Japanese lifestyle brand Kenji launches at Liverpool ONE

Grosvenor Europe has announced that Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand, Kenji, has officially unveiled its new retail concept at 45 South John Street within Liverpool ONE. It is the first of three new concept stores to be launched by the Manchester-based retailer across the North West.

Taking 1,500 sq ft, the Kenji concept seamlessly incorporates retail, leisure and hospitality into a mini arcade format, and features the first-ever Kenji claw machines. The store also houses Kenji’s high-quality collection of homewares, stationery, gifts, food and accessories, all influenced by Japanese minimalism and elegant simplicity.  

Designed by Kenji’s in-house team, the bespoke shop fit-out features an oversized brushed gold ceiling frame decorated with a floral display, to be updated seasonally in line with the retailer’s collections. 

While providing a seamless brand experience, the new Liverpool ONE store also supports community engagement with a dedicated ‘makers section’ for local creatives and small businesses to market their products on a rotating two-week schedule. 

Alison Clegg, Director, Asset Management,Grosvenor Europe, commented on the store opening: “More than ever before, it is important for retail be forward-thinking and experience-led. We recognised these elements in Kenji’s new concept store, and we’re pleased that Liverpool ONE is the first to host the retailer’s new immersive format. Kenji’s launch adds to the consistent growth of Liverpool ONE as a destination of choice for brands.” 

Derek Yong, Head of Operation at Kenji, added:“We are excited to be launching at South John Street in Liverpool ONE and be part of a vibrant community which is undeniably one of the strongest performing centres in the UK. The aim to disrupt the way retail is traditionally experienced is by curating an immersive retail space of Japanese inspired designer homeware, toys and stationery, allowing customers to explore not just the products but the story behind them, also, bringing back the excitement to shopping.”

The launch of Kenji coincides with the opening of iconic British toy emporium, Hamleys, on Paradise Street, and news that luxury jewellery retailer, David M Robinson (DMR), has committed to a five-year lease renewal of its boutique on South John Street at Liverpool ONE. 

CBRE and Metis acted for Liverpool ONE. KJ Retail Consultancy acted for Kenji.