Schuh and The Proud Trust Launch LGBTQ+ Community Window
Created with The Proud Trust, a library-inspired installation at schuh’s Manchester Market Street store is providing a public setting for conversations about home, identity and belonging throughout August.
Fashion footwear retailer schuh and LGBTQ+ youth charity The Proud Trust are presenting a live Community Window installation at the retailer’s Manchester Market Street store throughout August.
The project at schuh’s Manchester Market Street store explores different interpretations of “home”, inviting members of the Manchester community to discuss whether the term represents a person, place, feeling or community.
Inspired by the library corner at The Proud Trust’s Manchester community hub, the window recreates a relaxed domestic setting within the store. The installation uses books, planting, framed graphics and soft seating, alongside “No Place Like Home” messaging visible from Market Street.
Creating a Setting for Conversation
Participants are invited to sit with a youth worker from The Proud Trust and share their experiences in a setting intended to reflect the charity’s mentoring approach.
The conversations are being recorded as documentary-style interview videos filmed from outside the storefront. The resulting content will present different perspectives from across Manchester while focusing on connection, acceptance and belonging.
The installation forms part of schuh’s Do More Good social impact strategy, introduced earlier in 2026. The programme is structured around three areas: Wellbeing & Connection, Culture & Community, and Environment.
“This installation brings Do More Good to life by celebrating community, connection and belonging. Our longstanding partnership with The Proud Trust reflects our shared commitment to creating more inclusive spaces, and we’re proud to use our Community Window to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and celebrate the stories that make our communities unique.”
Robert Cobbina Purpose Marketing Manager at schuh
Extending the Community Window Programme
Schuh introduced its Community Window concept earlier this year to provide a public platform for Manchester-based creatives and community organisations. The Market Street frontage has since hosted a series of installations designed to extend the window beyond its conventional role as a product display.
The Proud Trust has been a charity partner of schuh since 2020. The Manchester-based organisation provides youth work and one-to-one support across Greater Manchester and beyond, as well as national training and inclusion programmes for schools.
Alongside the window installation, schuh is continuing to raise funds for The Proud Trust through charity tote bags sold at participating stores during Pride season.
The retailer will also hold a Manchester Pride activation with Converse at the Market Street store on 29 August. The programme is set to include a DJ, an aura station, a glitter bar and giveaways.
The Community Window installation is open from 2 to 31 August at schuh Manchester Market Street, 31 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1WR.
Terry Clark is the Publisher and Content Director of 365 Retail, with more than a decade of experience covering retail design, technology innovations, store openings and the wider retail industry. He also works closely with leading retailers, suppliers, agencies, events and industry awards across the UK.
