City centre store closures as Liverpool ONE plans for 'transformation'

Despite a number of recent closures in and around the shopping complex, the centre said it's committed to positive transformation

Liverpool ONE shopping complex has seen a number of changes since it first opened in May 2008, with big name brands coming and going over the years. While some stores, like Zara, have pursued major expansions in the complex, others, like the Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar, have sadly had to call time on their city centre locations.

In recent weeks, a handful of stores in and around the shopping complex have announced they will be closing their doors for good. One clothing store announced the closure with immediate effect, with shoppers turning up at the store to find a notice printed on a piece of A4 paper stating the shop would no re-open.

Elsewhere, staff were informed of potential redundancies as the Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar prepares to close its doors after more than a decade in the same location. We took a look at the stores and fixtures that have departed recently, both inside the shopping complex and in neighbouring locations.

Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar

One of Liverpool ONE's biggest retailers announced this week that it will be closing its doors soon, as the Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar is set to shut. The store, which is located on Manesty's Lane in the city centre, opened its doors for the first time in 2012.

The ECHO understands staff at the Beauty Bazaar were informed of the planned closure on Tuesday, March 11. In a statement shared with the ECHO, a Harvey Nichols spokesperson said: “As we implement our strategy to reposition Harvey Nichols for growth, our emphasis is on full category stores within our estate.

‌“We have reviewed our store portfolio and mutually agreed with the Landlord of our Beauty Bazaar location in Liverpool to surrender the lease as we focus on investment into full-category stores.”

“Unfortunately, this means that our employees in the Liverpool store may be at risk of redundancy. We have entered into a consultation process and are doing everything we can to support those affected by the surrender.”

A spokesperson from Liverpool ONE said: “Beauty Bazaar Harvey Nichols has made an important contribution to Liverpool ONE’s success since opening in 2012. We’re committed to bringing the best, in-demand brands to Liverpool ONE and we have well-progressed plans to transform the space that will ensure Liverpool ONE continues to go from the strength-to-strength. We look forward to sharing an update soon.”

Quiz

High street fashion retailer Quiz was forced to shut down 23 of its stores, including one in Liverpool, as administrators were brought in. The brand suffered from a slump in consumer demand, with sales over the crucial Christmas period falling short of expectations.

A pre-pack insolvency deal saw the brand acquired by new owners Orion, who managed to salvage 42 shops. However, 23 outlets across the UK and Ireland deemed to be "loss-making or unsustainable" were closed by administrators.

‌Quiz Clothing took this step just days after its shares were delisted from the London Stock Exchange. A full list of the 23 affected stores was issued last month with the Quiz store in South John Street, Liverpool ONE.

A notice in the window of the Liverpool ONE store said: "This store is now closed. Zandra Retail Limited in Administration ('the company'). Gavin Maher and Daniel Smith of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited were appointed Joint Administrators of the company on 19 February 2025.

"The affairs, business and property of the company are being managed by the joint administrators. The joint administrators act as agents of the company and contract without personal liability. The joint administrators are authorised by the Insitute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. All licensed insolvency practitioners of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited are licensed in the UK."

The 'poly' benches

This loss from the Chavasse Park area of the shopping complex isn't exactly a closure - but it certainly sparked a strong reaction among Scousers. Hundreds of people have taken to TikTok, Reddit and X to question where the 'poly benches' have gone, after they were removed from the park.

The 'poly benches' were a number of benches in the Chavasse Park area of the shopping complex, where visitors to the city centre enjoyed stopping to sit and relax. But recently the benches have been removed, leaving a number of visitors unhappy.

‌In a viral video shared to social media platform TikTok, Ethan Tomo filmed the spot where one of the benches used to be and said: "They're gone. The poly benches have gone. No way. That's so heavy that. What a shame."

Hundreds of people took to his comments section to share their dismay at the news. Holl said: "RIP the poly benches". LBJ said: "Honestly can't have anything". Emily said: "This is why I love being a Scouser... everyone thought of the same place when they heard poly benches."

Carter said: "This marks such a loss for the city", while Tiff said: "Thanks mate, ruined my day." KK said: "As if. Poly benches is an institution." Taking to X, Alby Lad posted: "RIP the poly benches in Liverpool ONE."

A petition has even been started on change.org to reinstate the benches. The Liverpool ECHO contacted Liverpool ONE in relation to the benches.

Lalligrass Himalayan Arts Shop

While this store isn't technically part of the Liverpool ONE complex, many shoppers would associate its College Lane location as being part of the city centre shopping offering. The family-run business will be closing its doors for the final time this month. Lalligrass Himalayan Arts Shop is located opposite Bean Coffee Roasters, close to Harvey Nichols.

The quirky little shop sells handmade arts and crafts from the Himalayas, including unique items of jewellery, scarfs and shawls and religious objects. Lalligrass sells 'ethically made' items, with the store's online site saying: "We are very conscious of our responsibilities to our producers, especially as some of them are charitable organisations. We make sure that they receive a good price for their hard work and we are always on the lookout for worthwhile charitable groups and small family workshops to support."

‌But after a number of years at the College Lane site, a notice appeared in the window this week stating that the shop will soon close its doors. The A4 printed sign said: "Closing down. Unfortunately Lalligrass will be closing this shop on March 31. We will still be available online."

The shop name, Lalligrass, is a translation of the Nepali word for Rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Since opening their College Lane store, its owners sought to bring the arts and crafts of the Himalayas to the UK. Many of the pieces available in the store have deep religious or cultural value.

Describing the store as a "family business", the Lalligrass website states that one of the directors, Jay, lives in the foothills of the Himalayas with his wife Rama. Many of the store's suppliers are good friends of Jay and Rama, such as the Tibetan refugees who produce handmade rugs which are available in the store.