Afflecks, Manchester

Afflecks, formerly known as Affleck's Palace, is a notable indoor market located in Manchester's Northern Quarter, precisely at the junction of Church Street, Tib Street, Dale Street, and Oldham Street. This eclectic marketplace was originally the site of Affleck & Brown, one of Manchester's major department stores established in the 1860s. After experiencing significant growth and becoming a full-scale department store known for its drapery and furrier services, Affleck & Brown eventually declined post-World War II and was absorbed by Debenhams in the 1950s, closing in 1973.

Reinvented in 1982 by James and Elaine Walsh, Afflecks was opened with the intent to provide a supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs, featuring affordable rents and flexible, no long-term contract terms. This approach facilitated a vibrant, alternative cultural hub characterized by a colorful and maze-like layout. Despite overcoming challenges including two building fires, Afflecks remains a thriving center for over 73 independent businesses, predominantly featuring alternative clothing stores, record shops, retro game shops, and various cafés.

Today, Afflecks is a bustling marketplace attracting approximately 24,000 visitors weekly, with Saturdays seeing around 7,000 shoppers. It celebrated its 40th anniversary in February 2022 and has shown resilience, notably bouncing back from a significant fire in 2013. With all 73 units fully let, Afflecks continues to draw a diverse crowd, underscoring its status as a cornerstone of Manchester's retail and cultural landscape.