The award recognises the shop’s place at the heart of the new visitor attraction centre development at the Cathedral, the new website www.cathedralshop.com and the unique retail mix that it offers, providing especially commissioned Liverpool and Cathedral gifts as well as a wide range of Christian faith resources. Profits from the shop go towards the ever developing work of Liverpool Cathedral.

This year’s success follows last year’s victory at the Mersey Partnership’s awards where the Cathedral was named 'Large Visitor Attraction of the Year', beating competition from Tate Liverpool, National Museums and Galleries, The Bluecoat and the Beatles Story.

Kevin Stott, retail Manager said,

“It is fantastic to have won such a prestigious category. The Cathedral Shop is at the heart of the Visitor Centre and is a central part of the whole tourism offer here. 2009 was tough nationwide for retailing, and none more so than for Christian bookshops. But we have bucked the trend with a mix of merchandise and services – always creative and inspirational, meeting the needs of those who want something to remind them of their visit to the Cathedral or to the city and those who want more specific Christian books and gifts. We have made links worldwide through our retail website www.cathedralshop.com as well as supporting and commissioning unique, fair-trade products.”

Eryl Parry, Director of Enterprise added,

“The shop team has worked tremendously hard to build up the shop and achieve what is a complex retail mix. The feedback we have had from regular customers or those here just once, has shown that it is working. The shop website also allows people to experience what the Cathedral has to offer from anywhere in the world. We are delighted to have been nominated for this award, especially considering the quality of the other entrants – including such a large development as Liverpool One, and congratulate everybody involved!”