Brothers bring successful online vintage clothing business to Macclesfield's high street

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 15th Mar 2025

Brothers Joe and Barnaby Ward have opened a vintage clothing store in Macclesfield (Credit: Bunker)
Brothers Joe and Barnaby Ward have opened a vintage clothing store in Macclesfield (Credit: Bunker)

Two brothers have brought their successful online business to the high street.

Bunker Vintage has enjoyed a busy start to life after opening its doors on Charlotte Street earlier this month.

Behind the counter you will find Macclesfield born-and-bred Joe Ward and his younger brother Barnaby.

They quit their 'real jobs' four years ago to sell vintage clothing online and have now decided to take their business to the 'next level' with a physical store.

Joe, 30, said: "It's been great so far, we've been very busy!

"We're learning a lot every day, it's a whole new experience for us.

"We know what we're doing online but trading in-person is a bit different."

"They don't teach you about running your own business in schools. Google is your best friend sometimes," added Barnaby, 20.

"We've been planning this for a long time.

"Now it's about taking our business to the next level!"

Bunker Vintage is located on Charlotte Street (Credit: Bunker)

Joe and Barnaby grew up in Macclesfield and felt the town has always lacked shops selling the sort of clothes they like to wear, meaning they would travel into Manchester or shop online instead.

It was this that inspired them to take matters into their own hands.

Around four years ago they quit their jobs to start selling vintage clothing and haven't looked back since.

On Saturday, March 1, they swung open the doors to their shop on Charlotte Street, next to the Treacle Town Pie Company, for the first time

Joe said: "We'd been talking about the idea of opening a physical store for a few years.

"We'd viewed various properties but when this one came up, we just fell in love straight away."

The shop opened on March 1 (Credit: Bunker)

Barnaby added: "It took us a while to find the right space for what we wanted to do.

"Hopefully we can be a little hidden gem."

He continued: "It's an exciting time for Macclesfield.

"You just have to look at the success of somewhere like Buxton Road, where a lot of businesses are thriving – that was never the case when we were younger.

"It's good to see that small businesses can give the town a bit of flavour."

The shop has everything from vintage football shirts to big name brands (Credit: Bunker)

Bunker offers everything from hats and sunglasses to football shirts and jackets, stocking brands such as Oakley, Carhartt, Adidas, Nike and Dickies.

The brothers are hoping to create a relaxed atmosphere, playing vinyl records all day every day.

They have also tried to keep their prices down, offering a cheaper vintage shopping experience to what you might find in central Manchester.

The shop is dog friendly and opens from 11am to 5pm on weekdays, 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

Vinyl records are played all day every day at Bunker Vintage (Credit: Bunker)

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