Liverpool ONE has said the growing number of sports retailers opening at the shopping destination is a sign of the city's appeal to major brands. For many people, it is hard to remember what Liverpool city centre looked like before the centre arrived.
Nearly two decades on from its opening, the retail and leisure complex remains one of the city's biggest success stories, helping to attract shoppers, visitors and businesses from across the region and beyond. Over the years, dozens of brands have come and gone, but one trend has become increasingly noticeable.
Liverpool ONE is becoming home to a growing number of sportswear and trainer retailers, with several new arrivals announced in recent months.
At first glance, some shoppers may wonder why so many stores appear to be competing for the same customers. Liverpool ONE already has a strong line-up of sports, activewear and lifestyle brands, including JD Sports, Footasylum, Foot Locker, Montirex, Trailberg and Pro:Direct Soccer. It also has stores for Liverpool and Everton football clubs.
By the end of the year, Crossbar and Salomon will also have opened their doors. But rather than suggesting the market is overcrowded, the continued investment points to the opposite, according to Liverpool ONE.
The fact that major brands are still choosing the city despite the presence of established competitors suggests they believe there is enough demand to support them. Retailers are increasingly seeking locations with high footfall and a proven customer base, and Liverpool ONE continues to tick both boxes.
A spokesperson for the centre told the ECHO: “The continued arrival of high-quality retail brands, many of them making major UK retail moves, demonstrates the confidence in Liverpool as a leading retail destination.
“From ARNE’s first physical store and Lefties' first UK’s store to Salomon’s first full-price store outside London, these brands are recognising the strength of the city’s audience and choosing Liverpool to showcase their full brand experience. It’s a reflection of the city’s appeal, the quality of the retail environment and the opportunity Liverpool offers ambitious brands looking to grow.”
Last week, Liverpool ONE revealed it signed with a new brand to open its first full-price UK retail store outside of London. Salomon, a premier outdoor sports brand known for high-performance footwear, apparel, and winter sports equipment, will arrive in the summer.
The brand was founded in 1947 in the French Alps and has become known primarily for its technical running shoes. The new shop will be located on Peter's Lane, occupying a 3,500 square foot site.
Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec, said: “Salomon’s decision to open its first full-price UK store outside London at Peter’s Lane is a significant moment for the centre.
“Salomon is a fantastic addition to the line-up and its arrival continues the strong momentum we’re seeing from brands choosing Peter’s Lane to support their growth ambitions.”
A Salomon spokesperson told Drapers: “As demand for the Salomon brand continues to grow in the UK, expanding our physical retail presence is a natural next step.
“Peter’s Lane was the clear choice for our first full-price store outside London. Liverpool ONE’s strong regional catchment, high-quality retail offer and ability to attract visitors from across the North West and beyond make it an ideal location for the next phase of our growth.”
