Ran Shop Review

Where is it?

8 St Ann’s Arcade

M2 7HW

0161 832 9650

www.ranshop.co.uk

History

Ran came on to the Manchester menswear scene well before the likes of Oi Polloi and Selfridges started stocking trendy outerwear and cutting edge sports garments. It started life as a shoe shop before branching out to clothes and accessories, and they now have a sister shop in Liverpool.

They were the original stockists of many of the items you can now find in the places mentioned above. However, they pride themselves on not being dictated by the seasons; they’re still selling winter gear when other retailers have moved on to spring/summer collections. Given this freezing cold February, it’s nice to know you can still find warm clothing hanging on their rails.

Ran, Manchester

Ran say that it’s their merchandising, range of products and customer service which sets them apart from other shops in Manchester, but Confidential’s last visit and write-up a few year's ago resulted in a series of reader rants complaining about less than satisfactory service from certain members of staff. There were no issues this time however, so it seems they’ve pulled up their ever so stylish socks. Besides, don’t nonchalance and style go hand in hand?

What do they sell?

They sell handpicked footwear, accessories and clothing. Items are sourced from all over Europe with the odd thing coming from style mecca, Japan.

Unfortunately, there are no clothes for women but there is a range of shoes and trainers and even some cute kid’s trainers so sprogs can also look the part.

Men’s brands include Nike, Adidas, Puma, Levi’s, Lee, Wings+Horns and Wolverine - handy basics sit alongside more exclusive lines. The fashionable Danish line, Suit, is popular for its classic tailoring with a stylish twist.

Check out the Nike Loopwheeler range, a collaboration with a Japanese manufacturer which produces hand cut items processed on vintage loopwheel looms. Good quality comes at a price mind - £129.99 for a sweatshirt to be precise.

Ran often has items on sale so it’s a good to check in regularly as you might pick up a bargain. At the moment they have a Suit coat down from £199 to £100 and a whole load of trainers at bargain prices.

Ran, Manchester

Who shops there?

Ran’s ethos is to incorporate rather than alienate - they sell a range of quality products to suit all budgets.

Why go there?

It’s definitely an alternative to the often clique Northern Quarter shops plus you’ll find better sale stock here.

Future

They’re happy as they are. And so are we.