Three Pound Shop

The Three Pound Shop is one of Manchester's more....'interesting' vintage stores. Mainly because it's just a massive shed filled from top to bottom with racks and racks of old clothing. Some of this is ridiculously bargain-tastic, and some of it just looks like the kind of thing someone died in. I'm not even entirely sure if 'The Three Pound Shop' is its real name, it's just a moniker that's stuck because most of the clothing in here is priced at £3 (or less). Oh - and it smells to high heaven, emitting a stink of mothballs and death which can be smelt by anyone and everyone within a five mile radius.

However, if you're skint, and have got time (and poor olfactory skills) at your disposal, you can find a real bargain here. The last time I spent an hour or so rummaging through the racks here, I walked out with an amazing paisley print Biba dress for...you guessed it....three quid.

They don't take cards here, and the customer service is practically non existent, so don't come here if you're more used to shopping in Selfridges. However, if you're looking for a killer piece of vintage clobber, you should definitely pay The Three Pound Shop a visit the next time you're in the Northern Quarter.

Basic shop with good ethos, great variety of cheap clothes- it does smell a little bit, but when washed the clothes are fine. There are racks of adidas and other retro sports jackets which sell for a lot more further down Oldham Street- I’ve seen families with stacked baskets going to the till. Cheaper than Primark and you don’t have to mess around with pennies. Some really out there items, perfect for halloween if you want to go as zombie Cilla Black!

It smells it smells it smells!! If you are fond of that charity shop moth eaten stench you will love this shop! It is a bit like a basement, I agree with the previous reviewers comment that it is like a jumble sale - without a doubt! I f you need some fancy dress, or a unique costume (and have a gas mask) then it is worth having a look as nothing is priced at more than £3!!

A second-hand shop which I can only describe as, affectionately, a jumble sale with hangers. The story is that they buy second hand clothing in bulk, sell off the obvious pieces with value and then try and shift the surplus in this wonderful shop. Although named The Three Pound Shop (although this may be the unofficial name, I’m not aware of the real name) few items are actually three pounds, in fact they are even less, £1 or £2. Belts, often real leather, can even be bought for as little as 50p. This is definitely a shop for a good rummage- I always find items that I love and actually wear regularly. As with all second-hand clothes I do however recommend a good wash or two.
Renowned by those in the know for its bargain logo sports jackets yet loved by those with a penchant for individuality, you can turn your nose up at it and stalk off to the garish Arndale or you can delve right in and steal yourself a bargain.
(I myself bought an emerald Van Laack blouse today for a pound- a continental brand which is sold in Harrods)