While I was working at Spinningfields, I was on fairly decent money. For me, that is. Probably not in the great scheme of things. Hey, I'm a massive budgeter and the only debt I've ever been in revolves around that darn student loan. So when we were doing 'okay', my friend and I decided that we should really boycott Primark. We'd had enough of the hell that comes with shopping there - the long queues, the prams being used as weapons, the stampeding scenesters, the screaming babies, the messy thrown-everywhere clothes. But where oh where would we get our cheap little essentials from? Prior to my friend's Spanish holiday, I took her into Peacocks (or 'Piceaux' as the brunette calls it. She has a nickname for everything that makes it sound cooler). She was impressed. She snapped up the little denim skirts she wanted along with strapless tops, all of which were very cheap... only slightly more expensive than Primark too. This branch of Peacocks is great because its location, right near TK Maxx and Poundland, seems so appropriate for its price range, and it's really done a good job with the display. Everything's easy to find and the window draws you in with brightly coloured coats and nicely put together outfits. It's a great place to grab those last little bits like flip-flops or party shoes, and I think the underwear selection is top notch. It also sells those invisible bras for only about £3. It might not have the same kind of high street reputation a lot of the clothing stores in the Arndale have, but do give Peacocks a try - you might get more than you bargained for. read more

Peacocks - Department Stores Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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This Peacocks in the Arndale Centre look a bit like it's trying to be Topman. Its clothes look kind of similar, generally it looks kind of the same. Only, really when you look closely it's no way near as 'cool.' Sure these are well made clothes at decent prices that are actually way more reasonable than Topman, but just not as trendy. read more

Peacocks - From Website - Department Stores Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Down at the cheapo end of the Arndale, between TK Maxx and Poundland and Garage Shoes, sits Peacocks. Despite having been open for, like, two years, Peacocks is pretty much still a secret. I mean, I'd say I pop in maybe once a month, because I'm passing and I know how heavy stock rotation is in budget fashion, and I'd say there are never more than maybe 4 other customers at any given time. It's a bit of a shame, but I'm not surprised. While Emma-Louise is right about them stocking basics and whatnot, I doubt many people actually go out of their way to grab basics, when Primark is so in-yer-face and conveniently placed. The Peacocks basics are good though. I must have six of their strappy tops for wearing under low-cut dresses and whatnot, and they've held out longer than any Primark offering would, for about 50p more. Other than the basics, I'd say that Peacocks pretty much draws a blank with me. The sizing here is wayyy crazy. I'm used to buying a size up, because a lot of high street stores don't seem to want to admit that some people have *gasp* boobs, but when my rack won't fit into a size 16 without being crushed, it's a bit of a bust (puntastic!) really. So, word to the wise, curvy gals, unless you fancy the squashed look their occasional OMG sundresses and vintage-look teadresses are pretty much out of the question. In many ways, I think the celeb-tie-in is a bit of a litmus test for high street shops. So, Toppy get Kate, New Look get Lily, H&M get acutal designers, and Peacocks got Pearl Lowe. You know, Pearl Lowe who's married to a man from Supergrass, who was never really famous, until she announced that hot-property model daughter Daisy was actually Mr Gwen Stefani's kid. So, I dunno what that says about Peacocks, but surely it's a hop, skip and jump away from Ronnie Wood's ex getting a line at Bon Marche? So, for basics and the odd find (such as The Biggest and Best Sunglasses I Ever Had), it's worth a look round Peacocks every now and then. It'll take you about four minutes to scan the entire store, and then you can go to Poundland and buy huge bags of sweets. read more

I must admit that initially, I was slightly wary of Peacocks. I'd been in there a few times, but never really seen anything that caught my eye, and I was put off by their wide array of seedy tops for men bearing such lovely legends as 'I LIKE DRUNK GIRLS'. Nope, that really wasn't my kind of clothes store. Then a very kind friend of mine sent me over a link to the collection that Pearl Lowe had designed for the store and I was immediately hooked. Cute vintage prints? Pretty girly dresses? Low low prices? Now where did I put my credit card? I'm not sure that I'd go to Peacocks for all of my clothing, but I'd definitely go there again if one of their guest designer's wares caught my eye. I found their clothing to be well fitted and good value for money - even if the two dresses I bought from there initially smell oddly of fire. Here's hoping that Peacocks concentrate more on good designs in the future rather than tacky t-shirts. If they do, they'll certainly be seeing a lot more of my custom. Sorry Mr. Bank Manager. read more

Great place for cheap clothes! Another shop in the same category as Primark. Fast cheap fashion. They have different lines nearly every week. They sell women's and men's clothing as well as shoes, accessories and much more! Located in the new part of the Arndale it's a nicely laid out store and quite big. Great place to get things like work clothing, pjs and holiday wear! Recommended to any shop a holic! read more

Peacocks - Department Stores Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Kudos to Peacocks for trying here, I mean if the layout was everything, then Peacocks would be getting A for effort, as this particular branch isn't as hideous as it's brothers and sisters. My friend tried to introduce me into the Peacocks movement, but I just couldn't do it. The clothing quality in here is bloody awful, i mean dire, i mean it looks cheap and nasty and horrible and vile and evil. There's nothing positive to say about it. By comparison Primark at least has that Holiday quality to it, you can take it on your jollies and bin it in the hotel when you've trashed it all with sun tan lotion or pina colada, but Peacocks, yeh where was I, she tried to take me in with sympathy for the Peacocks offering, and it felt like paper sewn together. Bah. The Manchester branch at the very least had organisation and style about the layout going for it, but otherwise, eugh, George clothing offers better style and value for money. read more

this is a real bargin store. i would say that the clothes side is mainly good for casual work or holiday clothing its all quite up to date fashion so its great for everyday and they do some nice smart wear again very reasonably priced. the have quite a good shoe selection aswell which seems to be growing. the shoes have always been quite nice and when its sale time its even cheaper. they are not great for underwear and accessories as they do look a little cheap but the nightwear is nice. they do mens clothing aswell and usually get a smal gift selection in for christmas. read more