A hidden lifestyle store is often missed due to its place of operation. Liverpool’s Bearskin is hidden away on Leather Lane – an alleyway that is just a stone’s throw from the adored GBar nightclub. Despite being located inside the city’s Pride Quarter , the store can be overlooked as it is focused more on what’s on the inside, rather than what’s on the exterior.
Director Ken Bryce, known to many of the LGBTQ+ community as Spiker, stated that privacy is top of mind for the business, since the safety and security of the LGBTQ+ community is and will remain a primary priority. Bearskin offers everything from well-known underwear and fetish brands, such like Locker Gear and Addiction to an array of other products geared toward the queer community.
It boasts of being an area’s “only gay-owned and gay-managed lifestyle store” The business most popular items include Andrew Christian underwear, Breedwell harnesses, and Maskulo briefs, all of that can be purchased on the internet. Ken the 58-year-old, originally from Scotland but who now lives in Aigburth
Ken, 58, told The ECHO: “It took us several months to determine what the people of Liverpool was looking for and wanted. The store is open to everyone in Aigburth’s community.”

Bearskin was founded through Ken and his 14-year-old partner. When Ken’s partner passed away from Covid in the year 2020 He was determined to keep the business operating in his memory and, with thirty years worth of experience in retail He believed he could succeed in succeeding.
He stated: “I’ve been in retail since I was 16 years old and I owned a shop similar to that in Glasgow that sold a amount of everything: punk rock, fetish, and even rock. That’s why I had all the information, however, when I arrived in Liverpool I realized that Liverpool was not like this prior to that, there was nothing for those in the LGBTQ+ community anyway. There are great bars and nightclubs but it’s targeted at the younger crowd and a club-oriented one. “
There was nothing for the older gay guys and even those who were younger there were no shops for them to buy from. We had to remind ourselves that we aren’t in Manchester and we don’t have Canal Street or as big as a community so we had to be realistic to make the store work.”
The business was founded three years ago at the Baltic Market’s Red Brick Market but was relocated into Leather Lane to fit in with Liverpool’s other LGBTQand venues that are scattered in the vicinity of Stanley Street – an area in which the store is “much more visible” and within the reach of its intended public. Ken is grateful for how friendly Liverpool is to his shop – something
Ken appreciates as an alternative to the traditional notion of a store selling clothes. Although it is not a traditional looking store the store is an ambiance that is warm and welcoming inside. It also has private changing rooms so that the customers are comfortable while looking for their next purchase.
The Glaswegian who has been resident in Liverpool for more than 10 years, said: “It has taken a amount of time, but we are beginning to grow in terms of business and we are beginning to become well-known. Our sales on our website are growing worldwide. We believe that our brand is able to expand, but we are currently seeking investors because we’ve received some attention coming from Gran Canaria.
“We want to take the Bearskin brand to the next level and are hoping to run Bearskin-based social events, so those who are a little older feel they have a place to go other than the young clubs. The store has been very well-received thankfully – we haven’t had any problems yet, but that isn’t to say problems won’t come because just look at Manchester.” Manchester’s alternative to Bearskin, Clonezone, found in the middle of the city’s gay district is being victimized by masked criminals at least four times over the course of a couple of months. Ken said: “We can’t just give to people who dislike us. It’s not the way it works and they will not be able to beat us. We’re a strong community and we have to demonstrate the world that. We’re very fortunate here in Liverpool but we have to be a part of everyone in the country.
FAQ’s
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What is the unique selling point of Bearskin?
Bearskin is known for its unique range of products and its welcoming atmosphere, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Where is Bearskin located?
Bearskin is located in a tiny alleyway in Liverpool’s Pride Quarter.
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What is the target audience for Bearskin?
Bearskin primarily caters to the LGBTQ+ community, but it also welcomes people from all walks of life.
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Why did Ken Bryce choose to open a store in such a small space?
Ken Bryce chose a small space to keep the store’s overheads low and to create a more intimate shopping experience.
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How has Ken Bryce’s personal experience influenced the store?
Ken Bryce’s personal experience with loss and grief has shaped his approach to running Bearskin, making it a place of comfort and understanding for many.
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What are Ken Bryce’s future plans for Bearskin?
While specific future plans haven’t been detailed in the article, Ken Bryce’s commitment to providing a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community suggests that he will continue to expand the store’s offerings and reach.