Afflecks

The Story

This building started as a fabric shop in the 1860s called Affleck & Brown and became a department store that closed in 1973. In 1982, James and Elaine Walsh reopened the space as Afflecks Palace, with a weekly rental model without long-term contracts, creating opportunities for small entrepreneurs and artists. It was here, in 1985, that Martin Price, later of 808 State, and John Berry founded Eastern Bloc, a shop that would help launch Inspiral Carpets and host autograph sessions for The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. Shortening its name to Afflecks in 2008, the building survived two fires and threats of closure and remains active with over 60 independent shops spread across four floors.

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