BRITISH retailer Go Outdoors is to set up its first outlet in Northern Ireland this summer.
The group, which operates what it calls the UK's "largest outdoor stores" has signed a lease on 45,000 sq ft of space at Valley Retail Park in Newtownabbey.
The deal is expected to be one of the biggest retail transactions of the year and will create around 40 new jobs.
Go Outdoors will occupy the former Harvey Norman unit which was vacated following its relocation to Boucher Plaza.
Headquartered in Sheffield, the company started in 1969 making tents and camping equipment before moving into retail in the 1980s.
It now operates around 50 stores across Britain and employs around 2,000 people.
The firm sells clothing and equipment for camping, walking, climbing, riding, fishing, skiing, running and cycling.
TDK acted on behalf of retail park owners AEW UK REIT which bought the centre for £7.15 million last year.
TDK partner Mark Thallon said: “When we advised AEW in the acquisition, we had a clear strategy to identify certain retailers who would attract customers back to what is a fantastic location.
"Go Outdoors were top of the list and we are delighted that they have chosen Valley Retail Park for their first Irish store. We now only have two more units available and we are confident that this letting, together with existing tenants Harveys, Halfords and Harry Corry, will now attract other retailers to the remaining space."
Andrew Playfer from AEW added: "The addition of Go Outdoors to Valley Retail Park is a key element of our strategy to reinvigorate the Park following our purchase last year. We believe this will be the catalyst to further lettings and expect to be in a position to make other announcements during the course of the year.”
