Home of the Beatles, Billy Fury and Cilla Black, Liverpool has always been known for its bold sense of style. Liverpool fashion is unique and often trendsetting – from the 1960s Cavern Club Crowd to Colleen Rooney’s glittering WAG fashion, Liverpool is a powerhouse of the North when it comes to dressing sharp. It’s no surprise, then, that the city’s shopping reflects this. The city centre is full to bursting with outlets ranging from tiny independent boutiques to high fashion, and patronised by all ages and tastes. For a day to remember, take a trip to Liverpool One, in the heart of the city. At 1.65 million square feet, it’s the largest open air shopping centre in the UK, and boasts over 170 shops, restaurants and bars. It’s a hub for many of the city’s youth, a safe bet for a posh date, and a place able to utterly sate your need for retail therapy. Even mine! I went to Liverpool recently and I knew I had to have a little shop around.
Although it fits seamlessly into the city centre, Liverpool One, opened in 2008, is less than a decade old. Before building work was begun, much of its area was inner-city wasteland, a bleak belt between the docklands and city centre. The retail-led development cost £500 million to build, and has regenerated the area to become one of Liverpool’s most vibrant shopping locations. Liverpool One is so big that it’s split into six different districts, each area carefully curated so that it’s easy to find what you need. From high-end fashion to toyshops via youth fashion and homeware, it’s all here. Shops include Harvey Nichols, Karen Millen, Apple, Zara, Topshop, Hugo Boss, and All Saints. For the LFC fan, there’s even an official store for the club where you can purchase Liverpool supporters’ gear and memorabilia. If you fancy the luxury experience, many stores offer personal shopping services, something I’d never say no too!
But Liverpool One is more than just a shopping centre; it has an events programme running year-round, from busking to performance installations and art workshops. Chavasse Park, part of the Liverpool One development and a 5-acre landscaped respite from the city’s bustle, regularly hosts interesting events. In the past it has hosted attractions such as a sandy beach and a bar made entirely of ice. For more details on Liverpool One’s events, check their calendar – www.liverpool-one.com/events. There’s also a host of leisure activities ranging from the expected – an 18-screen ODEON cinema – to the slightly less expected; picnic boats, ping-pong tables, and a jungle-themed adventure mini-golf course. Although it’s unlikely you’ll get bored in Liverpool One, it’s right next to Liverpool Docks, which are worth visiting in their own right but also house a variety of world-class museums and galleries.
My top tips if you’re heading for a shop is to make a plan of where you want to go and locate them on the maps. Secondly, get someone to carry your bags… you’ll need the help! Trust me!
