Oi Polloi
Oi Polloi is a Manchester menswear retailer and label founded in 2002 by Nigel Lawson and Steve Sanderson. It is known for curated menswear, heritage and outdoor brands, and its own magpie logo collection.
| Founded | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Nigel Lawson, Steve Sanderson |
| First shop | Tib Street, Manchester |
| Own label | Magpie logo capsule, 2025 |
| Website | oipolloi.com |
What is Oi Polloi?
Oi Polloi is a menswear business from Manchester, England. Founders Nigel Lawson and Steve Sanderson opened the first shop on Tib Street in the city's Northern Quarter in 2002. Before that, Lawson sold Henri Lloyd seconds and end of line stock from a stall at Afflecks Palace.
History
The shop built a reputation for introducing brands to the UK market and giving heritage labels new relevance. It stocked or collaborated with names such as Berghaus, Clarks Originals, Engineered Garments, Beams Plus, Norse Projects, Lee 101 and Universal Works, and carried store exclusive Adidas Originals releases.
JD Sports acquired Oi Polloi in 2021 and sold it to Frasers Group in 2023, after which the Thomas Street store and website closed. The founders kept the rights to the name. Since February 2026 Lawson has sold Oi Polloi branded products at Campfield Market in Manchester, and a relaunched website at oipolloi.com was announced in 2026.
Products and positioning
Alongside third party brands, Oi Polloi launched an own brand capsule collection in March 2025, featuring its magpie logo.
Why it matters
Oi Polloi is a reference point for independent menswear retail in the UK, showing how a curated shop with a strong point of view can shape the market for heritage and outdoor brands.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Oi Polloi?
Oi Polloi was founded in Manchester in 2002 by Nigel Lawson and Steve Sanderson.
Where is Oi Polloi from?
Oi Polloi is from Manchester, England, where it opened its first shop on Tib Street in the Northern Quarter.