SEVEN new stores are opening in the Buttercrane shopping centre in Newry creating a total of 120 retail jobs in an investment worth over £3.7 million.
The new shops, which comprise a total 25,000 square feet of letting space in the centre include leading fashion brands, a gift and stationery supplier and toy retailer.
Three of the stores - women's fashion labels Vila and Vero Moda, and Jack & Jones menswear open today, with children's wear specialist Name It, plus-size brand Yours, discount stationery and gift retailer The Works and toy retailer Order Sixty Six opening over the new few weeks.
Announcing the investment, centre manager Peter Murray the new outlets would bring the occupancy of the centre to 269,000 square feet and "a very healthy" 98 per cent.
"The leasing of 25,000 square feet of retail space in just over five months clearly demonstrates the buoyancy of the retail market in Newry and Buttercrane in particular," he said.
"We are thrilled to welcome these exclusive brands and leading fashion stores to the centre, creating an even greater retail mix for shoppers."
Letting agents Lambert Smith Hampton were behind the securing of the brands and described the new offerings as a "major coup" for the complex which opened in 1988 and is anchored by M&S, Dunnes and Primark.
"These key enhancements to Buttercrane’s offering represent an investment of £3.725 million and create some 120 new jobs in one of Northern Ireland’s best known retail destinations," said Tony Kernan of Lambert Smith Hampton.
"Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, Vila and Name It are an exciting addition to Buttercrane’s line-up. The seven new lettings demonstrate the significant confidence retailers have in the centre.
"Buttercrane offers a combination of choice and convenience that gives consumers great confidence that all of their shopping needs will be met. This is reflected in strong sales and loyal footfall which is driving demand from a number of interested retailers, some of whom are already lining up for openings early in 2016."
In addition to the new lettings, existing retailers Louis Boyd, Uberfone and The Bureau have recently signed new leases to expand their stores, doubling original unit size.
In September the centre also invested £20,000 in upgrading toilet facilities to include a special parent room with integrated sensory zone for children and young adults with disabilities - the first of its type in the UK.
Launched by Autism NI Newry and Mourne branch, the room has electric blinds to shut out daylight, changeable coloured lighting, ceiling-to-floor 'bubble tube' with colour changing options, padded seating and wall mounted padded xylophone with projector.
