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.
13. Compton House
Now home to M&S, Compton House was one of the first department stores in Europe. Destroyed by a fire in 1865, it was rebuilt in 1867 but closed in 1871 and became a hotel. The Grade II listed building became the home of M&S in 1928 and will soon welcome Sports Direct. | Wikimedia Photo: Wikimedia
14. Topshop/Topman
Topshop closed after Arcadia Group collapsed into administration in early 2021. The Liverpool branch was home to Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Topman and many staff members lost their jobs with no notice. | Google Street View Photo: Google Street View
15. Kardomah Cafe
Kardomah Cafe had several locations in Liverpool, and across the UK, but the first opened on Pudsey Street. The business began to close stores in the 1970s and 80s, and one remains in Swansea. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
16. Woolworths
The UK’s first ever Woolworths opened on Church Street in 1909 and quickly became the epicentre of shopping in the city. The store closed in the 1980s but many other Merseyside branches remained until the company’s fall in 2009. | Archive Photo: Archive