Rexmas in the Metquarter
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.

ON Thursday, 17 December 2015, Liverpool's latest concept store, REX, based in the Metquarter, held:- 'REXMAS,' as part of the shopping centres' late night opening event.

The event had local singer Lydia Jayne performing on the stairs as shoppers looked around this amazing store. Lydia Jayne, who is hoping to go to University next year, has a very good voice. We are told that she will be starting singing lesions next year, but this self taught singer, who is in 6th Form, has developed a very good, powerful voice already by herself. So thinking she was looking at performance art for University, we were surprised to hear she said she wanted to do English Language. Keep an eye out for this girl, as she has a fantastic raw talent.

Other delights on offer included free Frozen Yogurt being given out by 1 of Liverpool's tastiest new business, the wonderful:- 'Fro  and Beans'. Plus the odd mince pie and hot mulled wine to wash it all down with... Along with a few other treats... This was a fantastic way to pick out your last minute gifts! Not only that, but this is not a normal store, as it is a unique collection of local retailers, artists, and designers, who operate pop up spaces within this shared retail space. The area offers an interesting range of items, from 20p nick nacks to items worth over the £10,000. These items range from Scouse greeting cards, oil paintings and vintage clothing, even half a car that has been made into a couch!  As we roamed around this collection of box stores, we had the privilege of talking to some of the sellers.

1 of the sellers we chatted to was a young school girl, called Angel, who is definitely a major entrepreneur to watch in the future. Selling gifts for pets, in Liverpool's Gostin's shopping mall, as well as within REX and on her online shop. Her section is called:- 'Pawabella'  and has a very interesting range of products. At 1st, our Editor was a bit unsure how much was really her and how much was her Mum behind this, but when we asked to do an interview her Mum left her daughter to openly chat with us. That's when unprompted, told us that she started selling as a way to earn cash for University, so she can become a Vet! What an amazing thing to say. Plus she was under no illusions as to how difficult this would be! Another interesting interview was with a Canadian who has made Liverpool her home, and set up shop selling very special jewellery and other accessories. The last one we videoed was the in house dress maker. This is one of many of Liverpool's tucked away independent emporiums that houses what could be the next major retail sellers, like Littelwoods or Lewis's. It demonstrates Liverpool's ability to develop ideas of both young and old, within a friendly, down to earth and realistic retail environment. We will be doing more about REX next year and suggest to our readers to take a look at this fantastic shop.

Also on the same night, within the Metquarter was a local performance group, called:- 'Paperwork Theatre', who performed a free, family friendly, self written, magical mini-production called:-‎ 'I Spy a Yeti‬.' Thanks Rex for inviting us in to your concept store's event night!