Highly stylish clothing for kids. The kind of clothes I'd like to deck my own children out in if it…read moreweren't for the fact that they're a: independent and thus do not listen to my recommendations: b: my missus equally does not listen to me, especially when it comes to clothes for the children c: it wasn't so expensive. Lovely looking, well made keks, shirts and skirts for kids up to 16 years of age, highly visual and slightly hippyish looking (you'll know what I mean) it's just a shame I'd need to re mortgage just to purchase a nice sweater for the four year old. Have a look for their occasional sales and you might bag a bargain for a gift. Oilily (which sounds more like a deli) has stores across the world, but as far as I know this Manchester store is the only UK branch.

Whilst the idea that your beautiful children aren't enough just by themselves and now have to be…read moredraped with adequate 'baubling' to be considered true accessories, I know you kids are going to do it anyway so I'd rather you do it here where I know your safe. Funky Totz, though an ominous glimpse of how your children will spell things in the fyootcha if the Pussycat Dolls get their way, is a purveyor of some really fun fashion for your little nippers. Largely imported from the USA the range of stock will have the air's to your estate looking like Sid & Nancy in no time- bless.

Funky totz can be found inside Afflecks Palace and sels alternative clothes for babies and…read moretoddlers. If your not happy with buying your kids the same old stuff from next or mothercare here is a place you can find something really original, different and unique. If your not a parent just yet (like moi) this place is great if your wanting to spoil you niece /nephew /godchildren etc. As long as the parents of the child in mind are not completely mainstream and little number from here will get you lots of brownie points.

This massive glass building that houses a shopping mall sits in the middle of city centre just a…read morestone's throw from Manchester Victoria. It's modern, clean, and easy to navigate even with large crowds. They've got all the typical mall shops like NEXT, Sephora, etc. I've only been here one other time and that was a couple of years ago. My main purpose for visiting was to see an art installation that will only be on display until October. It's called MCR Made by Stanley Chow. The art is inflatable likenesses of Manchester icons such as the Gallagher brothers, Aitch, Ellen Wilkinson, Maxine Peake, Alan Turing, and others for a total of 13 figures. I was on the visit purely for the Gallagher boys. Fantastic pieces of work. In addition, while I was there, a Pride event was going on. It was great getting to watch the amazing performers. All-in-all this is a pretty decent mall for all your needs and wants.

Over priced £1 for pva glue what on earth caused such money…read moregreed not to mention is maze like structure and the so called reusable bags that I'm sure are recycled condoms

This store really has improved with its refurb becoming a modern store which also houses a barbers,…read morerestaurant, Costa Coffee and Paperchase. While I so feel much of there fashion is catered to a more older market and the staff could be a little more helpful, I do still feel this is becoming one of the better stores within the Manchester Arndale to warrant an upgraded rating as it is one of my favourite stores within the Next chain. 4*

Remember that scene in Fight Club where Tyler Durden makes a frantic speech about advertising,…read moreconsumerism and branding? Well, whenever I walk past Next's flagship store in central Manchester I imagine him ranting and chuckle out loud. It's not that Next is worse than other global brands, it's that this gigantic shop aims to sell everything idyllic couples and families could need from beds, comforters and lamps to dining tables, chairs, sofas and rugs. The majority of it looks bland and forgettable but the fact it's in neutral colours and restrained patterns means it probably flies out of the store. For those desperate to buy into the whole Next brand / lifestyle, there's also two floors devoted to casual, smart and evening womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. If I was the kind of girl that looked at catalogues and imagined buying a matching dress and kitchenware, I'd probably enjoy shopping here. As it is, I find it a soul-less and ungratifying experience. To paraphrase Tyler: "I say never be complete, I say stop being perfect, I say....let the chips fall where they may."

A note to parents across the globe: Don't do it!…read more It's not that I have something against soft toys and cuddly bears - it's that Disney do everything they can to promote shitty gender stereotypes. Walk round this store and you'll see exactly what I mean. On one wall, there's dozens of pastel and bright pink costumes, fairy wings, crowns and little princess style accessories for girls. On the other, there's Superhero costumes, plastic swords and cowboy and astronaut figures for boys. Just think about the message this is sending to kids about and what defines them and what they should aspire to be when they grow up. Pretty lame, isn't it? To borrow a triusm from the American artist Jenny Holzer: Raise boys and girls the same way.

Whenever I get broody, I pop into the Disney Store to remind me how useful birth control is…read more Because while one day I can imagine myself with a couple of anklebiters, being bewildered by the likes of Hannah Montana and High School Musical means I'm not quite ready yet. What is it with kids and cheesy musical numbers sung by squeaky teenagers these days anyway? The Disney Store is a bit of a misleading name... I bought an ex partner of mine a gargantuan Tweety Pie mug from here once and Tweety's not been seen near a Disney character since Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Gosh what a great film. Anyway while you'll find plenty of little trinkets bearing the image of your favourite classic Looney Tunes and Disney characters, upstairs is reserved for the baffling likes of Camp Rock and their ilk. Backpacks, dolls, clothing - this is a store where pester power is king, so be warned. Without a doubt, one for Christmas shopping FOR a specific child rather than taking said child. If you ever want to watch a tantrum or two for a laugh, it's worth popping in here.

Daisy and Tom is a lovely 'nursery/children's ' store for parents to be and already parents alike…read more It stocks clothing, footwear, toys and prams etc with eye catching professional displays and very knowledgeable staff. Children are encouraged to play, there is even a free carousel which operates several times a day plus a playhouse, pirate ship and play train so it's very hands on and excitable for children who may have otherwise been very bored shopping with mum and dad!. A cafe sells a wide variety of food and if you eat there, kids get a fifteen minute free ticket for the play area so it all seems pretty fair, though trying to extricate your child without a tantrum from this play area after 15 minutes may be a bit of a challenge, i don't blame them really though even i'd like to play there! This store really has thought of everything, they have a floor dedicated to clothing and to fancy dress even incorporating a childs hair salon! Granted this isn't at all the cheapest or affordable store around, but what they do have is a whole 'experience' to offer you and quality.

Yes we have Primark in some U.S. cities now and I've been to most of them. But shopping Primark in…read morethe U.K. is different and better. I love this store franchise and have for years! Always a must stop when across the pond. This particular location is clean and bright with friendly service and a crazy good collection of clothing, accessories, and more. Looking forward to visiting this location again.

Primark came to my attention on Yelp. When I was with my daughter we had to go to Primark. The name…read morewas unknown to me but she knows her stores in any country! I still have my tote bag and a brochure. I'll have to find them and post photos. I'm highly recommending anytime you have the opportunity to shop Primark.