To say that Afflecks is a Manchester institution would be an understatement.
This shopping emporium of independent stores has well and truly made it’s mark on the city. With over 60 independent retailers, this is the only place in Manchester where you can find reggae vinyls, retro games and reiki healing crystals, all under one roof. Keep reading for everything you need to know about Afflecks, including our top tips for exploring.
The history of Afflecks Palace
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Afflecks originally started as a drapery business called Affleck & Brown. It quickly became known as the place to go to find fabrics and furs in the city. In the 1950s, the business was bought by Debenhams who continued to trade until the seventies, when difficult economic conditions forced them to close.
In 1982, Elaine and James Walsh bought and rebranded the space as Afflecks Palace. Their goal was to create an affordable retail space where entrepreneurs could set up shop with no long-term contracts, allowing Manchester’s collective of creatives to sell to the masses.
Afflecks came into its prime in the city’s ‘Madchester’ period during the 90s. For those lucky enough to have lived here through this era, you’ll no doubt remember Afflecks Palace as the place to go for oversized band tees, flared jeans and underground dance tunes on vinyl!
Today, Afflecks is more than just somewhere to shop. This labyrinthine emporium offers a platform for emerging artistic talent in Manchester and provides both traders and buyers with a space to shop and sell as their true authentic selves.
What’s in Afflecks Palace?
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Afflecks Palace is home to over 60 independent traders. So varied is the offering in this Manchester shopping emporium that locals joke – if you can’t find it at Afflecks, you won’t find it anywhere!
You don’t have to go far to see the lasting impact of ‘Madchester’, as alternative clothing shops like Modern Streets Apparel and music stores like Vinyl Resting Place make themselves known here. Independent jewellery designers like Sour Cherry and vintage boutiques like American Graffiti (one of the first stores in Afflecks) also offer you the chance to leave with something you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
But Afflecks Palace is more than just clothes and accessories. You can pick up one-off artwork at Lock, Stock & Smokin’ Art Shop, Manchester-based souvenirs at The Manchester Shop or even get a piercing at The Studio Afflecks. If you’re looking to unleash your inner geek, you can find rare Yu-Gi-Oh cards at Card Empire, and if you love anime, you can eat at the Japanese style Animaid Cafe.
Alternative is the buzz-word of Afflecks and this shopping emporium has been designed for people who want more than The Arndale. Crystal and mineral stores like Crystal Henge, witchy shops like Occult and places for all your apothecary needs like Jamie’s Jungle hide within the building’s three floors. You can even visit Higher Vibe Tribe, a reiki healing space, to balance your energies. Whatever you’re after, you’ll find it at Afflecks Palace.
Highlights
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With the Arndale, Market Street and Trafford Centre so close by, it can be easy to think Manchester is lacking in independent stores. But it’s because so many of them are hiding in Afflecks Palace! Below are some of our favourite indies in the building:
Beg, Steal & Borrow. Browse the grooviest vintage garments in Manchester in this second-hand clothing store that lets you trade in your old clothes for store credit. When they’re not recycling funky clothes, the team of four put on events like queer cabaret, sustainable fashion shows and Christmas parties!
Labö Made. Inspired by the tradition of patches and customisation that started in Korea, Labö Made’s founders wanted to bring that creative spirit closer to home. Visit to create your own tote bags, coin purses, phone charms and more. Just pick your base product and browse their range of patches to make it your own!
Plankton By Lesley. Elevate your fairycore wardrobe with crochet clothing, bags and accessories lovingly handcrafted using textured yarns. The earthy wildness of these creations extends into the natural branches Lesley uses in their displays, but you’ll also spot the twinkly fairylights on your way in.
Gay Pride Shop. With every type of LGBTQ+ memorabilia under the rainbow, members of the community and fierce allies can take home a slice of queer joy. Browse clothing, accessories, homeware and more in a range of flags and identities. They even stock signed books from queer authors!
Noff & Nana. Dog lovers, unite! Make your pooch the envy of Manchester with unique accessories and tasty treats, before sifting through the rails of funky garms for owners and dog lovers, too. Those without a pooch can also take home dog posters, cards and tote bags.
Our tips for exploring Afflecks
Finding your way around this indoor market can make your head spin. Our top tips will make navigating this retail beast a whole lot easier.
- Always go through the main entrance on Oldham Street. It’ll be much easier to find your way around the maze of stores that way.
- Don’t go out the same way you came in because there are lots of great stores hiding near these alternative exits!
- Come hungry – Afflecks has lots of great food spots to fuel your adventuring.
- Remember, it’s one big loop, so if you get lost, it’s easier to keep walking than to ask for directions – and you’ll soon come back to a staircase.
- It can be easy to go off on a side quest at Afflecks, but don’t leave without uncovering the secrets of the third floor.
- Squeeze into the photo booth on the second floor for a post-shopping photoshoot with your friends. Very 90’s indeed!
- Chat to the traders – knowing their story makes it even better when you buy something.
Useful information
Address: Afflecks, 52 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PW. There’s also an entrance on Oldham Street.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10:30am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm. Individual stores may vary.
Cover image: © Copyright Manchester-List 2026
