suggested that Bruntwood would redevelop the building, possibly leading to its closure as a market, with many traders having feared that closure would be likely and that notice could have been given as soon as the end of January. Following the change in management a representative of the property developer is quoted as saying: Never in our 30-year history have we bought one of our customers' businesses but Afflecks is a Manchester icon that we wanted to protect. We aren't however expert in managing markets, so will look for a suitable long term owner. Afflecks Palace currently has over 73 businesses operating inside of it, the majority of which are alternative clothing, record shops and retro game shops. Afflecks also has a variety of cafes. The independent markets have continued to be popular with one million visitors in 2012. All 73 units are fully let and attract an average of 24,000 shoppers every week, including 7,000 on Saturdays. Afflecks was damaged in July 2013 by a fire that started in the storeroom of a shop in Oldham Street, but did not close down and celebrated its 40th anniversary in February 2022. See also Quiggins - a similar indoor market that closed in 2006 with the redevelopment of Liverpool City Centre. Big Horn, Manchester - art installation now located at Afflecks References External links www.afflecks.com Official Site Debenhams Shopping centres in Manchester Defunct department stores of the United Kingdom Department store buildings in the United Kingdom Defunct retail companies of the United Kingdom