Afflecks in Manchester’s Northern Quarter has become one of the city’s most recognisable independent retail spaces.
It is self-described as disruptive, different, independent, individual and trailblazing, and aims to embody the spirit of Manchester.
It was opened in 1982 by James and Elaine Walsh under the name Afflecks Palace.
After a rebrand in 2008 and a change of ownership, the newly named Afflecks has since been a staple within the community.
The building is home to over 70 independent businesses, offering a wide variety of products and services.
Visitors can find everything from vintage clothing and handmade jewellery to books, artwork and tattoos.
It is regularly promoted as a must-see attraction for visitors to Manchester, and is advertised in hotels leading to an influx of tourists.
For Julianna To, the owner of Argentumize, a jewellery store in Afflecks, individuality is what defines the space.
She said: “We are all individual small businesses, we try to be more unique.”
She explained that the building offers what an online experience could not.
She said: “It’s never the same when you visit a shop, you can feel it and try it.”
To Julianna, part of Afflecks’ appeal is that it attracts people looking for something they cannot find elsewhere.
She said: “People can find something different that they can’t find online or in the high street.”
The building itself also plays a role in its popularity, with it drawing in both locals and tourists.
She said: “People come in because they like a specific brand – it’s also a tourist attraction, it’s an iconic building with so much history.”
Despite the high footfall from visitors, regular customers remain a key part of Afflecks.
Julianna said: “There are regulars, they like the vibe, they like the products and they like the building.”
Lisa Shiarman, from American Graffitti, also emphasised how the environment encourages spontaneity and discovery among customers.
She said: “People enjoy the shopping experience and they also want to impulse buy.
“Afflecks is unique – there’s a lot of makers as well as people selling products.”
This mixture of creators and sellers helps distinguish Afflecks from more conventional retail space such as the Arndale Shopping Centre.
Lisa also noted the strong reactions many first-time visitors have when experiencing the building and the Graffitti store for the first time.
She said: “There are people who come in and say it’s their favourite shop, they’ve not seen anything like it and can get things that they can’t find anywhere else”
She also described the atmosphere as “quirky”, with the fancy dress store welcoming all types of clientele.
To Tom Rees, owner of the Bugbeat Books store, Afflecks is defined by one thing.
He said: “Curation – everything is hand selected.”
Rather than relying on algorithms or mass-produced stock, each trader selects their own products.
Tom believes this plays a key role in why people choose to visit in person rather than shop online.
He said: “You can get pretty much anything here online technically but why would you do that when you can have more of a connection with people.”
Tom also highlighted Afflecks’ wider social role within the city.
He described it as a space that has historically welcomed communities who may not feel comfortable in more mainstream environments.
He said: “Afflecks has always been a home to communities who don’t feel comfortable in other places – it’s always been a safe space for those people.”
While online shopping continues to dominate much of the retail industry, Afflecks stands as an example of how independent spaces can continue to thrive by prioritising the power of connection and quirkiness.
Photo Credit: Ellouise Green
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