THE Fairhill Centre in Ballymena has reported a 'stronger' trading performance in the second and third quarters of this year after a torrid start to 2018.
Its recently-appointed manager Natalie Jackson gave the upbeat assessment and predicted "a great last quarter" as the centre begins its run-up to the busy Christmas period.
Fairhill was left reeling from the loss of three national high street retailers at the start of the year as long-standing fashion chains Evans, Monsoon and Miss Selfridge all pulled down the shutters.
But the centre recently announced the addition of River Island Kids and Frangos, and in the last two years it has also seen Greggs, Chopstix Noodle Bar as well as Superdry and Starbucks added to the mix of fashion for men, women and children along with a beauty, technology and healthcare offering.
Ms Jackson, appointed manager in April, said, “Like any shopping centre across the UK we’ve had our challenges, most out of our control, but I’m delighted with the addition of River Island Kids and Frangos.
“We’ve had a good second and third quarter to date and with the new collection of autumn/winter 2018 coming into the stores and Christmas en route, so I’m looking forward to a great last quarter.
“The team at Fairhill has been working works hard to ensure the centre is full and we’ve a number of promotional events planned in the coming weeks/
“Being part of the community is vital to the Fairhill Centre. We are an active Ballymena BID member; we like to host events for our loyal customer base and we will continue to go the extra mile and ensure those who travel here will get a great welcome and selection of fabulous stores to shop from.”
