A cherished Liverpool fashion institution is preparing to close its doors for good, marking the end of an era for luxury retail in the city. Cricket, the high-end boutique favoured by celebrities including Coleen Rooney, will cease trading at its Metquarter location in March 2026, concluding a remarkable 35-year run.
The Final Chapter for a Fashion Pioneer
The impending closure was confirmed after 'store closing all stock must go' signs appeared in the shop's windows, a sight reported by the Liverpool Echo. When contacted directly, a store employee verified that trading would stop around March 2026. A notice in the window directs loyal customers to visit flannels.com, the online platform of its parent company, though it remains uncertain if the Cricket brand will have a future online or at a new location.
Frasers Group, which acquired Cricket Fashion in 2023, declined to provide further comment on the decision when approached for details. The closure will see the final chapter written for a store that became synonymous with exclusive designer labels and star-studded clientele.
A Legacy of Luxury and Celebrity Clientele
Cricket's journey began in 1991 when founder Justine Mills opened a menswear boutique in Cavern Walks on Mathew Street. The store pivoted to high-end womenswear towards the late 1990s, quickly carving out a reputation for cutting-edge style. It was one of the first independent retailers in the UK to stock the iconic Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories, a coup that cemented its status.
This prestigious relationship led to Cricket being chosen, alongside giants Harrods and Harvey Nichols, to showcase Louboutin's exclusive 20th-anniversary limited edition collection in 2012. The boutique's fame attracted a glittering fanbase, with Coleen Rooney, Alex Gerrard, Nicola Carragher, and Sheree Murphy all appearing at its 2008 fashion show. The store even hosted a celebratory event for Coleen Rooney following her digital British Vogue cover feature, with the magazine's front cover adorning the Metquarter entrance.
An End of an Era for Liverpool's Shopping Scene
After 28 years in its original location, Cricket relocated to a larger unit within the Metquarter in 2019. The store was famed for the enormous queues that would form outside during its legendary Boxing Day sales, a testament to its enduring popularity and the draw of its discounts.
The closure will leave a significant gap in the Metquarter's roster of high-end shops, which includes brands like Carvela and Say It With. The centre also houses the Everyman Cinema, Victoria Street Collective food traders, and the LMA creative college. For decades, Cricket was not just a shop but a destination for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique luxury pieces, and its departure in March 2026 will be keenly felt by its loyal customers and the city's retail landscape.
