RETAILER CONFIDENCE SOARS AT THE BOULEVARD

Retailer confidence at Northern Ireland’s only premier designer outlet is continuing to soar as existing tenants take more space to increase stock and add new lines.

Long-time tenant, Mountain Warehouse is adding surf brand ANIMAL, taking an additional 1,116 sq ft adjacent to its existing unit, making its total footprint at The Boulevard 3,552 sq ft.

The classic surf brand was first re-launched online after Mountain Warehouse acquired it in 2021, with a physical store roll out underway in strong trading locations, such as the Boulevard’s sister scheme The Junction back in 2021.

Following record sales and customer loyalty, global denim fashion brand Levi’s® recently moved to a more prominent unit – taking 50% more space to meet shopper demand and offer an increased range of leading denimwear and accessories at discounted prices.

Independently owned toy retailer, Toytown has also expanded at the discount outlet to include an expansive baby and nursery range under the brand Baby World at Toytown. Originally founded in Belfast in 1980, the popular toy store has grown to become one of the largest independent toy retailers in the UK, with the Banbridge location recording excellent sales figures warranting a store and range expansion.

Retail Director at The Boulevard, Chris Nelmes said: “We are extremely encouraged by the steady stream of retailer expansions and investments at The Boulevard in recent times. Our stores have been recording excellent sales figures, many higher than the industry average thanks to the high volume of footfall from both northern and southern Ireland, a unique benefit given our convenient location on the main Belfast to Dublin motorway.”

Other well-loved brands have also been enjoying success at the scheme, with multiple stores set to announce extended leasing contract commitments in the coming months.

Managing Director at Lotus Property, Alastair Coulson said: “Many of the retailers we have at The Boulevard record trading figures that top their counterparts across Great Britain and Europe, proving our strong customer base’s loyalty to the scheme.

“The range of stores we have expanding units at The Boulevard stands true to the strong customer demographics we have built since acquiring the scheme in 2016, providing retailers with the confidence to invest.”

The Boulevard has continued to buck national trends seeing record footfall and sales volumes month-on-month and year-on-year continually.

The Boulevard is advised on leasing by Johnstone Property Consultants and KLM Real Estate.