We celebrate Small Business Saturday on 6th December with a look around Afflecks in the Northern Quarter.
Small Business Saturday has been championing the independent businesses we love and rely on for 13 years. The campaign is guided by the philosophy that small is personal, small is resilient, and small is at the heart of every neighbourhood.
More than just a date on the calendar, Small Business Saturday has evolved into a year-round national movement spotlighting the small businesses that are integral to our communities and local economies, from independent retailers and family-run cafés to service providers and specialist traders.
With the backing of American Express, the campaign has reached millions of people across the UK, generating billions of pounds spent with independent operators, and spreading a simple but powerful message: ‘help small businesses thrive’.
To kick off this year’s campaign, organisers have unveiled the SmallBiz100 – a 100-day countdown showcasing the UK’s most inspiring independent entrepreneurs for 2025. The line-up demonstrates the diversity and innovation of small business across every sector.
Among the standout inclusions from the events and marketing world is PinkSEO, a female-led SEO consultancy delivering ethical, results-driven optimisation that transforms websites into active sales tools. Meanwhile, family-run agency, Father Edge, offers event support and venue sourcing with a personal, creative touch across corporate, education, charity, and public sectors.
Manchester has always worn its independent spirit proudly and nowhere embodies this better than Afflecks in the Northern Quarter – an iconic four-storey emporium that’s been home to a kaleidoscopic array of independent traders since 1982.
This alternative bazaar houses over 60 small businesses under one roof, from vintage boutiques and record shops to tattoo studios and jewellery makers. It’s become more than just a shopping destination; it’s an incubator for entrepreneurial dreams, offering affordable space for emerging traders to establish themselves and grow.
Across its various departments you’ll find clothing, homewares and collectables, mind and wellness, body and beauty, and food and drink.
Among the myriad traders are Argzmenutire, offering a wide selection of silver and gold jewellery, as well as a chic array of head wear, sunglasses, scarves, bags, wallets, and purses. Nail, hair, and beauty salon, Waxworks, boasts an on-site specialist Henna Artist and a range of ladieswear including 1950s style dresses. For the crate-diggers among us, record store Vinyl Resting Place has hits and hidden gems galore with something for every music taste and genre.
More than just a retail destination, Afflecks is a space for anyone with a bright idea aiming to be disruptive, different, independent, and trailblazing – embodying the spirit of Manchester. That’s why it holds such a special place in the hearts of Mancunians.
Afflecks is a shining example of what Small Business Saturday is all about: creativity, individuality, community, and the importance of supporting local economies. Many successful businesses have launched from within its walls, proving that with the right environment and customer support, small enterprises don’t just survive – they flourish and become cultural landmarks.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, there are encouraging signs for the UK’s 5.45 million small firms. According to American Express’ ‘SME Barometer’ research, conducted in partnership with Small Business Saturday, optimism among small and medium-sized businesses has grown for a third consecutive year.
Supporting small businesses is vitally necessary beyond just one day in December, though Small Business Saturday offers a perfect focal point to celebrate and shop local. Many businesses mark the day with special events, promotions, and community gatherings – making it an ideal opportunity to discover new favourites or show appreciation for established local heroes.
Small Business Saturday reminds us of the power and significance of independents. These aren’t faceless corporations; they’re passionate individuals who’ve struck out on their own to build something meaningful. They’re your neighbours, friends, and the people who’ll remember who you are and what you like. So see them, let’s not lose them!
Follow the campaign at
#SmallBizSatUK @SmallBizSatUK or visit Smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
Afflecks.com
