They still do, and 'kids' of all ages should be pleasantly surprised at just how many places in this city they can still buy records from. So this is our one-stop guide to the fantastic record shops of Greater Manchester, from the 'Vinyl Valley' that is Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter, to the windswept streets of Bolton, Lancashire. Browse the menu on the right hand side and go shopping! 
Visit Manchester
| Address | Smithfield Exchange, 14 Shudehill, Manchester M4 |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Saturday 10-ish to 17:00 |
| Phone | 0161 833 4609 |
| smithfieldexchange@hotmail.co.uk | |
| Website | |
| Sells: | Second hand Pop, Rock, Soul, Funk, Imports and Rarities on Vinyl and CD |
Set just at the edge of the Northern Quarter is the aptly named Smithfield Exchange. It sells used Vinyl and CDs as well as books, comics, DVDs and..ahem..”adult” material. The front part of the shop is where our interest lies. The music stock is mostly soul, funk, pop and rock with a wall full of Madonna, Oasis and U2 Collectables include many Japanese imports and a few racks of general pop and rock CDs near the door. Vinyl wise its a right old mish mash with a range of sections including 80s and 90s pop, Disco/Soul and Rock/Pop and classics Beatles, Stones etc. If you’re after some stock 80s dance 12″s (Ottowan rather than Z Factor) or a Jacko album then bingo.
Interestingly the roots of this shop go way back to the days of “Cecil” the old and well known Manchester vinylmeister who many years ago, when I were but a lad, had a stall in the wonderful Corn Exchange (pre gentrification). Cecil himself before retiremement was part of the Smithfield shop so the stock must include some Jazz nuggets.
No listening post that I’m aware of but always worth asking. The owner, Bob, is friendly and happy to have a chat if you’re spending.
Having visited this shop off and on for a number of years and despite the owner diversifying into DVD’s, Books and Collectibles (sign of the times i guess!) its still possible to turn up the odd gem on vinyl from here. Recently they seem to be adding more secondhand vinyl to the racks particularly in the area of Soul & Funk 12 inches & LP’s which is encouraging, both for the vinyl junkie and hopefully for the shop itself. The owner always seems friendly and knowledgeable and also willing to do a better deal on multiple purchases.