Iconic British fashion store to close after 35 years

An iconic UK fashion store loved by Colleen Rooney has announced its sudden closure this week. Cricket, a renowned fashion store, is set to shut its doors in Liverpool’s Metquarter within a matter of weeks.

Signs reading ‘store closing all stock must go’ had been displayed in the shop windows on January 4, according to the Liverpool Echo. Frasers Group, which took over Cricket Fashion in 2023, declined to comment when approached by the publication for additional details, however, an employee confirmed that it would cease operations around March 2026. A sign in the window corroborates this, stating “this store will cease trading in March 2026 please visit our website flannels.com.”

It remains unclear whether the store will transition online or relocate to another premises in the future.

Cricket was established as a menswear boutique in Cavern Walks on Mathew Street by Justine Mills in 1991, before transitioning into high-end women’s fashion towards the late 1990s.

The store gained recognition as one of the first independent retailers to carry Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories.

In 2012, Cricket was selected to showcase Louboutin’s 20th anniversary limited edition collection, alongside iconic department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

The store boasts a lengthy list of celebrity admirers, with Coleen Rooney, Alex Gerrard, Nicola Carragher and Sheree Murphy all attending its 2008 fashion show.

After 28 years, Cricket relocated to a larger unit in the Metquarter in 2019. The shop has been known for the extensive queues outside its doors during its Boxing Day sales.

The shop threw a bash for Coleen Rooney following the launch of her digital British Vogue cover.

The entrance to the posh shopping centre was adorned with the Vogue cover, and Coleen beamed for the ECHO photographer as she made her entrance at the do, accompanied by her mum, Colette, and dad, Tony.