Category: Liverpool

A brand-new SPAR store has opened in Liverpool city centre with an ambitious independent owner taking his first steps into convenience retail.

Kent Gu has opened SPAR Monument Place at the heart of the city between Liverpool Lime Street central train station and the University of Liverpool.
The store which is serviced by James Hall & Co. Ltd features a comprehensive convenience offer with excellent fresh food and ambient ranges.
There is a particular focus on grab and go with a Cheeky Coffee machine and Clayton Park Bakery hot food unit central to this.
A broad range of chilled sandwiches and snacks are adjacent alongside a large, refrigerated drinks cabinet, with a small seating area enabling customers to meet, eat, and drink in store if they wish.
SPAR Monument Place’s frozen section is under the Iceland Foods branding following the recently announced agreement between SPAR and Iceland, and there is a corner dedicated to chilled beers, ciders, and wines.
Kent first moved to Liverpool in 2012 and has a background in food retail going back to 2013 with eJoy Asian Foods supermarkets in Liverpool’s Myrtle Street and Devon Street.
This is felt in store too with a strong range of Oriental foods and delicacies to support the significant Chinese and Asian population residing in the city.
Reflecting on the opening, Kent is delighted with the store’s range and appearance. The store is also opening on the cusp of transformational change in Monument Place which is undergoing a renaissance through major investment in public space improvements and to its transport links.
Kent said: “I am very pleased with the store and feel really excited to be joining SPAR with James Hall. I have visited the distribution centre and have been to the company’s retailer events. I am confident in my choice as I have been very impressed with everything I have seen.
“Joining SPAR has also enabled me to stay independent and I have a hybrid offer with many different Oriental products included as part of my wider range.
“I feel I have got the right team in place too. Mo my Store Manager has a catering background and excels with customer service and Angie my Assistant Manager has recruited the team of 15 to her very high standards with a mix of age and experience.
“The support I have received in opening the store from James Hall has been fantastic as well, in particular my Retail Sales Advisor Danny Millington. Previously I have tried to do everything myself – design, materials, contractors – and it is so difficult to balance.
“The team at James Hall have helped with all of this but also in areas like regulation which I am grateful for and arranging additional services like parcels with Amazon, DHL, DPD, and UPS.
“It has been a long journey getting here as I first planned to convert my Myrtle Street eJoy store into a SPAR back in 2021. As plans progressed it became clear it was not going to work. Then the opportunity came to lease this unit in Monument Place, and I finally agreed that in 2024.
“I think the location of the SPAR here in the Fabric District is a good one. We have apartments above us and the conversion of the former TJ Hughes building next door is taking place which will become a large apartment complex. Monument Place itself is going to be improved and we are in a busy, central location in the city.”
As part of the planning for opening a city centre SPAR store, Kent did his homework and gained learnings from SPAR City Tower and Oxford Road in Manchester, owned by award-winning independent retailer Paul Stone, where he met Paul’s business partner Rob Hinchey.
Kent said: “It was very useful to meet Rob and share with him my ambitions for SPAR Monument Place and ask him a range of questions about trading in a convenience retail store in a city centre.
“Just as I did with my eJoy supermarket stores, I have a thought process that includes opening further city centre SPAR stores in the next five years, so I thank him for his insight and time which has been valuable.”
Peter Dodding, Sales Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd and Chair of the SPAR Northern Guild, said: “Congratulations to Kent on the successful launch of SPAR Monument Place. I am very pleased for him and his team.
“Kent’s recruitment to SPAR as an independent retailer has been a slow burner with a complete change of plan for his first store during the process. What has been key to Monument Place’s opening has been the professionalism of our recruitment and sales teams here at James Hall acquired through years of knowledge and experience of convenience retail.
“This has led us here to Kent’s store today which looks fantastic and is a smart addition to a busy corner of Liverpool city centre. The store’s range has the capability to support different shopping missions, and with the improvement work to come in the locality, there is the promise of even higher footfall to take advantage of in the future.”
James Hall & Co. Ltd is a fifth-generation family business which serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston.
 
 

July 14th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window has officially opened and while the main attention is on the World Cup, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

PSG could reportedly move for Ferran Torres this summer. The Spanish international only has one year left on his contract at Barcelona and they need to pay Manchester City €8 million. if they extend it. Barca are keen to avoid this with PSG interested.

Michael Olise remains Real Madrid’s dream signing this summer but they are unlikely to submit an offer this summer. Bayern Munich don’t want to sell their prized asset and it will be near impossible to extract him from the Bundesliga giants.

Inter Milan are considering a move for Djed Spence. The full-back has impressed at the World Cup with England but it’s unclear whether he features in Roberto De Zebri’s plans at Tottenham.

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July 13th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window has officially opened and while the main attention is on the World Cup, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Inter Milan are preparing another bid for Curtis Jones. Liverpool have already rebuffed an opening offer for around €25m for the midfielder but Jones is expected to depart Anfield with his contract expiring in 2027.

Roma are currently the leading candidates to sign Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine winger is not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans with Chelsea setting a price tag of €50m, which will be prohibitive for Roma but a loan deal remains possible.

Tottenham and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Omar Marmoush. The 27-year-old has struggled since moving to Manchester City from the Bundesliga and Enzo Maresca’s men will entertain offers this summer.

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The 22-year-old joins the club on a permanent basis following the expiration of her contract at Manchester City.“I think everyone knows Liverpool worldwide. It’s such a big club and I think the women’s team is striving for greatness,” Keating said.“I think the style of football that they play, they actually try to play – which suits me and my position.“I think they’re just going in the right direction and [it is] a project that I want to be part of.”If you enjoy our articles, help us out by making Hayters.com one of your preferred sources on Google by clicking here. 

July 12th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window has officially opened and while the main attention is on the World Cup, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Free agent Mohamed Salah is being lined up by ambitious MLS franchise Sporting Kansas City. The Egyptian star, 34, is without a club after mutually terminating his Liverpool contract a year early, and he could be set for a move Stateside in the final years of his career. Saudi clubs are also chasing the Reds icon.

Manchester United and Liverpool have approached Wolves over a move for João Gomes, according to reports. The 25-year-old was due to seal a move to Atletico Madrid but the deal has fallen through, meaning the Brazilian may end up staying in England. Now both Premier League giants are monitoring his situation, with Gomes available for around €45 million.

Sunderland and Fulham are among the clubs chasing AS Roma winger Matias Soulé this summer. The 23-year-old joined the Giallorossi last summer, snubbing interest from Premier League clubs in the process. But Corriere dello Sport report the Argentine is in talks with both teams.

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July 12th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window has officially opened and while the main attention is on the World Cup, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Free agent Mohamed Salah is being lined up by ambitious MLS franchise Sporting Kansas City. The Egyptian star, 34, is without a club after mutually terminating his Liverpool contract a year early, and he could be set for a move Stateside in the final years of his career. Saudi clubs are also chasing the Reds icon.

Manchester United and Liverpool have approached Wolves over a move for João Gomes, according to reports. The 25-year-old was due to seal a move to Atletico Madrid but the deal has fallen through, meaning the Brazilian may end up staying in England. Now both Premier League giants are monitoring his situation, with Gomes available for around €45 million.

Sunderland and Fulham are among the clubs chasing AS Roma winger Matias Soulé this summer. The 23-year-old joined the Giallorossi last summer, snubbing interest from Premier League clubs in the process. But Corriere dello Sport report the Argentine is in talks with both teams.

Note:
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There’s so much to do in Merseyside throughout the year and you can receive the latest news about everything going on in the city directly to your phone.Join our ‘Things to do in Liverpool’ WhatsApp community by clicking the link belowhttps://chat.whatsapp.com/HdFhxrFtdWxFEgqstr7uBwWe also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice belowhttps://www.reachplc.com/site-services/privacy-policy

Nashville’s GEODIS Park opened in 2022. – Photo by IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

With the Premier League returning in less than 50 days, many sides are preparing for the first of their pre-season fixtures.

Liverpool, now under the management of Andoni Iraola, will begin the first of their five pre-season friendlies against fellow Premier League side Sunderland at GEODIS Park in Nashville on Saturday, 25 July.

Built in 2022, GEODIS Park is home to MLS outfit Nashville SC and has a capacity of just over 30,000.

Some supporters may already be familiar with the venue after it hosted three matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Although the $335 million stadium is only a few years old, it has already welcomed major artists including Shania Twain, Guns N’ Roses and Green Day, while it is also scheduled to host nine Olympic football matches during the 2028 Games.

Heading to the game? Here, Football Ground Guide covers all the essential information to help Liverpool fans make the most of their trip to Nashville.

How many Liverpool fans are going to Nashville?

It is impossible to know exactly how many Liverpool supporters will attend the match, with fans travelling from both Merseyside and across the United States expected to be in attendance.

With a capacity of just over 30,000, it would be no surprise if the majority inside GEODIS Park were supporting Iraola’s side.

Where will Liverpool fans sit at Geodis Park?

As this is a pre-season friendly taking place more than 4,000 miles from the UK, supporters from both clubs will be free to purchase tickets throughout the stadium.

With just 150 feet separating the final row of seats from the touchline, fans can expect an excellent view of the action wherever they choose to sit.

The stadium also features a dedicated safe-standing section for supporters.

Full fans’ matchday guide for Nashville away

The game will kick off at 23:00 BST (17:00 local time) – Photo via IMAGO / APL

Where to eat & drink for Liverpool fans?

With a metropolitan population of more than two million people, Nashville offers plenty of excellent food and drink options for travelling supporters.

As it is the USA, fans visiting from the UK should be aware that prices are generally higher than back home, with a typical beer costing between $6 and $10.

Some of the best options close to GEODIS Park include:

Common Ground – Berry Hill – 734 Thompson Ln, Nashville

Prince’s Hot Chicken – 5814 Nolensville Pk #110, Nashville

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – 112th 19th Avenue S, Nashville (also available inside the stadium concourse)

How to get to Geodis Park: Guide for Liverpool fans in Nashville?

There are several ways for both Liverpool and Sunderland supporters to reach GEODIS Park, with Nashville’s public transport network providing a convenient and affordable option.

While taxis are available, travelling by bus is often quicker and cheaper on matchday, with services stopping within walking distance of the stadium.

The recommended route is the WeGo Route 8 service towards 100 Oaks from 8th Avenue S & Demonbreun St SB. After approximately 10 minutes and 11 stops, get off at 8th Avenue S & Roycroft Pl SB.

From there, it is a short walk along Wedgewood Avenue before turning right onto Bransford Avenue, where GEODIS Park will come into view.

Supporters can also take the WeGo Route 52 service towards Hickory Plaza. Although the journey is slightly longer at around 12 minutes, it leaves fans with a shorter walk to the stadium.

Unlike transport in the UK, the pricing is very reasonable. A two-hour fare costs just $2 (£1.49), while daily travel is capped at $4 (£2.98).

Passengers can pay using contactless Visa, Mastercard or Discover cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Liverpool ONE unveils 1,000-square metre installation ahead of major event ⛳️👀#TheOpen #Liverpool #TommyFleetwood

As the eyes of the golfing world turn to Merseyside with the 154th Open due to tee off at the Royal Birkdale next week, a giant 1,000-square metre portrait of local golfing star Tommy Fleetwood has been unveiled in Liverpool city centre. | Liverpool Echo News

Former Everton and Man United striker Louis Saha belives Liverpool target Bradley Barcola has what it takes to make it to the very top.The winger is said to be valued at around £130m by PSG. Saha told Live Football Tickets: “Bradley Barcola is a terrific player. He has already won two Champions Leagues, and he could even win the World Cup over the next few weeks, his achievements for such a young player are staggering.”He has become a much improved player over the past few seasons, he gets better and better every year, and he can go right to the very top of football.“What Barcola needs is to move somewhere where he is going to be first choice in his position week in, week out. His confidence will improve ten-fold once that happens, and then he will be a way more dangerous player.“He has enormous potential, and I’m not surprised Liverpool are looking at him. They need a replacement for Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo has looked uncomfortable at times for them out wide. Barcola could easily fill either of those positions.”He is so direct, creative, and he has the ability to go in behind, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bidding war for him go on all summer between top sides if he wants to leave PSG and cement his place in a top Premier League side.”Bradley Barcola looks on during the World Cup game between Paraguay and France.(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)