Beloved shop is ‘the last of its kind’ — but planning a huge expansion

They might appear to be relics of a bygone era, but demand for the modest cassette remains strong. CDs and digital streaming seemed to spell doom for the mixtape, yet in a tucked-away spot within Manchester’s Northern Quarter, they’re flying off the shelves.

Credit goes to Mars Tapes — widely regarded as Britain’s final cassette retailer. Operated by Alex Tadros and situated within Manchester’s alternative shopping destination, Afflecks Palace, the venture has thrived and now stands poised for its latest evolution.

“After seven years of growth, we are entering into our third expansion,” Alex says. “This time moving down to a much larger unit on the 1st floor of Afflecks Palace – one of the biggest units in the building.”

Mars tapes stocks an assortment of classics, a ‘Rewind’ collection, which are official tapes lacking their paper inserts, mixtapes and consignments of fresh releases from major labels.

The enlarged premises will showcase an extended library of cassette tapes, a broader selection of restored vintage audio kit, and the launch of the Mars Tapes Listening Cafe — a designated area where patrons can savour coffee whilst enjoying tapes from the shop’s catalogue, reports the Manchester Evening News.

To mark the expansion, they’re staging a weekend celebration on March 7 and 8. The venue will feature a Dave Haslam DJ set on the Sunday and a live performance from emerging Glasgow outfit Cowboy Hunters on the Saturday – the latter will be launching a fresh EP on cassette through Sour Grapes Records.

The weekend will also welcome Horace Panter (The Specials), who will be showcasing his cassette artwork throughout both days. A range of in-store promotions for various cassette products will be available, alongside food and beverage offers.

“Our cassette shop started back in 2019 in perhaps the smallest unit in Afflecks Palace, and we never expected to grow in the way we have,” adds Alex.

“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! We’re offering food, drinks and in-store deals, alongside some fantastic live music from Cowboy Hunters, and DJ sets from Dave Haslam and Glue Tape Jockeys (a cassette DJ set).

“We’re also excited to be bringing down Horace Panter of The Specials who will be exhibiting some of his fantastic cassette based artwork. It’s gonna be a tape heads dream weekend and we can’t wait to welcome everyone down to the new store.”

The launch event takes place on March 7 and 8 at Afflecks Palace, 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW. Complimentary tickets can be secured through Skiddle.