DISCOUNT retailer The Range has set its sights on Banbridge for the next phase of its rapid expansion plan across the north.
The fast-growing chain, which sells homeware, fashion, leisure and garden goods, has already set up five large stores in Northern Ireland, with its latest venture in Glengormley creating around 70 jobs last year.
Three more stores are in the works for south Belfast, Co Fermanagh and Co Down.
The retail business was first set up by Plymouth market trader turned billionaire Chris Dawson in 1989. His company, CDS (Superstores International) Ltd now spans 175 stores.
The group yesterday confirmed it will open a 65,000 sq ft store in the former B&Q unit on Belfast’s Boucher Road on October 16 this year.
The developers of a proposed retail and leisure development in Enniskillen have also confirmed an agreement with The Range to open there.
Now the company has secured a site at the Bridgewater Park in Banbridge close to Tesco and The Boulevard outlet shopping destination.
The retailer has this week launched a pre-application consultation process in support of its bid, which is expected to include a large retail warehouse-type development and an accompanying garden centre.
The total development is expected to come in at just under 50,000 square feet. The Range has said it hopes to have the store open by next year.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed that it will continue to explore other potential stores here: "We are exploring other sites in Northern Ireland and hope to open a few more within the next few years."
