DESIGNER fashion chain Tessuti has opened its first flagship Irish store in Topshop’s former Victoria Square unit at Belfast’s Victoria Square.
The retail brand, which is owned by JD Sports, has officially launched the new 12,900 sq ft store at the William Street entrance to the shopping complex.
Topshop’s parent group, Arcadia, fell into administration in 2020. The collapse of the group, which also owned Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Wallis and Selfridge, marked a major blow to the high street, resulting in widespread store closures.
But, some of the former retail empire’s old units have now remerged under new ownership with Tessuti the most significant in Belfast city centre to date.
The JD Sports group recently unveiled its new flagship store next in Bank Buildings in the city centre. But its emerging Tessuti franchise will promote up market brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Versace Jeans Couture and Emporio Armani.
“We are so pleased to have opened our Ireland flagship and showcase our latest concept in a new region,” said Chris Rowan, Tessuti’s brand director.
“The destination has provided us with a prime central location in the heart of Belfast, and it is great to have launched in time for the festive period.”'
Meanwhile, Victoria Square has reported a 20 per cent increase in sales for the third quarter of 2022 from the same pre-pandemic period in 2019.
Russell Banham, UK head at Commerz Real, which owns the shopping complex, said: “Tessuti’s first luxury flagship store provides Victoria Square’s visitors with yet another unique shopping experience.
“We are pleased to welcome Tessuti to Victoria Square for its Ireland debut, joining Gilly Hicks, Sweaty Betty, and first Irish store for Whistles. We have no doubt that Tessuti will play a central role in the growth of our scheme for 2023.”
