Much loved city shop reopens after ‘desperate’ five year search

A popular Liverpool shop which closed five years ago has reopened in a new location.

Utility has become a popular shop for unique and original gifts since it opened in 1999. Originally based on Bold Street, it went on to open a second location on Manesty’s Lane in Liverpool ONE.

Utility had a furniture store on Bold Street which showcased lighting and home accessories. However, in 2019 the business announced it would be closing its showroom on Bold Street as it had “long outgrown” the site and it was “no longer fit for purpose in the modern retailing landscape.”

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The company’s second, smaller gift shop on Bold Street remains open. Utility has now opened a new showroom in The Flint in the Baltic Triangle after searching for new premises.

The Victorian building has been bought by Utility and has been converted to house stylish homeware, as well as the firm’s digital team.

Richard Skelton, co-founder of Utility, said: “Since we closed our Bold Street showroom in 2019, we’ve been desperate for new premises. Being able to buy the building was a huge bonus and enabled us to create a space tailored to our exact needs.

“As well as being a home for all our key brands, it’s also the office for our digital team and a space for the architect and design community to engage, discuss project requirements with our contract team and hold product launches. This makes it an integral part of Liverpool’s design landscape.”

Utility argues its move to the Baltic aligns with the area’s reputation as a thriving cultural and creative quarter, reinforcing Utility’s commitment to innovation and design excellence. The new showroom offers an immersive experience for customers and professionals alike, highlighting the best in contemporary European design.

The showroom is located on 2 Flint Street. It is open to all from Monday to Saturday, and Sundays by appointment.

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