Cubitts Unveils New Manchester Store: A Fusion of Heritage and Modern Design

Precision with Soul: Cubitts' Ode to Manchester's Past and Future

Cubitts' New Manchester Location: A Historic Setting for Modern Eyewear

Eyewear brand Cubitts has been highly active, following the launch of their extensive new headquarters and optical manufacturing facility, The Yard, in King's Cross, London. Now, they are marking another significant milestone with the opening of their first Manchester store on July 30, 2026, culminating a decade-long quest for the ideal location.

Embracing Manchester's Legacy: From Department Store to Optical Haven

Situated at 16 Smithfield Buildings in Manchester's Northern Quarter, the new Cubitts store occupies a section of the historic Affleck & Brown department store. Operating from the 1860s until its closure in 1973, Affleck & Brown was once famously known as the 'Harrods of the North'.

A Century-Old Parallel: Tailoring Traditions Meet Modern Optics

For over a century, this historic space was dedicated to the sale of cloth by the yard and bespoke garment creation. Coincidentally, Cubitts will now perform precise measurements, fittings, adjustments, and repairs for spectacles within these very walls—a serendipitous alignment of craftsmanship and attention to detail that the brand deeply values.

The Vision Behind Cubitts Manchester: A Deep Connection to Place

Tom Broughton, founder of Cubitts in 2013, expressed the brand's deliberate approach: 'We were determined to establish ourselves in the Northern Quarter, but only if we could secure a building rich in history and character that justified our presence.' He added, 'The Smithfield Buildings instantly felt right: an optical shop nested within a former draper's department store, in a district shaped by industry, music, and independent commerce.'

Expanding Presence with a Local Heart: Cubitts' Design Philosophy

As Cubitts continues its growth—the Manchester store marks its 21st location globally and 19th in the UK—Broughton underscores the importance of crafting retail environments that possess a distinct brand identity while authentically reflecting their local surroundings.

Connecting with the Community: Cubitts' Neighborhood-Centric Approach

Broughton elaborated on this philosophy to Wallpaper*, stating, 'Every Cubitts store endeavors to integrate seamlessly into its neighborhood. Our process begins with understanding the building, the street, and the individuals who define the area's character, rather than imposing a uniform design everywhere. What unifies them is 'precision with soul': precision, because optics demands technicality, exactness, and significance; and soul, because ultimately, it's a deeply human endeavor. While each location is unique, all aim to be the antithesis of a sterile optician's office.'

Youth Studio's Vision: Blending Past and Future in Manchester's Design

In Manchester, local design studio Youth—renowned for their work on the recently opened Cotswolds hotel Hyll—was entrusted with the interiors. Their objective was to craft a space that pays homage to the building's rich past while envisioning the city's dynamic future.

Crafting a Progressive Identity: Youth Studio on Manchester's Evolution

Liam McGroarty, co-founder of Youth, shared his perspective with Wallpaper*: 'Having developed creatively and professionally in Manchester, we have always been attuned to how the city expresses itself through design. Too often, Manchester is reduced to familiar, clichéd references to its musical and industrial heritage, which can constrain its future imagination. Our strategy for Cubitts was to create a space that embodies the city's forward trajectory: confident, progressive, and culturally relevant, all while reinterpreting its history through a contemporary lens that resonates with those shaping Manchester today.'

Industrial Echoes in Modern Design: Steelwork and Glass Contrasts

Within the store, this philosophy materializes through precise steelwork and rain-textured glass display units, deliberately contrasted against the raw finish of the surrounding plaster walls. McGroarty clarified, 'The meticulously crafted metalwork reinterprets the city's industrial legacy in a contemporary manner, simultaneously reflecting the meticulous nature of the Cubitts brand.'

Playful Reflections: Textured Glass and Imperfect Mirrors

Designed to showcase up to 72 optical frames and sunglasses, the display case features textured glass platforms that cast fragmented, shimmering shadows under the spotlights. Reinforcing this theme of contrasts, sleek steel frames encase hand-dimpled mirrors, which provide a charmingly imperfect reflection.

Beyond the Sales Floor: Visible Services and Community Engagement

Elsewhere, separated by waxed-cotton curtains, visitors will find a dedicated repairs desk, an optometric room, and a bespoke consultation area. These services, traditionally hidden from view, are made visible here, much like at Cubitts' King's Cross headquarters. At the core of the space, a faceted oak counter serves as a welcoming social hub, designed for gathering rather than as a transactional barrier. A turntable, integrated into the joinery, introduces a subtle musical element, fostering connections with neighboring record stores.

Curated Aesthetics: Art and Objects Reflecting Manchester's Spirit

To ensure the store felt curated rather than merely decorated, the team carefully selected artworks and objects that embody traditions of tailoring, industry, modernism, and skilled manual labor. An original painting by Francis Hoyland depicts a seamstress at work, while a Cubist gouache by Marcel Gille showcases a forge worker. A pair of modernist sandstone figures by sculptor Richard Perry are positioned in front of a speaker, and a vintage revolving bookcase—originally crafted by Manchester cabinetmakers Goodall, Lamb and Heighway from timber salvaged from HMS Foudroyant—houses a selection of publications from Manchester’s The Modernist.

A Thoughtful Industrial Warmth: Cubitts Manchester's Unique Identity

Broughton reflected, 'It was crucial that Cubitts Manchester was conceived and designed within Manchester itself, not merely transplanted here.' He concluded, 'The outcome is a space that is thoughtful, industrial, and warm, with references to the city woven into its materials, objects, and music, rather than overtly displayed on its walls.'