The Smiffys shop in Liverpool city centre closed its doors last year
13:23, 07 Aug 2025Updated 13:31, 07 Aug 2025
Smiffys was located on Bold Street before closing last year(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A business which closed its long-standing Liverpool store last year is returning to the city in a new form. Smiffys, which sells fancy dress, was located on Bold Street for more than two decades before it shut its doors in November of last year.
Its parent company, RH Smith. went into administration in June 2024 after being “significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw a huge drop in demand for costume and party products.” Smiffys was latter bought by Ad Populum LLC.
In a heartfelt tribute before the store shut its doors, a Smiffys spokesperson said: “We’re sad to announce the closure of the Smiffys Bold Street store. Thank you to the wonderful people of Liverpool for hosting us for over 20 years, we are very sad to leave and are acutely aware of the profound impact it will have on each member of our valued team, but it is a reality of a trading environment in a prime high street location.”
Posters reading “closing down, everything must go” were seen in the shop’s windows, with up to 75% off all remaining costumes. Smiffys products continued to be available on the company’s website. The shop was replaced by a new branch of So Salsa.
However, with Halloween approaching, Scousers ordering from Smiffys could benefit from a new Smiffys warehouse based in Liverpool.
Logistics real estate company Mileway has announced they have signed a a ten-year lease agreement with Rubies, one of the largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of licensed dress up products in the world, and Smiffys for 170,000 sqft of high-quality warehouse and office space at Space 170, 1 Pighue Lane, close to the Liverpool Shopping Park on Edge Lane.
Under a joint venture agreement, Rubies and Smiffys will transition to the new facility later this month. The new space will mark a significant step in improving the company’s operational performance, fulfilment speed and customer service capabilities.
This includes being able to optimise the warehouse layout and racking for faster, more efficient order fulfilment, increasing its inventory capacity and enhancing delivery accuracy.
To support the company’s growing operational needs, the modern facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art warehouse management system to improve efficiency and reliability.
Strategically located near the M62 with access to the M57 and the M6, the warehouse is well connected to the wider northwest region, including the Port of Liverpool, the Jaguar Land Rover factory and the Mersey Gateway bridge. It also benefits from proximity to key public transport links and local amenities, including the redeveloped retail park.
Andrew Jones, Mileway managing director UK and Ireland, said: “We worked closely with Rubies and Smiffys to meet their specific and tight scheduling requirements, successfully ensuring disruption was kept to a minimum.
“We look forward to building a long-term partnership as they enter this exciting phase of growth and operational transformation.”
Fran Hales, head of portfolio and marketing at Rubies, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey of enhanced operational excellence and improved customer service.
“This strategic move represents our dedication to serving our customers better, especially in time for the Halloween season. The modern facility and upgraded technology will allow us to fulfil orders more efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and increased stock availability.”
Elliott Peckett, sales director at Smiffys, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this move to our new Liverpool location will ensure an improved and optimised process for every order that leaves our distribution facility.
“This customised fulfilment centre has been developed with our product range in mind, allowing for an improved service and more efficient order fulfilment. We’re looking forward to heading into our busiest season better equipped than ever to support our customers and meet demands.”