Cubitts opens first Manchester store in Northern Quarter
Cubitts, a British eyewear company, has launched its inaugural store in Manchester, situated within the historic Smithfield Buildings on Hilton Street. This marks their 21st retail location globally and the 19th within the UK. After nearly ten years of exploration, they selected a space inside the legendary Affleck & Brown department store, which dates back to the 1860s and was once dubbed the 'Harrods of the North.' Collaborating with YOUTH architecture, the store features an optometry section, a repairs area, and a consultation space, utilizing materials such as sanded steel and oak, along with art from Francis Hoyland and Richard Perry.
Key facts
- Cubitts opened its first Manchester store in Smithfield Buildings on Hilton Street.
- The store is Cubitts' 21st shop worldwide and 19th in the UK.
- The company spent almost a decade searching for the right location.
- The unit is part of the former Affleck & Brown department store, dating to the 1860s.
- The space was designed with Manchester architecture studio YOUTH.
- Interiors include artworks by Francis Hoyland, Marcel Gille, and Richard Perry.
- A revolving bookcase by Goodall, Lamb and Heighway uses salvaged HMS Foudroyant timber.
- Cubitts is developing a collection of Manchester-exclusive frames.
Entities
Artists
- Francis Hoyland
- Marcel Gille
- Richard Perry
Institutions
- Cubitts
- YOUTH
- Goodall, Lamb and Heighway
- The Modernist
- Affleck & Brown
Locations
- Manchester
- United Kingdom
- Smithfield Buildings
- Hilton Street
- Northern Quarter
- King's Cross
- London