Intro Clothing, Deansgate, Reviewed.

YOU can indentify Manchester’s districts by fashion genre alone.

The Northern Quarter appreciates the grizzly faced men that resemble members of Mumford and Sons. Both Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street are awash with pretend goons in JD sponsored streetwear, as well as ladies teetering around in unsteady heels.

Deansgate prefers a much glossier finish – for women and men.

Intro's style meets a combination of Kanye West and the super polished boys of The Only Way is Essex.

Based on 51 Deansgate, Intro Clothing store has been catering for the Deansgate and Spinningfields archetype for fifteen years. It’s a menswear outfitter which stocks imported clothes by established and upcoming brands from all over the world.

With popular bar haunts Living Room and Panacea within yards, to some degree Intro-clothing sets the style tone for the city’s men who prefer statement dressing to understatement.

For instance, the window display flaunts a peacock feather print twinset.

Intro Clothing on Deansgate

The store also stocks a line of grungy leather and distressed t-shirts that would make All Saints look like granny favourite Bon Marché.

“We wouldn’t move from this spot on Deansgate,” explained Intro’s director, Irvin Grant. “Men come in from ages sixteen to sixty and our customer base is very broad.”

When your customer base has included Premiership footballer, Mario Balotelli, American super-producer Timbaland and members of the Jackson 5, it’s fair to say you’ve built a credible reputation. The celebrity clientele is something Intro is proud of – and Grant has plenty celebrity signatures displayed on the walls to prove it.

 “Jesse Jackson bought a tracksuit, I think,” said Grant ,who has been with Intro since it first opened. “We’ve had the boys from MCBusted and a lot of the Manchester United players shop here. So many. Celebrities often get sent things, so it’s great when they visit Manchester and decide to purchase an individual clothes from us. ”

Downstairs at Intro

These days it’s rare to find an independent boutique that’s lasted on the high street as long Intro.  

"We’ve had our ups and downs. Yet that’s retail. There’s not many good boutiques left in Manchester – if I’m honest,” explained Grant. 

He added: “Selfridges is great for your established names. Your big designers. Yet we stock small premium brands you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else in the UK. We’d like to be act as a leader in our own right for sourcing niche items.” 

From suits to casual wear

The amount of empty lots and To Let signs have increased on Deansgate and within Barton Arcade in recent years. Former competitor and neighbouring boutique, Each To Their Own, has recently closed its flagship store. Intro is still bringing in customers.

Spread over two floors, it has a wide selection of 'looks' to shop. Upstairs you’ll find a smart collection of sharp suits and investment leather jackets – your standard bits. Downstairs the shopping experience goes up a notch – it’s a surprisingly large space, stocking mostly trend-led urban and casual wear.

In short, Intro's style marries a combination of Kanye West and the super polished boys of The Only Way is Essex. 

Prices can vary at affordable to pricey. On average T-shirts come around the £30 mark and outerwear can reach into their hundreds. Although pricey, as Grant reiterates, it’s premium stuff. If it’s quality, stylish and fits in with Intro’s brand – they’ll sell it.

“We have to be particular with what we stock. We’ve had some designers who want to sell with us but we've said no - they have to fit in with Intros brand."

Imported brands at Intro

Grant added: "We'll travel to Paris for trade fairs and it’s worth in the end. It’s an hour’s plane journey and we end with prestige clothing.”

It’s admirable that Intro prides itself on being one of the few  Manchester stores championing exclusive labels. While they sell some popular brand names, most of the designers I’ve never heard of; Odeur, Delusion, House of Nines, anyone?

Nonetheless, like many who are insatiable when it comes to buying new clothes, I’m always swayed by the idea of owning outfits nobody else has. I expect for many style conscious males, I’m unveiling a best kept secret. 

You can also shop Intro Clothing on its website

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Upstairs

Large selection of casual wear

Unique clothes from upcoming designers

Still the rage? Distressed T-shirts