Afflecks
Susie StubbsAfflecks Palace is legendary in Manchester, and for good reason. This towering indie emporium kick-started the careers of many a local entrepreneur, from Red or Dead founder Wayne Hemingway to Urban Splash head honcho Tom Bloxham. Today the former department store contains dozens of vintage and fashion stalls, selling everything from military garb and goth-ware to tea dresses. There are also dedicated vinyl, CBD and art print shops, plus a bunch of places to pick up alternative beauty products, from an eco-friendly ‘hemporium’ to a vegan-friendly soap shop with a make-your-own-shampoo station.
In the context of the chains and corporations that fill Market street, Afflecks Palace is a breath of fresh air that diverts you from the mainstream and helps in finding a perfectly quirky gift.