Shopping for students

Established in 1982, Afflecks is a bit of a Manchester institution. And it's easy to see why, with an admirable indie spirit courtesy of some very cool shops, bars, tattoo parlours, skate shops, events and pleasant people. Definitely somewhere to seek out.

Trading for well over a century - nearer 150 years, actually - this iconic, family-run arts and craft store in the Northern Quarter is one of Manchester's real success stories. if you want to make something, this is where to head - they've got everything.

With a supposed vinyl revival having blossomed as digital music distribution faltered in the past few years, more and more people are once again relying on their local neighbourhood purveyor of aural delights - dangerous on the wallet but delightful to the ears. Here are five of the best record retailers in the city.

Awarded 'Best Independent Retailer' at the 2013 Manchester Tourism Awards, Manchester Craft & Design Centre boasts over 30 artists, designers and craft makers under one roof. MCDC lies in the heart of the Northern Quarter, offering an impressive array of quality goods that you won't find on the high street – handmade, bespoke and personal.

The mainstream appeal of vintage has made way for a wealth of choice, so here are some of the best places to seek it out.

Artisan markets offering everything from fresh produce to local crafts to vintage goods now take place across Manchester, allowing visitors to buy local and support small traders. Here’s a look at some of the city's best markets. 

In a blog post written to celebrate World Book Day, we picked out five of the city's best indie bookshops.

Considered something of a monstrosity for decades thanks to its unpleasant '70s design, a major refurb and modern extension have made Manchester Arndale Centre a very pleasant shopping experience with a great market too. All of your shopping needs indoor and in the city centre. Just over the way both Harvey Nichols and Selfridges up the anté on designer goods.

Between Deansgate and the River Irwell, Manchester at its most modern brings you posh shops, posh places to eat and drink and more besides. 

A shopping and entertainment mecca to some, a gaudy retail fairground to others, however you look at it there's no denying that the Trafford Centre is a monumental success. The architectural offspring of the Taj Mahal, Ancient Rome and Blackpool (think the north of England meets Vegas and you won't go far wrong), the Trafford Centre's impressive collection of shops, themed bars and restaurants makes the place an enormous attraction. There's also a huge food hall and the busiest Odeon cinema outside London (complete with IMAX screen). 

What's a study bedroom without a few decent posters? Look no further than the Northern Quarter's Richard Goodall Gallery where manga meets film meets pop meets art

For Mancunian tattoo fans, the choice of artists in the city is plentiful. With a plethora of talent filled studios across Greater Manchester, the selection of needle-wielding artists can be overwhelming so Time Out has selected ten of the best to showcase their work.