Liverpool ONE centre director Brendan Hattam has revealed that the shopping centre is in discussions with several international retailers, hinting at more UK-first openings to come. In an interview with the ECHO, Hattam detailed the centre's recent successes and future plans, including a major new play area and a rain garden.
Strong Sales and New Openings
Liverpool ONE has enjoyed another strong year of sales, driven by a steady stream of new fashion, food, and entertainment brands. Recent arrivals include Miniso, POP Mart, Wingstop, Monica Vinader, Lovisa, ARNE, and Accessorize. Top-performing sectors include giftware, accessories, jewellery, entertainment, technology, and fast food. Health and beauty sales saw a significant jump thanks to the openings of KIKO Milano and Sephora, the latter opening its 6,727 square foot store in May 2025 with hundreds queuing overnight.
Japanese brand Uniqlo opened its 1,430 square metre Liverpool debut in April 2025, with queues snaking through the centre from 6am. Outdoor footwear brand Salomon chose Liverpool ONE for its first UK store outside London, while minimalist fashion retailer Lefties will make its UK debut later in summer 2026. Women's clothing retailer House of CB is set to open its fourth UK boutique at Liverpool ONE next year.
Why International Brands Choose Liverpool First
Brendan Hattam told the ECHO: "I'd say there are two or three things that reflect in the growth in the last year. We've had lots of new openings here and new brands are always a positive sign. It keeps things lively. Within that are brands making their first appearance in the UK. Lefties, which is opening later this summer, is the first branch in the UK and it's in Liverpool. It shows the strength of Liverpool and the whole of Merseyside as a retail destination."
Hattam explained that attracting new brands is a two-way process, with retailers approaching Liverpool ONE while the leasing team actively pursues brands they believe would strengthen the destination. He said the centre is close to being fully let, and empty units do not mean leases have not been signed.
Future Openings and Developments
Although opening dates have yet to be confirmed, Liverpool ONE expects all five announced arrivals—Dave's Hot Chicken, House of CB, Blank Street Coffee, Lefties, and Salomon—to open before the end of 2026. Hattam revealed the destination is in discussions with several more retailers, with a mix of UK and international brands weighted more towards retail than leisure or entertainment.
Beyond retail, Liverpool ONE is investing in public realm improvements. A 1,010-square-metre play area called The Kingdom of the Liver Bird is due to begin construction at Chavasse Park in 2027. It will feature interactive and sensory play equipment, elevated walkways, communication tubes, musical play elements, and accessible ground-level experiences, inspired by the mythical Liver Bird's journey from water to land.
Hattam said: "It's not just about brands. We want to appeal to families and work with them." Liverpool ONE is also working with operators of The Bus Yard, currently housed at Chavasse Park, to find an alternative location within the estate when construction begins.
Additionally, Liverpool ONE is partnering with United Utilities on plans to create a rain garden on Paradise Street near John Lewis. The scheme is part of United Utilities' £30 million programme aimed at improving Liverpool's resilience to heavy rainfall. The rain garden will capture rainwater while offering a new seating area, soft landscaping, and seasonal planting.
Entertainment and Leisure Growth
Entertainment and leisure sales at Liverpool ONE rose by 8% over the past year, reflecting the popularity of attractions including Gravity MAX, ODEON, and Flight Club. Hattam said: "It's about the full day out, not just shopping. We're fortunate to welcome 33 million visitors each year. That's an upward trend and puts us in a healthy position."
The centre benefits from a steady flow of tourists, cruise passengers, and visitors attending major sporting and music events across the city. For example, the Liverpool FC store regularly capitalises on concerts at Anfield by hosting pop-up merchandise shops during major gigs, including recent performances by Foo Fighters and My Chemical Romance.
A Vision for the Future
Hattam, who studied business at Liverpool John Moores University in the 1980s, recalled the city centre before Liverpool ONE transformed it between 2008 and 2009. He said: "I remember walking down Church Street. There wasn't much connection to the waterfront; it felt like a completely separate area. Liverpool ONE was a chance to regenerate the city centre and reconnect the city to Pier Head."
With Liverpool ONE already the UK's largest open-air shopping area, Hattam said maintaining momentum is the priority: "I think it's about keeping that change going and continuing to move the centre forward. Renewing and evolving Liverpool ONE has really boosted sales. We've got lots of UK firsts and experiences you can't find elsewhere. Liverpool and Merseyside are hugely appealing for retail, leisure and hospitality developers. Liverpool is right at the forefront of retail and I'm hoping to keep it as a leading destination."
