Hamleys opens at Liverpool One 

Toys emporium Hamleys has opened a store at 101 Paradise Street, the former Cath Kidson unit, choosing Liverpool for its North West relaunch two years after closing its Trafford Centre outlet.

Cath Kidson vacated the 2,000 sq ft unit after falling into administration in April. 

Hamleys, founded in 1760, is the latest store to open at Liverpool One this year, following beauty brand MAC Cosmetics and British sportswear label Castore. 

The toy retailer has 186 stores globally, 13 of which are in the UK including the company’s flagship store on Regent Street in London. 

There is also a Hamleys concession shop at Manchester Airport’s Terminal One. 

Reliance Brands, a subsidiary of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, bought Hamleys for £68m last year – the third time the retailer has changed ownership in the last seven years. 

Hamleys opened its first North West store at the Trafford Centre in 2013, but five years later was forced to close it, saying it was no longer viable. 

Alison Clegg, director of asset management at Grosvenor Europe, which owns Liverpool One, said: “Hamleys has a very special, and sometimes nostalgic, meaning for many people. 

“Its star appeal, calibre and experience will add a new dimension to Paradise Street and our wider retail offering, which has thrived since reopening in June.”  

Sumeet Yadav, chief executive of global retail at Reliance Brands, said: “Every year more than 10 million families visit us across the world for a Hamleys experience. I am sure children will build lasting memories of fun and joy while adults will relive memories of their childhood at Hamleys in Liverpool.” 

CBRE and Metis acted as letting agents for Liverpool One in the deal. CBRE acted for Hamleys. 

A failed expansion in 1987 saw Hamleys open stores in York, Newcastle and Bath, but all three closed down within 12 months. 

Liverpool One reported this month that footfall at the shopping centre stood at 86% of the volumes experienced at the same time last year, while total sales were at 88% of 2019 levels.