Fashion footwear retailer schuh is introducing a community-led window concept at its Manchester Market Street store through a partnership with Manchester-based creative platform HEADS Creative.
Launching on 23 March 2026, the initiative will run for three months and feature a permanent window fixture designed for takeovers by emerging creatives from the local area. The installation will rotate every four weeks, transforming the storefront into a platform for Manchester-based talent and offering passers-by a changing showcase of work rooted in youth culture and grassroots creativity.
The project forms part of schuh’s broader ambition to position its stores as spaces for discovery and cultural engagement, particularly for younger audiences. Manchester was selected as the launch location due to its long-standing association with music, fashion and youth culture, as well as its importance as a market for the retailer’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha customers.
HEADS Creative has curated a roster of local creatives for the programme and will work with each participant on concept development, content and delivery of the window installations.
“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 aligns with schuh’s recently introduced purpose strategy, Do More Good, which focuses on delivering social and environmental impact across the business. One of its pillars, Culture & Community, emphasises support for underrepresented and marginalised voices.
“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
Meet The Creatives
Each installation will spotlight a different Manchester-based creative, offering insight into their work and process.
The first installation, launching on 23 March, will feature streetwear stylist Lili Donovan. Known for styling looks from her own long-curated wardrobe, Donovan draws inspiration from Manchester, her creative community and her identity.
Four weeks later the window will transition to Brandina Chisambo, a multidisciplinary artist whose practice combines craft, storytelling and community engagement. Working across crochet, jewellery and workshops, her work focuses on culture, connection and self-expression.
The final installation in the initial series will showcase Roukaya B, a North West-based artist and songwriter. Her work blends alternative jazz, afro-beats, rap and soul influences, while also supporting other emerging artists within the region.
Visitors can view the installations at the Manchester Market Street store between 23 March and 14 June 2026.
