Independent Shops in Liverpool

Probe Records, 1, The Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 3BX - Visit now

Seek sanctuary from the shopping hordes on nearby Lord Street in this venerable record shop. Probe originally opened in 1971, has witnessed many a Scouse musician browsing its record sleeves (Pete Burns once served time behind the till) and still manages to dish up a daily helping of rare vinyl, CDs and music magazines and print. You’ll find it just by the Bluecoat.

69A, 75 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 2SJ - Visit now

Do you remember a time, before Cath Kidston hung out her bunting, when second hand meant a dusty, musty rummage among the bric-a-brac? You may well remember 69A in that case, a second hand store that has been peddling antiques, vintage clothes, vinyl, furniture and more since 1976. It’s no frills shopping, to be sure. In fact, it’s so old fashioned it’s almost…. retro. Good for those who like unique presents, or the term “mid-century”.

Bluecoat Display Centre, Bluecoat Chambers, School Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 3BX - Visit now

Just across the road from Lunya, tucked safely within the walls of the city centre’s oldest building, is this gallery shop dedicated to showcasing the work of Britain and Europe’s best designer-makers, jewellers, potters and ceramicists. Inside, it is all airy, light and calm. Head here for original, affordable and, occasionally, wearable artworks.

Whisky Business, Old Ropery, Fenwick Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 7NT - Visit now

If modesty could be summed up by a shop front, then Whisky Businesswould be its dictionary definition. With very little by way of signage it’s (very) easy to miss this basement shop. Persist, however, as it sells perhaps the most comprehensive selection of whisky in the city – including rare spirits such as Liverpool Gin.

Reid of Liverpool, 105 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 5TB - Visit now

This second hand bookshop has been selling “books on most subjects” for four decades, its ceiling-high bookcases containing 40,000 titles on everything from paperback fiction to sci-fi, textbooks, art titles and first editions. It also boasts some seriously cultured neighbours: the Everyman and the Metropolitan Cathedral are both near neighbours.