Fashion footwear retailer schuh has launched a community-led window project at its Manchester Market Street store, working with Manchester-based creative platform HEADS Creative to showcase emerging local talent.
The three-month initiative began on 23 March 2026 and is scheduled to run until 14 June. A permanent fixture installed in the schuh Manchester Market Street store window has been designed to accommodate takeovers by young creatives from the local area, with a new installation presented every four weeks.
The project is intended to extend the role of the store beyond its retail function, using the Market Street frontage as a rotating platform for creative work connected to Manchester’s youth culture and local creative community.
HEADS Creative has curated the participating talent in collaboration with schuh and is working with each creative on the concept, content and delivery of their individual window installation.
“Manchester is a city full of creatives, so seeing local talent represented in a high street window feels like a big step forward for the creative community here. Manchester has always been a safe place for creativity to thrive, and I think a lot of people – including the three talented women being showcased – would agree with that. HEADS and schuh share a really similar mission, so we’re excited to bring this project to life together.”
Liam Heeley
Co-Founder, HEADS Creative
The initiative follows the introduction of schuh’s Do More Good purpose strategy, which includes Culture & Community as one of its three pillars alongside Environment and Wellbeing & Connection. According to the retailer, the strategy is intended to support positive social and environmental change across its business and communities.
“Do More Good isn’t just another way for us to sell footwear. It goes beyond the sale – it’s about showing up for our community. This project came from wanting to give people who might not always get the spotlight a stage on one of the UK’s busiest high streets, and Manchester felt like the obvious place to start. It’s such a key city for schuh – the energy, the youth culture, the creativity – it really reflects our audience. And being from Manchester myself, launching our first community window here makes it feel even more special.”
Damon Kirk
Head of Visual Merchandising, schuh
Participating Creatives
The first installation featured Manchester-based streetwear stylist Lili Donovan, whose practice draws on clothing from her own wardrobe and is informed by her city, creative community and identity.
The second window takeover was allocated to Brandina Chisambo, a multidisciplinary artist working across crochet, jewellery and workshops, with a practice centred on craft, storytelling, culture and connection.
The final creative in the first window series is Roukaya B, a North West-based artist and songwriter whose work combines alternative jazz, afro-beats, rap and soulful textures. Her installation forms the concluding stage of the programme, which remains scheduled to run at the Manchester Market Street store until 14 June 2026.
The project is being hosted at schuh Manchester Market Street, 31 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1WR.
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