
Shopping second-hand as a student offers many benefits for the environment, your wallet, and access to one-of-a-kind finds. Buying used reduces waste by giving clothes and items a second life. This promotes sustainability as fewer new resources are used to create products. Thrifting is very budget friendly with great deals on quality items. You can find unique vintage and retro pieces not available in regular stores. With lower prices, reusing quality goods, and rare treasures to uncover, the benefits of shopping pre-owned are plentiful.
The more money you save thrifting, the more cash you have leftover for other things, like beer!