Exciting news for Liverpool shoppers: a new discount chain store is set to open in just a few days, marking a significant addition to the city center’s retail landscape.
The highly anticipated opening of this store comes after months of vacancy in the location once occupied by Bodycare in Clayton Square. This particular store, along with 30 others across the UK, closed its doors back in September when the brand faced financial difficulties, leading to its administration. The circumstances surrounding Bodycare's demise were dire; administrators cited a lack of inventory and the unsustainable costs associated with operating physical retail spaces as key factors for shutting down all but 115 of its stores nationwide.
As the closing date approached, the premises were plastered with "everything must go" signs, creating a sense of urgency among local shoppers. Fast forward to today, and the space is set to be revitalized with the arrival of Savers, a well-known discount retailer also owned by the parent company of Superdrug. Savers specializes in affordable health, beauty, and household products, promising a wide selection of items that include name-brand toiletries, cosmetics, skincare products, fragrances, vitamins, and even baby essentials.
Scheduled to welcome customers on Thursday, January 22, this new store not only enhances shopping options but also contributes to the local economy by creating 10 new jobs. To celebrate the opening, store manager Rachel Parrott plans to give away 500 complimentary goodie bags, each valued at over £15, to the first 500 customers who make any purchase—a great incentive for early birds!
Sean Watret, operations director at Savers, expressed his enthusiasm about the new location, stating, "I am delighted to announce the opening of Savers in Liverpool. Our customers can expect to shop the brands they love at unbeatable prices. We are excited to become your one-stop shop for all your home, health, and beauty needs."
Interestingly, this will be Savers' only outlet in the city center, although the brand has existing locations throughout Merseyside, including Birkenhead, Wallasey, Bootle, and Old Swan. Currently, teasing posters displaying "coming soon" are prominently displayed in the shop window across from the Boots store in Clayton Square, building anticipation among potential customers.
For context, it has been 36 years since Clayton Square first opened its doors in Liverpool, ushering in a wave of retail opportunities. Since its debut in 1989, the shopping center has undergone numerous transformations—both in appearance and in the array of businesses it has housed.
Over the decades, notable brands like Tammy Girl, Principles, Disney, and Oasis have made their mark within the square. When it first opened, the shopping center attracted around 7.8 million visitors annually, featuring amenities such as a café, restrooms, and even an internet café on its second level. However, like many shopping destinations across the UK, Clayton Square has witnessed trends ebb and flow, with various shops opening and closing over time.
A substantial makeover that commenced in 2014 reshaped the center into a cohesive trading mall, enhancing accessibility by removing escalators and making the space more inviting. Today, the square hosts a variety of businesses, including popular names like Boots and B&M, alongside local favorites like Clayton Nails and Spa.
With the impending arrival of Savers, it will be fascinating to see how this new store impacts the shopping experience in Liverpool's city center. Will it thrive in a competitive retail environment? What are your thoughts on the changing landscape of local shopping centers? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
