Business

Debenhams replacement in Belfast to be announced 'within weeks'

CastleCourt manager Leona Barr .
CastleCourt manager Leona Barr . CastleCourt manager Leona Barr .

CASTLECOURT has said it expects to announce a replacement for the former Debenhams unit in the coming weeks.

The massive retail space was vacated following the closure of all remaining Debenhams stores in the north on May 15.

Despite the blow to the Belfast city centre shopping complex, CastleCourt said its tenants have reported strong sales since the reopening of non-essential retail on April 30.

A number of new tenants have also been secured, including furniture store Exclusive Designs, Pelo Hairdressing, acupuncture clinic Dr Needles, and Belleek, which was formerly a concession within Debenhams.

New bar and restaurant Folk Town, named in tribute to the old Folk Town market which used to be held in Bank Square at the rear of CastleCourt, has also opened.

CastleCourt said another four tenants are expected to be confirmed in the next six weeks.

Meanwhile the centre said work is progressing on a new tenant for the anchor Debenhams unit. CastleCourt said: “An announcement is expected in the coming weeks.”

Centre manager Leona Barr said the pent-up demand for clothing and footwear during the lockdown has seen stores easily outperforming their 2019 sales.

“Some of our retailers have seen a dramatic leap in sales particularly those in fashion and footwear. “Matalan whose average basket spend is up by 22 per cent, has vastly out-performed sales in 2019. Jack & Jones have reported unprecedented growth on the same period May 19 vs May 21 and are encouraged by the increase in average basket spend also.”