Chorlton born and bred but I'll cross the city for a decent spine. These are the shops I actually go back to, rated honestly because flattery doesn't fill shelves. No fives here, honestly though, fives are for shops that haven't earned an opinion yet.
Round the corner from me, so obviously biased. Been open since '83 and the whole street nearly rioted when someone tried to shut it. Staff actually know what they're selling, honestly though, that's rarer than you'd think.
Opening hours are a law unto themselves, turn up expecting Saturday and you might get nothing. Been going since the sixties though and the stock's proper odd in the best way. Phones off at the door, no messing.