Flannels' huge new flagship store finally opened in Liverpool's city centre today - but I got a sneak peek before the crowds ventured inside.
I adore fashion and spend too much of my wages on clothing, shoes and accessories, with my spending habits getting so out of hand in the first national lockdown, I embarked on a year-long 'no shopping' challenge where I didn't buy any clothes at all throughout 2021. Though I've tried to keep my shopping obsession under check, the arrival of a swanky new Flannels store was still cause for much excitement.
The flagship store is based in the Owen Owen Building on Parker Street, which once housed a Tesco Metro store, though all traces of its history as a supermarket have been completely wiped clean. The vast site, which spans six impressive floors, has been completely transformed to offer Liverpool shoppers a true taste of luxury.
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The first thing that struck me upon entering was just how huge the site is. I remember perusing the aisles of Tesco before it closed a few years ago and had initially believed the new Flannels wouldn't be too much bigger than the site on Manesty's Lane, but I was very wrong.
The unflattering baton lights that once hugged the ceilings have been removed, with sleek and stylish industrial piping and metal work on show in its place, juxtaposed with opulent globe pendants which flood the space in a natural yet warm glow. Even the escalators have been kitted out with neon strip lighting in vibrant shades of pinks and purples.
There's a medley of textures, with printed rugs and patterned tiles ensuring even the floors have been given thoughtful design considerations. The walls have been revamped in smooth grey concrete, which is modern without seeming cold or barren.
The booming city centre is on its doorstep yet Flannels manages to be a soothing oasis of calm. Like many people, I find modern life pretty darn stressful - you don't get prominent under-eye circles as dark as mine if you're a laidback soul breezing through life - but there's a definite calming quality on offer at Flannels.
The beauty floor, located at street level, wouldn't be out of place in a famous New York department store, with huge, gleaming counters stocking big name brands including Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, Givenchy and more. There's also stalls and concessions devoted to popular brands like social media titan Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin, Pixi, haircare experts Olaplex, skincare experts Dermalogica and plenty of others.
Upstairs, there's an endless array of ready-to-wear luxury fashion and streetwear. I fell (pardon the pun) head over heels in love with a pair of Gucci boots that cost more than my monthly mortgage repayments; I was dazzled by the giant Burberry bag heading the brand's vibrant accessories display; I was eager to snap up on-trend gingham hats and other quirky accessories at the sprawling Vivienne Westwood table, and I vented internally about my bank balance when faced with a wall of perfect Prada bags.
There's rails and rails of high-end, designer fashion to longingly look through, and there's an abundance of more attainable products like phone cases, belts and purses. Upon leaving, I immediately bought a scratch card - I've yet to scratch it so I can entertain the fantasy of winning and going on a shopping spree just a little longer.
Flannels' new store is impossibly swanky, with space to roam at your own pace and plenty of interesting and quirky product displays. Though I'll likely never be able to afford to shop there on a regular basis, I'll certainly be popping in for some much needed escapism and lottery win fantasising.
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