Sports footwear retailer is move in to a unit in Liverpool One previously occupied by music and DVD store, HMV, which itself will be moving to another unit elsewhere on South John Street. Tony McDonough reports

Retail and leisure complex Liverpool One says footfall in 2017 exceeded 29m for the first time in its 10-year history.

Owner Grosvenor Europe also says sales were also up 3% on 2016 and it comes as it is revealed leading sports footwear retailer Foot Locker is to move in to a unit in Liverpool One previously occupied by music and DVD store, HMV.

The 21,000 sq ft Footlocker outlet, on South John Street will be one of the largest in its global network. HMV has relocated to another unit on South John Street, next to All Saints and Simply Be.

Footlocker is the latest in a series of sportswear and footwear brands to select Liverpool One for major stores, with JD Sports opening a flagship store on Paradise Street in December last year as well as Superdry and Seven Liverpool, joining the retail and leisure destination in the last 12 months.

Alison Clegg, director, asset management at Liverpool One owner Grosvenor Europe, said: “Securing Footlocker is a reflection of our strategy to provide visitors with a highly compelling offer that isn’t available elsewhere.

“Along with the new HMV, the new stores will provide on-trend, exciting offers that further strengthen Liverpool ONE’s great mix of brands.

“An increasing number of retailers including Footlocker, JD Sports, and Nespresso have launched new stores concepts in Liverpool ONE, an endorsement of their performance and confidence.”

HMV’s new store, which opened Saturday, January 20, features an extensive area dedicated to vinyl.