In an era dominated by digital streaming and compact discs, a humble cassette tape shop in Manchester is defying expectations and thriving. Mars Tapes, widely regarded as the United Kingdom's last remaining dedicated cassette retailer, is preparing for its third significant expansion since opening its doors.
A Nostalgic Niche in the Digital Age
Located within the iconic independent shopping destination Afflecks Palace in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter, Mars Tapes has cultivated a loyal following. Co-owned by Alex Tadros, the shop specialises in a curated selection of classic cassettes, a 'Rewind' series of official tapes missing their paper inserts, custom mixtapes, and consignments of new music from major record labels.
"After seven years of growth, we are entering into our third expansion," Alex Tadros explains. "This time moving down to a much larger unit on the 1st floor of Afflecks Palace — one of the biggest units in the building."
The New Premises and Enhanced Offerings
The upcoming move marks a major milestone for the business, which began in 2019 in what was described as perhaps the smallest unit within Afflecks Palace. The new, spacious location will enable Mars Tapes to significantly broaden its inventory and customer experience.
The expanded shop will feature:
- An enlarged library of cassette tapes, catering to both collectors and new enthusiasts.
- A broader selection of refurbished vintage audio equipment, including tape players and recorders.
- The launch of the Mars Tapes Listening Cafe, a dedicated area where patrons can enjoy a coffee while sampling tapes from the shop's extensive collection.
Celebrating with a Weekend Launch Party
To mark this exciting expansion, Mars Tapes is hosting a special weekend celebration on March 7th and 8th, 2026. The event promises to be a haven for cassette aficionados, featuring live music, DJ sets, and exclusive exhibitions.
The weekend schedule includes:
- A live performance on Saturday by emerging Glasgow band Cowboy Hunters, who will be releasing a new EP on cassette through Sour Grapes Records.
- A DJ set on Sunday from renowned Manchester DJ Dave Haslam.
- An exhibition across both days by Horace Panter, the bassist from legendary ska band The Specials, showcasing his cassette-based artwork.
- Additional entertainment from Glue Tape Jockeys, offering a unique cassette DJ set.
Attendees can also look forward to a range of in-store discounts on various cassette products, alongside food and drinks specials throughout the weekend.
From Humble Beginnings to Continued Success
"Our cassette shop launched back in 2019 in perhaps the smallest unit in Afflecks Palace, and we never expected to grow in the way we have," adds Alex Tadros, reflecting on the journey. "Now in the midst of our third expansion, into one of the biggest spaces in the building, we wanted to celebrate with all of the cassette aficionados that made it possible!"
The launch celebration will be held at Afflecks Palace, located at 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW. Complimentary tickets for the event are available through the online platform Skiddle, inviting the community to join in commemorating this unique retail success story.
