Liberty enlarges fabric hall to tap sewing revival

Liberty is expanding its fabrics offer in central London as the retailer leans into renewed interest in sewing, dressmaking and hands-on craft. The department store has more than doubled the size of its fabrics department and says the enlarged space is designed to serve a growing group of customers looking for luxury materials and practical guidance.

Liberty embraces sewing boom with craft classes

The London retailer, which opened near Oxford Circus in 1924, has increased its fabrics department by 140% to 4,630 sq ft, or 430 sq metres. The space now holds more than 2,500 fabrics and is staffed by 17 specialist sales people who can help shoppers choose suitable materials for their projects. Liberty said the upgrade reflects the way interest in sewing has developed, including attention from social media users and a wider appetite for craft-based shopping.

Fabric sales rose 11% last year at the store, according to the company, and Liberty expects a similar pace of growth this year. That outlook appears to be driven by more than one type of customer. The retailer says crafters are being joined by wealthy overseas shoppers who buy luxury fabrics to be made into bespoke outfits in their home countries.

The expansion is not limited to the fabrics floor. Liberty also plans to enlarge its haberdashery area this autumn and use the space for workshops aimed at crafters. While the retailer has not given a detailed schedule, the move signals that the store is positioning itself as more than a place to buy cloth. It is also trying to offer a setting for learning, making and expert advice.

For a heritage department store, the strategy is a reminder that old retail categories can gain new relevance when customer behaviour changes. Sewing has become more visible in online culture, where home dressmaking, patchwork and other craft practices have found a bigger audience. Liberty is responding by adding floor space, staff support and class-based activity around a category that is already performing well.

The updated department is likely to be important for the store because fabrics sit at the intersection of retail, fashion and craftsmanship. Shoppers buying from the section are not simply purchasing finished goods. They are selecting materials that may become clothing, accessories or other custom pieces. That makes service and range especially important, which helps explain why Liberty has prioritised both the number of fabrics on offer and the presence of trained staff.

The company’s plans also underline the continuing role of the flagship London store in attracting a mix of domestic and international shoppers. Near Oxford Circus for more than a century, Liberty remains a destination associated with premium textiles and specialist retail. By expanding its fabrics business and adding autumn workshops, it is aiming to strengthen that identity while meeting a market that appears to be growing.

Liberty has not indicated any further changes beyond the larger fabrics department, the expanded haberdashery area and the planned autumn classes. But the scale of the investment suggests the retailer sees enough momentum in sewing and craft to keep building around it.