An iconic Birmingham market trader, cherished by music fans since the 1990s, is set to open its first-ever permanent shop in the city centre. Fallout Clothing, a prominent vendor from the now-closed Oasis Market, has secured a bricks-and-mortar unit at Martineau Place, promising to create a unique retail 'experience' for its loyal customers.
From Market Stall to Permanent Home
The journey to this new chapter began when the Oasis Market in Dale End closed its doors in March after 54 years of operation. This left Fallout Clothing, which had established a prominent position within the indoor market since 1996, without its long-term home. The business, renowned for selling official band T-shirts, patches, and merchandise, quickly found a temporary refuge in the basement of the nearby Scruffy Murphy's rock pub.
However, the search for a more permanent solution was underway. Manager Brad Cureton explained the challenge: "We've been looking for a new place since the Oasis closed but most places have just been too expensive." The breakthrough came unexpectedly while walking through Martineau Place, the area off Corporation Street that has become a popular hang-out for Birmingham's alternative crowd.
A New Hub for the Alternative Community
The new location, a former nail salon at Martineau Place (B2 4UW), felt destined for Fallout Clothing. "It's right over the road from where Oasis was," Brad noted, emphasising the poetic symmetry of the move. The area has seen a surge in popularity since the horror-themed cafe bar Merlin's opened last summer, making it an ideal spot for the alternative music retailer.
While an exact opening date is yet to be confirmed, the team is aiming to be fully operational before December begins. This timeline marks a significant milestone for the business, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.
More Than Just a Shop
For the staff and regulars, Fallout Clothing represents far more than a retail outlet. Brad Cureton, who started as a teenage employee after his mother first took him to the stall when he was just seven years old, shared his personal connection. "I felt like a badass getting a job there and it means so much to me now to help run the show," said the 24-year-old manager.
He highlighted the store's role as a social hub, saying, "Fallout has been around since 1996. We'd see people in there making friends because they like the same bands and then months later, they'd come in together. It's a little meet-up spot." This community aspect is something the team plans to amplify in the new space, transforming it into a music-filled hang-out well stocked with official band merchandise.
The vision for the new shop is ambitious. "All of us that work here have always said that Fallout was never just a place to go and grab T-shirts," Brad explained. "It's an experience." The team intends to make the new standalone shop the best version of Fallout it has ever been, creating a dedicated space for Birmingham's vibrant music community to connect and thrive for years to come.
