Liverpool retail bucking national trend, says BID

Footfall in the city’s retail & leisure business improvement district has climbed 6.7% year-on-year over the first seven months of the year, the Liverpool BID Company has reported.

The BID Company, into which around 650 retailers and other businesses pay a levy on a sliding scale determined by their size, said that the Liverpool BID area has seen monthly footfall figures increase year-on-year for 12 consecutive months.

Liverpool’s increased footfall over seven months compares to a decline of 2.7% nationally, and a 0.9% fall in the North.

The BID Company, which last month secured a yes vote for a five-year renewal, said that the continued health of the city’s retail and leisure core was down to improvements across the whole area, including the new Lush flagship on Church Street and the ongoing redevelopment of the Metquarter. St Johns Shopping Centre has also recently claimed record figures, with sales up 3% year-on-year over the January-May period.

Grosvenor’s Liverpool ONE is not included in the BID area, but has also enjoyed a positive 2018, with fashion group H&M amid opening three separately branded stores, along with Armani Exchange and Foot Locker investing in stores.

Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “It is incredible to see Liverpool bucking the national trend and reporting such positive results.

“What is particularly encouraging is when you consider that these figures come during a period of real disruption for our retailers and visitors alike, including the closure of Lime Street station and various strike action affecting both our bus and train networks.

“It not only shows the resilient nature of our levy payers but endorses the ongoing work that Liverpool BID Company does to attract as many people as possible to the city centre.”

For its next five-year term the organisation has issued a £5m masterplan, in which key projects include a £250,000 investment in a dedicated cleaning team, the BID Street Rangers; along with the ongoing funding of the BID Safety Partnership which involves a dedicated police presence to deliver a responsive policing service. Events including Celebrating Bold Street will continue.