Afflecks is a revitalised city centre building with five storeys of around 50 stalls and market-type shops, which provides shoppers with a novel buying experience. Very like an Aladdin's Cave, Afflecks has become a platform for fledgling designers, punk, retro style and experimental fashion - a magnet to young shoppers, particularly on Saturdays.

Affleck's Palace was opened in 1982, the brainchild of James Walsh, a Manchester-born hairdresser with a keen interest in the fashion industry. Based on the street fashion of the late 1970's and early 1980's he planned to provide affordable retail outlets for emerging designers to sell their wares directly to the public.

Prices are generally much lower than you'd expect to pay in more upmarket stores, but with little by way of fancy decor or expensive overheads, these predominantly young entrepreneurs usually offer great value for money.

This alternative fashion market in Manchester is staunchly non-mainstream, has at least four floors of shops with alternativeness ranging from intriguing to mind-boggling, and it is not unexpected to find in the "rabbit-warren of passages" as someone put it, such things as a stuffed Abominable Snowman, half a Reliant Robin on the wall as interior decor, and, well there a lot of very curious shops there.

Refreshments available on site. Unsuitable for wheelchairs. Busy at weekends - very busy!