SPORTS Direct will open a new store at the Bow Street Mall in Lisburn.
Letting agent Savills confirmed on Wednesday that Frasers Group plc had signed a lease for an ‘elevated store’ in the former H&M unit at the retail centre.
The 15,200 sq ft store will become the 18th Sports Direct outlet in the north and include the USC clothing brand.
It comes after Sports Direct opened a new 35,000 sq ft store in Ballymena’s Tower Centre in December that embodied USC and Game, the video game retailer acquired by Mike Ashley's group last year.
Paul Wilson, director of retail at Savills, who brokered the Lisburn deal, said: “Sports Direct are investing heavily in the store to provide a fresh new and exciting retail environment, similar to that of the company’s latest store to open in Ballymena.
“This investment is a going to greatly aid Bow Street Mall’s appeal joining other keys retailers including Primark, Dunnes Stores and Peacocks.”
In a statement, Sports Direct said the new store is part of its “brand elevation strategy”, which it said involves “huge investment” in a number of new stores along with an upgrade programme for existing outlets.
“This is the strategic vision of the business as it aims to meet the demands of an ever more sophisticated consumer who is increasingly looking for not only good value, but an enhanced shopping experience,” said a spokesperson.
Centre manager at Bow Street Mall, Karen Marshall, said: “The addition of Sports Direct and USC will provide a real boost to the current retail line-up, providing customers with even more choice and value, conveniently located right on their doorstep.
“The new brands that this store will bring to the Centre will appeal to a wide audience of sport and fashion enthusiasts.”
