Long-established arts, crafts and creative supplies retailer Fred Aldous is planning to open in Liverpool city centre.

A planning application has been submitted to Liverpool City Council for a change of use at 56–60 Parr Street, paving the way for Fred Aldous to open its newest store in the three-storey building

Founded in Manchester in 1886 by Fred Aldous, the business began by selling cane and willow from a handcart to supply basket-weavers working in the city’s cotton industry, before gradually expanding into craft materials, tools and creative supplies.

Today, Fred Aldous has stores in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, with its shops stocking around 30,000 products for artists, makers and design enthusiasts.

According to documents submitted with the application, the proposed Liverpool store would sell art materials, craft supplies, stationery, haberdashery and other creative goods.

The planning statement says the proposal would secure the continued occupation and active use of an existing commercial building, introduce a well-established retailer into Liverpool city centre and contribute positively towards footfall and economic activity.

It adds that the scheme would make effective use of the building without requiring significant physical alterations, while preserving the character and appearance of the Duke Street Conservation Area.

Image Credit: Parr Street, Liverpool; Map data ©2026 Google.

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