This Thing of Ours (Manchester)
The Big One
Somewhere I’ve Been Wanting to Visit for Years
There are some shops that offer something so unique and reflect such a singular vision of the owner that they naturally set themselves apart from the crowd. For me, that shop is This Thing of Ours.
Curated Retail at Its Best
At its best, a retail experience can inspire, excite, and educate the shopper about new brands—through the lens of a space curated to showcase the owner’s taste. I first came across This Thing of Ours online when they were the only UK retailer carrying oqLiq, a Taiwanese streetwear brand blending "oriental simplicity with streetwear fashion." After picking up a jacket from their webstore a few years ago, I’ve been consistently impressed by the evolving roster of brands they offer.
So, when a free afternoon in Manchester presented itself during a trip from Scotland to Cheshire, I knew exactly how I was going to spend it. I hopped off the train at Manchester Piccadilly and made my way to the shop.
An Eye for the Unusual
What has always stood out to me about This Thing of Ours is the impeccable curation of their brands. Many of the labels they carry were either introduced to the UK through them or are exclusive to their store. By focusing on smaller, niche brands, it genuinely feels like an independent space that stocks what they believe in—not just what’s trending.
The Space Itself
The store reflects this ethos perfectly. It features a considered layout that neatly showcases the broad variety of styles and brands. In an interview with the Trees & Nylon podcast, owner Tim McTavish noted that it’s not an outdoor store—which is true. Though it stocks brands with outdoor roots such as Satisfy Running, Goldwin, and Oakley, it sits comfortably alongside Italian workwear-adjacent GR10K, rising South Korean label XLIM, and the timeless elegance of Issey Miyake’s Homme Plissé line.
Beyond Clothing
To complement the wide-ranging clothing offering, there’s also an impressive selection of footwear, bags, headwear, and accessories—thoughtfully chosen to match the tone of the store.
Standouts from the Visit
Playground Japan: PG Oliver Shoe
Not only is this shoe named after the humble author of this Substack, but it’s a fantastic example of what Playground Japan does best. The silhouette, like much of the brand’s offering, balances premium materials and functionality with playful color schemes. It fits neatly into the growing shift from bold sneakers to more refined silhouettes.
👉 Explore the collection at This Thing of Ours
👉 Visit Playground Japan’s webstore
GNHUR: Shag Hoodie
A newer addition that fits the This Thing of Ours universe perfectly. Oregon-based GNHUR has been quietly crafting some of the most distinctive gear around. The Shag Hoodie is a standout—made from ultra-light Polartec and designed for both the outdoors and urban wear. Highly functional, but with undeniable flair. Check it out here.
oqLiq: Random Pleated Pants 2
These seriously impressed me. While they looked great online, in person you can feel the intent behind every detail. Made from oqLiq’s own COOLTTON® fabric—a blend of COOLMAX® and SUPPLEX® fibers—they combine function and form beautifully. Abrasion-resistant, moisture-wicking, and breathable, with a cotton-like hand feel and sharp pleats to elevate the look.
👉 Check them out here.
Goldwin: Wholegarment Wool Blend Knit Polo – Black
Understated yet refined. This piece needed a second look to really appreciate why it stood out. The wool/polyester blend offers both elegance and performance—controlling moisture and odor—while the whole-garment knitting technique (no seams) creates a 3D silhouette and reduces yarn waste. A very classy piece.
👉 Check it out here.
Final Thoughts
I had high expectations of the store based on my online experiences, and honestly, the in-person visit exceeded them. Big shoutout to Brett, who was working during my visit and generously shared insights into the pieces he was excited about.
As I’ve said—and will keep saying—there’s no substitute for visiting a retail space. Seeing, touching, and experiencing the products in context is invaluable. More than that, speaking with people who truly know their products is a real treat.
The constant evolution of the shop speaks volumes about Tim McTavish’s passion for quality and unique product. When done right, retail becomes something more than just a transaction—it becomes an experience. This Thing of Ours is just that. A singular space, offering some of the coolest garments you’re likely to find anywhere.
If you can’t make it to Manchester, make sure to check out their online store. It’s more than worth a look.