I'd never pick Manchester over Liverpool apart from when it comes to one thing.
Pretty much everything is better here - but since I arrived around five years ago there is one reason why I continue to miss Manchester and it all comes down to one shop.
For those unfamiliar, the clothes shop Uniqlo sells some pretty bog-standard essentials but done very well and for pretty cheap especially compared to other places.
It also does some pretty exciting designer collaborations from time to time, and its seasonal items can be fantastic. They're not the type of clothes you'd wear only once or twice a month.
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That's all I really want from a clothes shop - I'm not flashy, I'm not mad about streetwear, I've not got the money to restock my wardrobe every April (honestly I've never been more skint) - but I am happy to spend a reasonable amount for the things I'm going to end up wearing each week.
When I came across the Uniqlo shop in Manchester visiting a friend a few years ago I was pretty shocked. The shop in the Arndale Centre is big, catering to both men and women and I spent about an hour in there - longer than I ever would in any shop. I left that Uniqlo finally understanding how clothes shopping can be a good and satisfying experience, when for years it had just been uncomfortable and frustrating, even when I find clothes I like.
With Arket (Uniqlo's more-expensive sibling in my eyes) now gone from Liverpool ONE a big hole has been left. Since then, despite living just on its border, I've barely gone into the shopping district.
Liverpool needs a shop people can get these essentials to last, as well as some pretty decent seasonal items and designer-collaborations that keep me visiting Uniqlo's website and popping in whenever I'm in Manchester.
We need a Uniqlo. I think it would bring a massive amount of consistency to the city's shopping scene and, judging from Manchester's reaction, I have no doubt it would be massively popular too.
With all the changes we're seeing happen around Liverpool ONE when would be a better time than now?
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