Cubitts opens 21st store in Manchester's Northern Quarter

On July 30, 2026, Cubitts, the eyewear brand, will inaugurate its first store in Manchester, marking the end of a ten-year quest for an ideal location. Situated at 16 Smithfield Buildings in the Northern Quarter, this shop occupies a section of a Victorian structure that once housed the Affleck & Brown department store (1860s–1973), famously dubbed the 'Harrods of the North.' The interior design, crafted by local studio Youth, showcases meticulous steelwork and rain-textured glass display units, juxtaposed with raw plaster walls. A prominent faceted oak counter acts as a social hub, complete with an integrated turntable. Notable artworks include pieces by Francis Hoyland, Marcel Gille, and Richard Perry. Additionally, a vintage revolving bookcase from Manchester's Goodall, Lamb and Heighway displays publications from The Modernist. Founder Tom Broughton highlights the concept of 'precision with soul,' asserting that each store is tailored to its community. This marks Cubitts' 21st global location and 19th in the UK.