If you typed Liverpool into eBay and bought everything on the first ten pages, you’d come pretty close to owning the entire range of stock of this Albert Dock gift shop. I did like some of the tat on sale, and the way the LFC and EFC souvenirs took up the two furthest corners away from each other, but for the most part, few things here were present-worthy. The problem is that Liverpool is written on absolutely everything, regardless of what it is or how it relates to our fair city. I got the impression you could sell them miniature Eiffel Towers, so long as it said Liverpool on them in huge neon letters. Still, at least we’re capable of having a gift shop dedicated to the city in itself. Try and say that about Wolverhampton.
Liam M.
Place rating: 3 Liverpool, United Kingdom
Impressions of Liverpool is another very tourist orientated shop which is situated within the Albert Dock area. I normally cannot stand places such as this which sell souvenirs and gifts related to cities as they often appear to be very tacky and the products inside can be very poor quality indeed. This shop seems to be a bit of an exception to that particular rule and break the mould as far as gift shops are concerned. There is actually some good quality stuff inside this establishment and unlike other gift shops the décor is nice also and this is one gift shop from which I would not begrudge receiving a present. The prices are higher than most souvenir stores but this is reflected in the quality that you get and you certainly would not mind paying the difference. Great little store which helped to alter my negative opinion towards gift shops in general, if only they were all this way.
Megan C.
Place rating: 3 Liverpool, United Kingdom
This is a higher end gift shop on the Albert Dock, as compared to the cheap and chintzy Wizards Cards and Gifts and Annabel’s Accessories. You can tell items are higher quality as soon as you step in the door. The shop feels newer, smells cleaner, and is artfully arranged. Shelves of gifts rest on top of oldie-worldy looking wooden chests, similar perhaps to those that were loaded onto cargo shops back in the day. You’ll find all the Liverpool souvenirs you could possibly want here including T-shirts, mugs, post cards, maps of the city(always helpful!), Scouse novelty items, and a large rack of free leaflets advertising various local theatre events and plays. Take my advice and skip Wizards and pop in here instead for your souvenirs.(Unless, of course, as I said you like cheap stuff …)
Anthony S.
Place rating: 3 Liverpool, United Kingdom
When you spot a big cardboard cut out of The Yellow Submarine in the window you pretty much know what to expect! In fairness this place is not meant for the likes of me, a scouser who has had The Beatles rammed down his throat since birth but for those visiting the city there is plenty of memorabilia and souvenirs to remind you of the trip in scouseland. There are plenty of novelty t shirts, LFC gear — even babygrows and bibs for those eager to ensure their offspring grow up admiring the wrong side of Stanley Park! — and all the usual gubbins such as key rings and fridge magnets. There are also some fairly interesting books about the city and some of its famous sons — not just The Beatles but the clubs of that era, the history of the city as a port, etc — and even a ‘How to speak Scouse’ handbook. It was very up to date too with words like jarg, bizzie and… shirtlifter? Oh well done, nothing like the scouse ‘wit’ to really sell the city.
Jando S.
Place rating: 3 Hong Kong
Located just from the waterfront of Duke’s Dock lies this little souvenir shop that is embedded in a small clump of businesses mainly catered to tourists. It’s such a gorgeous area, full of great views and clean streets. People coming here are sure to snap away photos during the day, one might as well make something out of it and bring a little piece of Liverpool home with them. Besides, what touristy experience isn’t complete with some souvenirs? The shop seems nice and is full of moderately priced items that range from glasses to wall décor to cheesy t-shirts. I managed to find a mini collection of fun coasters and some interesting hats to bring back to the states. Service was splendid. The staff here was nice enough to help us search out various items based on the preferences of our group. The only problem was that none of the stuff really appealed to me, but then again I’m not much of a souvenir shopper.