Ethel Austin, a name synonymous with Liverpool’s high street for generations, is set to move its final Merseyside store as owner Paul Hargreaves announced the relocation. The shop, which has been located in Ranelagh Streets’ Central Station for nearly 10 years, will close by early April due to rising business rates and financial pressures.

Legacy of a Liverpool Institution

Ethel Austin was founded in 1934 by Ethel and George Austin, who started the business in the front room of their terraced house in Anfield. The brand, known for its wool and knitting supplies, grew rapidly and expanded across the UK, reaching over 300 stores at its peak. However, the company collapsed in 2013, leaving only one store in Liverpool standing.

Paul Hargreaves, who purchased the Ethel Austin brand almost a decade ago, has worked to revive the legacy of the business. He described the shop as ‘an institution’ and emphasized that its closure would not mark the end of the brand. ‘People still recognize the name, and that’s what we love,’ he said.

Financial Pressures and Business Realities

Hargreaves cited rising business rates and operational costs as the primary reasons for the relocation. ‘Labour business rates are extortionate compared to what it was last year,’ he explained. ‘We’re coming to the end of the lease, and we’re trying to negotiate a new deal with the landlord, but we’re realistic about the situation.’

Despite the challenges, the store has remained a success, with loyal customers from across the UK visiting regularly. ‘We’ve had people from Birmingham, Wales, the north east, and even the Falklands,’ Hargreaves said. ‘The only place it wasn’t really known is down south.’

Future Plans and Community Impact

Hargreaves is hopeful the shop will relocate within Liverpool, though he has not yet found a new location. ‘We’re lucky that we can be flexible,’ he said. ‘We’ve got flexibility, there’s just no way our prices could be beat.’

Staff and customers have formed a strong bond over the years, with many bringing biscuit tins on their shopping trips. ‘99.9% of people who buy something in the shop leave satisfied,’ Hargreaves said. ‘This shop has been a success story for us.’

The shop’s history is deeply rooted in Liverpool’s culture, and its closure has sparked mixed feelings among locals. ‘We feel a responsibility to take care of it,’ Hargreaves added. ‘The shop is still so important, and everyone knows it.’

With the rise of online shopping, Hargreaves is considering expanding the brand’s reach digitally. ‘Maybe we go online,’ he said. ‘We still get people from all over the country coming from the train station and everyone recognises the brand.’

The future of Ethel Austin remains uncertain, but the brand’s legacy is firmly embedded in Liverpool’s history. As the shop prepares for its move, the city is left to reflect on the enduring impact of a brand that once defined a generation of shoppers.