From luxury department stores to teen favourites, Church Street was the place to visit for all your shopping needs back in the day, long before the creation of Liverpool ONE.
While it remains a major shopping destination - home to the world’s largest Lush store - many of its most-loved shops have sadly closed for good as the retail industry continues to change as major players collapse into administration.
Just last year, Church Street waved goodbye to one of its most-visited stores, as Marks & Spencer left the iconic Compton House for a sparkling new home on Lord Street - much to the dismay of many customers. And, while it has welcomed the likes of TJ Hughes in recent months, it is now without a single department store.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact local residents and the future of the high street remains uncertain, we have been reminiscing about days gone by and asked LiverpoolWorld readers to share the shops they miss the most. From the distinct smell of coffee at Coopers, to special visits to Henderson’s, Church Street holds a special place in many peoples’ memories.
Here are some of iconic street’s most-missed stores, which were once the beating heart of Liverpool’s thriving shopping scene. Let us know which shops and restaurants you miss the most in the comments sections.
Just last year, Church Street waved goodbye to one of its most-visited stores, as Marks & Spencer left the iconic Compton House for a sparkling new home on Lord Street - much to the dismay of many customers. And, while it has welcomed the likes of TJ Hughes in recent months, it is now without a single department store.
5. Forever 21
Forever 21 closed its doors in February 2020, after months of closing down sales. The company closed around 350 stores around the world, and the building is now home to Next. | Phil Nash from Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 & GFDLViews Photo: Phil Nash from Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 & GFDLViews
6. Bon Marche
The Bon Marche department store towers over Church Street in Liverpool, circa 1895. It was once a prime retail destination, visited by many happy shoppers and later bought by the John Lewis Partnership. | Hulton Archive/Getty Images Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
7. George Henry Lee's
George Henry Lee's was once Liverpool's must-visit department store and one of the northwest’s most exclusive shopping destinations. Customers in 1920 would often arrive at the shop by horse and carriage to be met by their own personal shopper. The business was sold to the John Lewis Partnership in 1940, who later took over the Bon Marche store facing Church Street and merged the two. It was later called John Lewis before moving to Paradise Street. | John Lewis Partnership Archive Photo: John Lewis Partnership Archive
8. Bunney's General Store
Bunney's was a general store, which sold the likes of toys, hardwares, homewares and fancy china. Popular in the 1890s, the store ran until around 1950. | Heritage Images/Getty Images Photo: Heritage Images/Getty Images