A Nose Around in Urban Outfitters Manchester

A couple of weeks ago I had a nose around at my local Urban Outfitters in Manchester. Lots of shops are a bit funny about taking photos within opening hours but if your ask ahead you're more likely not going to get kicked out when you do try. You may remember a couple of months back that I was invited to an Urban Outfitters press day, they said I could come and have a look round whenever I wanted so I thought it was time I popped by to see what's on offer for Spring.

The Manchester store is massive, it's over 3 floors each with mezzanines and all sorts of little crannies. They don't skimp on the menswear section and they seem to be introducing more brands each season. So here's a few things that caught my eye whilst I was there;

As you expect Urban Outfitters heavily leans towards streetwear, which is clear to see when you come across these chaps above. Wearing a mixture of Penfield, Carharrt, Shore Leave and some vintage bits.

Last time I was there Levi's was the brand that all the focus was on, this season it's Carharrt. Definitely one of my favourites at the moment, it's all easy to wear, great quality and lends itself to loads of different looks. Tones of ace stuff, especially the grey marl sweaters, camo and the canvas chore jacket.

Nifty looking iPad bag by Unit Portables, reminded me of something a swank Japanese businessman would carry

UO's in-house brand Shore Leave has been doing some cracking things for the past year or 2. It carries on this season with plenty of striped oxfords, heavy overshirts, patterned knitwear & cardigans and more chambray shirts that you can snake a stick at

Thumbs up for this Shore Leave shirt 

 Spotted a lot of penny collars whilst I was there, it's nice to see them experimenting rather than sticking with the norm

 Blue, black and burgundy were something of a thing. I could see myself in this sort of thing quite easily, minus the hoodies. On a side note here it's the first time I've noticed this metal/wooden fixture, shame they're not for sale

One of the newest brands to the store is Madras by A.P.C. The range is inspired by India and its culture. This bow patterned shirt caught my eye, along with short sleeve check shirts and washed denim, which was all more affordable than their mainline collection.

Fred Perry for the modsters

I was really taken by the Levi's pale blue slubby shirt, the variable pocket sizes and button under collar were nice touches

 The place is huge, I thought I'd include this shot so you can see how much space they're packing. On the mens mezzanine you'll find Suit, Farah, Herschel bags and music & books. Other things of interest, Cheap Monday was seeming more appealing than usually with a sweet looking bright orange jumper and I also hear they're getting a range of Dickies stuff in which is very exciting for all the American clothing fans, like myself.

Just as I mentioned about Aubin & Wills last week, the UO staff were great, really nice to chat to without being forced, helpful and knowledge about the brands. Thinking about it, customer service seems to be really good in Manchester at the moment, is there something in the water?