Independent Shops You Should Visit In Liverpool
Whether it’s building a stronger economy, forming a tight-knit locality or working towards a smaller carbon footprint – supporting independent shops is one of the best ways to give something back to your community. Liverpool is home to a myriad of some of the finest independent enterprises in Merseyside. Here is a guide to the city’s best locally run, community-focused, independent shops and businesses in Liverpool.
1. Utility
Starting out as a coffee shop, Utility made its Liverpool debut in 1999 on Bold Street. 25 years and three stores later, their flagship gift shop has made a name for itself in the bustling shopping centre that is Liverpool ONE. Selling a wide range of quirky and unique gifts and greetings cards, as well as designer furniture, lighting and homeware, Utility is an independent gifting and design retailer that believes in promoting design for everyone. Whether it’s stationery, homeware, jewellery or even party accessories – Utility has got you covered.
Liverpool Store Locations: 86 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4HY and 10 Manesty’s Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DL
2. Cow Vintage
Promoting a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, Cow is a vintage clothing and accessories retailer operating across multiple stores in the UK, alongside worldwide shipping for online orders via their website. Ranging from the 60s all the way through to the 2000s, Cow handpicks their ethically sourced vintage items internationally and sells them at affordable costs. Sticking to the eco-friendly theme, the interiors of their stores are custom-made using 90% recycled materials. If you’re looking for a trendy, fashion-forward and iconic vintage wardrobe – look no further than Cow Vintage.
Location: 15 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4DN
3. Red Brick Market
An industrial marketplace of distinctive and eclectic stores, local traders, artists and start-up businesses – Red Brick Market compiles an extensive array of the finest independent retailers, all in one place. With over 50 businesses to choose from, the very best of Liverpool’s individual talent, products and goods are on offer. From pop-up shops to craft stalls and local artwork – you will find rare items, antiquities, gifts and original art while simultaneously supporting your community at Red Brick Market.
Location: 70 Stanhope Street, Liverpool, L8 5RF
4. The Nest
Collating the work of the city’s top local artists, designers and creators – The Nest combines uniqueness with affordability through selling the most special of artwork and craftsmanship, at the lowest of prices. Perfect for customers on the lookout for exclusive illustrations, prints, hand-drawn greetings cards and even bespoke jewellery – this artistic gift shop and gallery showcases its home’s greatest creative talents. Their range on offer also includes Liverpool themed tote bags, homeware and decorations. Located in the heart of Albert Dock, this business commissions its local suppliers to produce artwork that you won’t find anywhere else.
Location: Royal Albert Dock, Unit 8, The Colonnades, Liverpool, L3 4AA
5. Larks
Named after Liverpool’s hotspot for thriving independent businesses, Lark Lane, Larks is a small but mighty gift emporium filled with all things fashion, accessories, contemporary gifts, rare vintage finds and many more. A big hit with both locals and tourists, Larks is the perfect place to find niche gifts your friends and family will love. For music lovers, there’s turntable ornaments, wooden bookmarks featuring celebrity artwork and framed album badges. For the vintage fashion lovers, there’s hand-crafted beaded velvet purses, nostalgic knitwear and sequin floral bags. Larks is truly a place for everyone!
Location: 22 Lark Lane, Liverpool, L17 8US
6. News from Nowhere
Established in 1974 and run by a women workers’ co-operative, News from Nowhere is a not-for-profit, radical and community bookshop. Devoted to social justice, this bookshop sells politically themed books, as well as world, folk and roots CDs and magazines. Their wide range of books on offer, focuses on subjects involving feminism, anti-racism, LGBTQ+, human rights, animal rights, and many more. However, their range is versatile catering to several audiences, as they also stock fiction and poetry, health and wellbeing, local interest and children/young adult books. News from Nowhere also offers an online book ordering service, priding themselves on ordering in as many books as big chain businesses can!
Location: 96 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4HY
7. Probe Records
Liverpool has been home to many icons in the music world – The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Zutons and so many more. Hence, what better place to sell all sorts of music memorabilia, CDs and vinyls than Liverpool itself? Probe Records opened its doors back in 1971 and has hosted early careers for some of the city’s best musical acts – including Pete Wylie from Wah! Heat, The Teardrop Explodes’ very ownJulian Cope and front man of Dead or Alive, Pete Burns. The music store’s CD and vinyl-lined shelves cover every era you can imagine, dating back to the 1960s and running all the way through to the sounds of today’s generation.
Location: 1, The Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX
8. Root Houseplants
A business started to provide plant lovers with a much more varied range of plants than the average garden store, Root Houseplants began as an online venture in 2017 and transcended into a market stall only a year later. Now boasting two sites across Liverpool and West Kirby, this family-run business has been promoted by that of The Times, Independent Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. Home to over 200 plant varieties, Root Houseplants stocks everything from orchids and philodendron to mounted and trailing plants, and even pet-friendly plants!
Location: The Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX
9. Freida Mo’s
Named after the owner’s two grandmothers, Freida Mo’s is a vintage fashion boutique, allergen specialist bakery, café and event space – stocking everything from handmade jewellery, gifts, homemade cakes, hand-blended herbal teas and much more. Situated in the heart of Lark Lane, the shop’s vintage collection dates all the way back to the 1900s and spans into present day fashion. Bringing a musical element into the business, the boutique also hosts open mic events known as ‘Sober Sundays’ showcasing local musicians.
Location: 33 Lark Lane, Liverpool, L17 8UW
10. Liverpool Cheese Company
Founded in 2006, Liverpool Cheese Company has a real passion for the finest international cheeses. With 15 categories of cheese to offer, their selection ranges from French and Belgian, to Italian and Spanish, as well as vegetarian variants. They also offer specially curated gift hampers and even wedding cakes made of cheese! There is the option to order online and collect in store, have the cheese delivered to your door or simply to buy in-store at the quaint Woolton shop.
Location: 29A Woolton Street, Liverpool, L25 5NH
11. 69A
Described as “a taste of how vintage shopping used to be”, this retail emporium’s roots begin in 1976, before the time of CDs and before vinyl was known as ‘vintage’. Initially housed in the Stratford House Antique Market (Birmingham), 69A started out selling 20th century decorative objects. Now packed to the brim with all sorts of retro, vintage and second hand items – the emporium currently stocks a whole host of history and nostalgia, from 19th century porcelain, pottery and ceramics to 1980s telephones and even Beatles figurines.
Location: 75 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L1 2SJ
12. Hat, Scarf or a Badge
Situated in Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC, Hat Scarf or a Badge offers a more affordable option for LFC supporters by selling unofficial football merchandise, brandished with their team’s own unique designs. Stocking a range of limited-edition t-shirts, hats, scarves and badges (as well as books, socks and mugs), their aim is to make exclusive Liverpool FC merchandise available for everyone. The outlet only opens on match days, usually three hours before kick-off. Past and present LFC players and managers, as well as some of the city’s top boxers, TV personalities and musicians, have been seen wearing their t-shirts!
Location: 371 Walton Breck Road, Anfield, Liverpool, L4 0SY
Emily Gardner
