Altrincham’s town centre has been transformed over the past decade, with footfall significantly increasing along with the number of independent businesses. From the emptiest high street in England circa 2010, with 30% of units standing vacant, to a busting focal point for food, drink, culture and retail, IDAHO is one of the businesses that can truly claim to have overseen much of this monumental change. A stone’s throw from the iconic Market, and some of the finest lunch or dinner choices in the area, the shop has been selling a wonderfully curated selection of homewares, gifts, cards, and “all things lovely jubbly” since 2015.
Once through the door you quickly see what the team means by that. “Expect Baggu Reusable bags, HAY glassware, Meurisse chocolate — the first Belgium chocolatiers, which started in 1845 and is still family run, Slowdown Studio tapestries, Alma frames, Ceramic Room vases, Chunks hair claws, Meraki hand soap, Earl of East candles, Kaweco fountain pens, Dusen Dusen cushions, Le Bon Shoppe socks, Bloma jewellery and so much more,” they explain. That means whether you’re looking for socks, handbags, a Mother’s Day present, or Christmas ideas, this should be a priority destination.
From skincare and beauty to homeware and stationery there’s something for anyone and every occasion, all from smaller independent brands known for exacting standards. Whether that’s bling from Vancouver’s Wolf Circus or 100% vegan and cruelty free eau de parfum by CRAY-ON. Everything has been hand-picked by the team, and chosen for quality and unique styles. This is one of two sites operating not just in the city but Trafford specifically, with another in Sale, just 15 minutes away by Metrolink. The difference being that here in Altrincham there’s a bigger focus on stationary, and that means an incredible selection of beautiful notebooks, pens, and jotters.