A cherished pillar of Liverpool's luxury retail scene is preparing to shut its doors for good. Cricket, the high-end fashion boutique in the Metquarter, will cease trading in March 2026, bringing an end to its 35-year history in the city.
The Final Chapter for a Fashion Institution
Signs declaring 'store closing all stock must go' have appeared in the shop's windows, signalling the impending end of an era. When contacted directly, a store employee confirmed the closure timeline, which is also noted on a window notice directing customers to the Flannels website. The Frasers Group, which acquired Cricket Fashion in 2023, declined to comment further on the decision when approached by the Liverpool Echo.
It is currently unknown whether the Cricket brand will continue online or seek a new physical location in the future. The closure marks a significant loss for the Metquarter shopping centre, which also houses retailers like Carvela and amenities such as the Everyman Cinema.
A Storied History from Menswear to Celebrity Hotspot
Cricket's journey began in 1991 when founder Justine Mills opened a menswear boutique in Cavern Walks on Mathew Street. The store pivoted to focus on high-end womenswear towards the late 1990s, carving out a reputation as a fashion trailblazer.
The boutique earned its prestigious status by being one of the first independent retailers in the UK to stock Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories. This relationship culminated in 2012 when Cricket was selected alongside Harrods and Harvey Nichols to showcase Louboutin's exclusive 20th-anniversary limited edition collection.
After 28 years at its original location, Cricket relocated to a larger unit within the Metquarter in 2019, where it became famous for the lengthy queues that formed outside during its legendary Boxing Day sales.
Star-Studded Legacy and Fond Farewells
Cricket cultivated a loyal celebrity following over the decades. Its 2008 fashion show was attended by notable figures including Coleen Rooney, Alex Gerrard, Nicola Carragher, and Sheree Murphy. The store further cemented its place in local glamour by hosting a celebratory event for Coleen Rooney following her feature on the digital cover of British Vogue.
The closure in March 2026 will leave a notable void in Liverpool's fashion landscape. For now, shoppers have a final opportunity to visit the iconic store and browse its remaining stock as it prepares to write the last page of its physical retail story.
