'We have enjoyed a recording breaking year': Boxing Day bargains beckon as Northern Ireland shopping centres reflect on a standout 2025
With Christmas Day celebrations over, Northern Ireland’s bargain hunters are turning their attention to the Boxing Day sales, traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
While queues are expected outside stores from early morning, several of the region’s major shopping destinations are also taking time to reflect on what has been a highly successful year, with strong sales, new store openings and renewed confidence from major brands.
The Junction Retail and Leisure Park is ending 2025 on a high, reporting an impressive 11% year-to-date increase in turnover compared to 2024, bucking wider national retail trends.
The Antrim-based centre has also confirmed the renewal of leases with two of its longest-standing tenants, Next and Denby.
Next, an original occupier when The Junction opened in 2004, will enter its 22nd year at the park. The 12,062 sq ft outlet store, which employs 40 people, is set to undergo internal upgrades including new fitting rooms, underlining the retailer’s confidence in the location and its loyal customer base.
Denby has also renewed its commitment to the scheme, extending the lease on its 1,793 sq ft store. The brand, which joined The Junction in 2009, employs seven staff and offers handcrafted stoneware and homeware. Established in 1809, Denby is often described as the largest studio pottery in the world.
Elsewhere at The Junction, B&M was recently recognised as the top performing store across its Northern Ireland and Scotland portfolio.
Paul McCann, asset manager at owners Lotus Property, said the strong performance reflected both retailer confidence and customer loyalty: “The Junction is finishing 2025 on a real high as we renew household names, Next and Denby. In what continues to be a challenging time for the retail industry, The Junction has bucked national downturn trends, recording exceptional sales this year. It is a true testament to the centre management team and all the retailers onsite.
“The scheme is enjoying a particularly busy Christmas period between shoppers and event attendees, and we are very much looking forward to seeing it continue to thrive in 2026 and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s only premier designer outlet, The Boulevard, is also enjoying what management has described as a record-breaking year.
The centre is operating at 96% retail capacity – the highest in its history – following a summer where sales rose by more than eight per cent. Its momentum has continued into the Golden Quarter with the opening of fashion retailer DV8.
DV8 has taken a 2,436 sq ft unit at The Boulevard, creating 12 jobs. The store stocks more than 100 global brands including Carhartt, The North Face, Dickies and New Balance, and joins a strong fashion line-up featuring kate spade new york, French Connection, GUESS, Next and Marks & Spencer Outlet.
The opening follows a series of recent announcements for The Boulevard, including the arrival of the UK’s only standalone Vila outlet, BPerfect, Sportslocker, and confirmation that a first-of-its-kind IKEA concept store will open in November, with Hollywood Bowl set to follow in spring 2026.
Paul said the outlet’s performance highlighted growing confidence in the outlet retail model: “Welcoming DV8 to The Boulevard is one of many highlights we have experienced with the outlet this year. It is so encouraging to see so many new brands choose our location, signaling a resounding confidence in the scheme and the outlet model in general.
“We have enjoyed a recording breaking year so far and stand in a very confident position as we enter retail’s Golden Quarter leading up to Christmas. DV8 will complement our fashion and footwear offering perfectly. We are delighted to welcome them onsite and wish them the best of luck with their new store.”
Eamon Fagan, area manager at DV8, added: “We’re thrilled to open our doors at The Boulevard, this store reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge fashion, exceptional value, and a dynamic shopping experience. Whether you're into streetwear, casual classics, or premium denim, DV8 is your go-to destination.”
In Belfast city centre, CastleCourt Shopping Centre has also been reflecting on a landmark year, marking 35 years since it opened on Royal Avenue.During 2025, three new outlets opened at the centre – Trespass, Vanilla and Fone Lab – with Vanilla launching its first store on the island of Ireland at CastleCourt and filling the last remaining vacant space after Debenhams closed. The openings followed earlier arrivals including Greggs and the return of TK Maxx, bringing the centre to 99% occupancy. As well as long-standing tenant H Samuel investing in a new look and upgrades.Centre manager Leona Barr said the past year demonstrated continued interest from retailers despite a challenging trading environment.“2025 was a milestone year for CastleCourt,” she explained. “We attracted footfall during peak seasonal times, including Easter, which we combined with our 35th anniversary celebrations, Valentine’s Day, Students returning to Belfast for university with our discount evenings, and of course, Christmas with our annual Santa Parade and all-new grotto for 2025.“In summary, we are confident that CastleCourt continues to reinforce its position as a key city centre