Fashion footwear retailer schuh is launching the brands first-ever community-led window concept at its Manchester Market Street store in partnership with HEADS Creative, a Manchester based creative brand with deep roots in the city’s cultural landscape.
More than a retail environment, schuh aims to evolve its stores to act as spaces of discovery, inspiration and belonging for its young customers. Launching 23rd March 2026, the three month project will see a permanent window fixture installed at the Market Street location, designed specifically for takeovers by young creatives from the local area. Every four weeks, a new installation will showcase the work of rising Manchester-based talent, transforming the storefront into a rotating platform that champions youth culture, grassroots creativity and community.
schuh sees Manchester as the natural birthplace for a project designed to celebrate grassroots creativity. As one of the UK’s most influential cities – with a rich heritage in music, fashion and youth culture – it represents a key market for the brand and its Gen Z and Gen A customers.
HEADS Creative has curated a diverse roster of local talent in collaboration with schuh, and will collaborate with each creative across each concept, content and final window delivery. Liam Heeley, co-founder of HEADS Creative, shared: “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.”
Earlier this year, the brand unveiled its refreshed purpose strategy, Do More Good, marking the next chapter in its mission to create meaningful, positive impact for its people, customers and communities. One of the strategy’s core pillars, Culture & Community, reinforces schuh’s long-standing commitment to championing underrepresented and marginalised voices.
Damon Kirk, head of visual merchandising at schuh, explains: “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.”
Meet the talent
Each installation will spotlight a different local creative, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their practice and process.
Launching the project on 23rd March is Manchester-based Lili Donovan, a streetwear stylist known for styling from her own wardrobe, which she’s been curating since she was young. Inspired by her city, her creative community and her identity, her work is all about turning personality into presence.
Four weeks later the window will be handed over to Brandina Chisambo. a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends craft, storytelling and community. Working across crochet, jewellery and workshops, she creates pieces and spaces that celebrate culture, connection and self-expression.
Our final talent for this first window series will be Roukaya B a North West based artist and songwriter. Blending alternative jazz, afro-beats, rap and soulful textures, she creates music at the intersection of culture and creative empowerment, while actively championing other emerging artists to take ownership of their craft.
Visit schuh Manchester Market Street (31 Market St, Manchester, M1 1WR) between 23rd March and 14th June to visit the installations in person, and follow @schuh and @heads_uk to discover more.
