Craigavon's Rushmere has reported a 20% increase in footfall, just months after being acquired by a local business consortium.
DV8 owner Ian McMahon led the £46.5 million deal by Killahoey Limited to buy the shopping centre in February 2023, ten months after the previous company behind the Co Armagh retail asset collapsed, owing around £9m.
As the centre prepares for the traditional Christmas shopping period, Rushmere has revealed encouraging numbers, with year-on-year footfall already up by around 20%.
That’s expected to increase over the coming weeks, driven by Black Friday and the festive peak period.
Rushmere said its footfall last week was already 30.8% up on the same week in 2022.
It follows the recent opening of Waterstones at the centre, its ninth store in Northern Ireland.
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Rushmere has also confirmed Chinese homeware and lifestyle giant, Miniso, will open at the centre next week, marking its third new store in the north this year.
The low cost retailer has already signalled its plans to expand across the north.
Centre manager, Martin Walsh, said the numbers were “extremely encouraging” for the staff and new owners.
“Our retailers are also experiencing positive sales figures across the board,” he said.
“The arrival of both Primark and Waterstones has played a big part in why the centre continues to go from strength to strength, and we are confident that the combination of strong footfall figures and a diverse and vibrant mix of brands will further attract new tenants to Rushmere.
“Consumer trends are changing, and we recognise that now more than ever, experiences are instrumental in driving footfall to the centre,” he continued.
“People are seeking out experiences and places that offer a ‘one-stop destination’, and over the last number of months, we’ve proactively responded to this growing demand by hosting regular onsite activity for shoppers to enjoy and partake in.”
