Future looking bright as new more new stores come to Belfast

A host of new stores are expected in Belfast this year according to a report into the huge progress made in the retail sector.
Shoppers at Victoria Square.
 Picture by Arthur Allison.Shoppers at Victoria Square.
 Picture by Arthur Allison.
Shoppers at Victoria Square. Picture by Arthur Allison.

Among them are stationery giants Smiggle, the Lovisa jewellery brand, and lingerie specialists Victoria’s Secret. Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s and burger joint Byron are also on the way.

A report by Northern Ireland’s largest commercial property agency, Lambert Smith Hampton said “huge progress” has been made since the Good Friday Agreement, however further “political buy in” will be needed if the city wants to become one of the UK’s top 10 retail destinations.

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The extensive report tracks the changing face of the retail sector in Northern Ireland’s capital, charting the major developments in the city centre in the past 20 years, including the construction of Victoria Square, the arrival of new global brands and the improved tourism offer and new attractions such as Titanic Belfast.

The report stated: “The past 18 months have witnessed a significant progression of the retail market in Belfast city centre but Northern Ireland is still virgin territory for many brands already well established in the rest of the UK.

“The influx of new brands such as Stradivarius, Søstrene Grene, Skechers and KIKO Milano has refreshed the retail offer and we expect this to continue over the next 12 months with a number of new national and international brands currently seeking opportunities, such as Smiggle, Lovisa and Victoria’s Secret.”

In the retail study it was noted lack of available space in prime locations has seen a rejuvenation of secondary pitches and in particular new food and beverage operators are likely to continue driving this trend. They backed this up with the examples of Patisserie Valerie and Greggs extend as well as local independents such as Boojum, Slim’s Healthy Kitchen and Ground.

All of whom have been able to grow their chains.

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The report added: “With leisure now an established mainstay of retail destinations and taking an increasing proportion of consumers’ discretionary spend, we expect further activity in this sector in 2017.

“Victoria Square is continuing to attract branded casual dining operators and is seeking to add to the recent arrivals of Zizzi and Five Guys restaurants.

“Carluccio’s and Byron are likely to enter the Belfast market in 2017.”

It was noted that a 32,100 sq ft expansion is also underway at at Primark taking the total floorspace to almost 85,000 sq ft; the largest retail development in the city centre since Victoria Square.