Liverpool is a city full of culture and heritage and now it has undergone a retail renaissance, which is all the more reason to visit. If you haven’t been there for a while there’s lots to discover as Janet Reeder found out when she hit the fabulous stores
Liverpool One
Liverpool is a city renowned for doing its own thing in style. It’s fashionistas have a reputation for piling on the glam like nowhere else, so trust this city to dare to be different when revamping its shopping areas.
Not for Liverpool a boring old mall like everyone else, instead the city has become home to Liverpool One, the biggest open air shopping centre in Europe and it works on so many levels.
It made its debut seven years ago and now has more than 160 famous high street shops, ultra hip fashion brands and cool independent boutiques, making it the perfect place for an afternoon of shopping.
It’s upmarket and sassy and - a completely different experience from some of the huge indoor American style malls. This feels more like a European shopping experience.
Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar
The only Harvey Nichols store in the country devoted to beauty is a mecca for the Liverpool woman (and man) who rocks a high maintenance look. This is where the girls book in for manis, pedis, facials and make-overs at the weekend to prep themselves for a big night out.
Of course, that’s after they’ve bought a new outfit from a favourite outlet or independent shop. It’s all so exciting. Hard to imagine the kind of fashion and beauty frenzy that happens around key events of the year such as Christmas and the Grand National. Fabulous!
Supertrash
Supertrash had just opened when I paid a visit to Liverpool One. It’s a super smart store that makes the merchandise look for more expensive than it is. Here I met Zoe Zipper (great name) who was up from their London HQ to check out the classy new outlet.
‘The space here is really impressive and in many ways it is better than London. It’s so friendly and has a real energy here,’ she tells me.
‘Supertrash is a brand with a cult following and is designed for people who like to do something differently, so it is inspiring to be in a new city.’
‘We opened here because we recognised that Liverpool is a cool city. It’s glam girls, a glam look and this is a brand that fits in with that.’
The label reminds me of Maje and Kooples but much more affordable than those two French brands. It’s a smart store and a brilliant new addition to Liverpool’s fashion offering.
Flannels
If you want to rub shoulders with a Premiership football player or glamorous WAG, this is a good starting point - especially as the new season’s collections have now arrived. The fashion here ranges from chic and understated to cutting edge. It’s luxe with a capital L.
Tessuti
Love your designer labels? Tessuti has a carefully curated collection of clothes and accessories from labels such as Michael Kors, Vivienne Westwood, Ugg, Just Cavalli and more. Love the boutique vibe going on here and the fact there’s no pushiness from staff so that you’re left alone to browse to your heart’s content.
Metquarter
Find here brands such as MAC, Hugo Boss, Illamasqua, Miss Francesca Couture, Jo Malone, A|X Armani Exchange, All Saints, Kurt Geiger, LK Bennett, Carluccio’s, Links of London, Mococo, Jack Wills and Diesel.
There is a slight feeling that this development has been hit by the success of Liverpool One which is a shame as the Metquarter really is an equally cool place to meet friends, enjoy lunch and splash the cash. The centre is welcoming new additions all the time, including the design store MADE which opened its doors a few weeks ago. Who knows what I’ll find the next time I pay Liverpool a visit (and it won’t be too long before I’m back).
The insider view...
Hannah Connell
Manager of Whistles
‘Liverpool One has brought a lot to the city. We have a lot of people coming here and it’s a fantastic atmosphere. It has been a great success. One of the reasons is the location. You’re five minutes from the docklands, you’ve got Bold Street nearby and there are lots of places here to socialise too.
‘I love the Salt House and Salt House Bacaro on Castle Street which does really good cocktails. Also, the Tavern on the Green and Palm Sugar, a brilliant modern Thai restaurant.
It’s the things that go on here too that make it special. Whenever there’s an event there’s a good build up - for example when the races are on everyone tries so hard. They make a real effort to look good and enjoy themselves and while I’ve lived in Manchester and love it, I think Liverpool is a really special place. The first thing that strikes me is the real energy that’s here.’ www.whistles.com
Gary Carney
Co-director with Matt Bell of Revolver Retail
‘Revolver Retail owns Rex, which is basically a shop which provides independent retailers and start-ups with a place on the high street. It has been a great success so when the Metquarter approached us and said they liked the concept we thought it was the perfect fit.
‘Initially a pop-up within Rapid’s George Henry Lees Building, REX was developed to showcase retail talent within Liverpool and to also bring some of the best independent labels from the rest of the UK into the city.
‘As well as established brands, businesses can rent a box and grow their business from there. The people of Liverpool love the shopping experience and the fact there’s a story behind all the products. For example - Parabella - she’s 12 years old and has set up a business selling dog clothes and accessories. Alex Therese started with one box selling jewellery and now has her own fashion line on the first floor of this store.
‘It’s been a great success.’
