Afflecks is a bustling indoor marketplace that offers a wide selection of independent stalls, shops and boutiques in a single building. You'll find more than 70 stalls in total, and they offer a massive selection of items ranging from retro favourites and vintage clothing to handmade crafts and treats. In addition to the shops, you'll also find an ice cream parlour, a cereal cafe, a tattoo studio and a hairdresser on-site.
All sorts of people can find fun at this destination. Whether you're looking to shop or just bask in the more alternative subculture of Manchester, Afflecks is the place to be. You can even catch a performance at the Three Minute Theatre, which hosts comedy and improvised performances most nights. Most visitors spend an hour or 2, but it'll take a bit longer to visit all the retailers at Afflecks. Some shoppers may spend an entire afternoon perusing the eclectic and quirky offerings.
Afflecks in Manchester - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Manchester and 15 Instagrammable Places in Manchester (Read all about Manchester here)
Afflecks highlights
When you visit Afflecks, you'll get valuable insight into the alternative side of Manchester. Instead of the chic and popular retail options, you'll find shops that are a bit more unique offering one-of-a-kind items that tend to be more personal and creative in their design. This establishment features 4 floors of stores with just about everything you can imagine.
It's important to note that the inventory among these stores is rapidly changing. This is especially true in establishments that offer handmade crafts and artworks. If your stay in Manchester is a particularly long one or simply lasts longer than a day or 2, consider visiting Afflecks multiple times to see what kind of new items the local vendors have on offer. Some change their offerings as frequently as every week.
Shopping at Afflecks
The shopping opportunities at Afflecks are extensive, as it features shops offering a wide variety of items. Artwork is especially popular, with numerous shops run by local artists and illustrators. You'll find extensive prints, pins and custom clothing that people have crafted. Additionally, eclectic stores are common, including one that offers K-pop merchandise imported from Korea and another that features an incredible selection of trading cards from the Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon and Magic franchises with rare, mint-condition single-card selections.
In addition to the shopping, you'll find several unique dining areas at Afflecks. You'll find a cafe that offers artisan coffee and teas along with another that offers a unique anime theme. Several services are available within this establishment as well, including a tattoo studio, Thai massage, body piercing and a theatre.
photo by Peter-Ashley Jackson (CC BY 2.0) modified
Good to know when visiting Afflecks
Keep in mind that Afflecks is a bit odd compared to a traditional mall. If you're looking for traditional clothing and a typical food court, Afflecks may leave you a bit disappointed. This mall caters to those who are more interested in custom-made, vintage-style clothes and getting a tarot card reading. If you have an aversion to crowds, all you really have to do is avoid going on Saturday, as that's the busiest day of the week.
This mall is open all week long, but the hours get a little odd on Sundays. While all 4 floors are open Monday through Saturday, only the ground floor and first floor are open on Sundays, with the second and third being closed off. When you're in the area, though, you can visit some nearby destinations like Piccadilly Gardens just a few hundred feet to the south. The mall itself is located on the east side of the Central Retail District, so you can simply head west to find even more shopping opportunities.
photo by Jackson Lees (CC BY 2.0) modified
Afflecks in Manchester
Location: 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW, UK
Open: Monday–Friday from 10.30 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1618 390718
Start planning your trip
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The Alan
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Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
Britannia Sachas Hotel
