The proper vintage shopping route
A route through Afflecks Palace, Northern Quarter vintage shops and out to Stockport Underbanks in one day.
Start in the Northern Quarter around Oldham Street where Afflecks Palace, Pop Boutique and Blue Rinse sit within walking distance. Allocate two hours to work through Afflecks Palace carefully - the stall density means you'll find pieces across every era and style. Pop Boutique specialises in wearable vintage from multiple decades, while Blue Rinse rotates stock regularly so repeat visits turn up different finds.
Move east along Thomas Street toward Oi Polloi for contemporary designer and menswear if that interests you. Take a coffee break or lunch in the Northern Quarter - independent cafes and restaurants cluster around these same streets. Then either head to Cow Vintage in the city centre or save it for a separate outing since Stockport Underbanks warrants a dedicated trip.
Stockport Underbanks deserves its own half-day visit. The cluster of traders on the Underbanks strip means you can compare stock and pricing between different shops before committing to purchases. The combination of multiple dealers in one location plus lower retail costs makes Stockport the most efficient stop for serious vintage shopping. Allow 3-4 hours if you're thorough.