In the forgotten heart of Manchester's Chinatown

With a bell gleefully greeting every visitor that walks through the door, David Law is the first face you’ll see when you enter the T.LA Arts & Craft Gallery shop on Nicholas Street in Manchester's Chinatown.

Positioned behind a till in the centre of the store, he is wearing a navy blue suit jacket and jeans, and seamlessly flips between speaking Chinese and English with customers without a pause for thought. He's been here for almost 40 years - he's seen people and businesses come and go in that time, and he's been there as the city centre district's popularity has both spiked and waned.

His store’s aisles are cluttered full of knick-knacks ranging from stationary sets and hand-painted parasols to precious gems and incense burners. It’s a treasure trove of potential gifts, and it’s also one of the only places in the city, David claims, where people can buy a number of authentic items traditionally used to celebrate Chinese New Year and the wider Lunar New Year festivities.

“It’s a family business that’s been open since 1986 - I took over as soon as I left school and I’ve been here ever since really," David explains. “We sell a lot of festive things and we are one of the only suppliers for that sort of New Year decorations and goods. Many of the other business owners who used to sell these things have retired and closed down now.”

And whilst many would assume it would be the busiest time of the year for David and other business owners in the area, he says it’s not been the case for 2025 - and trade is down.

“After Christmas, trade just completely nose-dived,” he explained. “This should have been our busiest time of year, but it’s really not been as busy this year round. It seems to be a bit quieter than in recent years.