FOUR new tenants have signed up to designer outlet The Boulevard in Banbridge ahead of the Christmas rush, collectively creating 20 jobs.
Yankee Candle is the first to open at the Lotus Property-owned scheme, taking a 1,733sq ft unit close to existing tenants Nike and M&S.
It will be joined by fashion brands James Lakeland and AKAwear later this month, taking units of 2,163sq ft and 1,136sq ft respectively.
And regional department store Houstons will also set up shop at The Boulevard, bringing its eclectic mix of women’s fashion to a 2,436sq ft unit, having enjoyed years of loyal custom at neighbouring Banbridge high street.
Chris Nelmes, retail director at The Boulevard said: “These new tenants offer our customers an exciting mix of quality products and fantastic deals.
“Despite the economic climate, we’re optimistic about continued growth both in terms of footfall and sales, and even more so now that we’ve added to the portfolio of brands here on site.
“The Boulevard, located on the main road linking Belfast and Dublin, has always welcomed traffic from both sides of the border, but we are seeing more licence plates from the south of Ireland at the moment, due to the weak pound, which is offering the shopper a lot more bang for their buck, on top of our continuous discount offer.”
Aisling Lawless, asset manager at Lotus Property, added: “The interest we’re seeing in The Boulevard and Northern Ireland as a whole is testament to a confident consumer and a strong retail and leisure market as shoppers continue to want quality products and value for money – not always an easy combination to find.
“The Boulevard is going from strength to strength as we welcome more brands to its roster to join an already impressive mix spanning sports and outdoor, women and men’s fashion, homeware and cookware, shoes and handbags.”
The four newcomers join existing tenants such as kate spade ny, Levi’s, GUESS, Kurt Geiger, Dune London, M&S, Next, Jack Wills, Timberland, Crew Clothing and Joules.
