Belfast
This coverage examines retail growth, regeneration initiatives, and commercial developments in Belfast, a key urban centre in the UK retail landscape. Reporting highlights the revitalisation of Donegall Place, which is nearing full occupancy with new entrants like Victoria’s Secret, and the introduction of the world’s first Primark Home store. Footfall in the city centre has risen by 6.5% year-to-date, with Royal Avenue experiencing a 22% year-on-year increase. Additionally, the £9bn regeneration of Belfast Power Station and the launch of Electric Boulevard are transforming the city’s retail and leisure offerings. These developments provide retail executives, property managers, and professionals with insights into Belfast’s evolving commercial dynamics and opportunities.
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Jun- 2025 -27 JuneFeatures
Has homeware become a fast fashion rite of passage?
This summer marks a bold new chapter in Primark’s retail journey, as the brand opens its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester. Following the success of its debut Home concept in Belfast, this 11,900 sq. ft, two-floor space aims to bring the full breadth…
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13 JuneHigh Street
Primark to open standalone Home store in Manchester
Primark has announced it will open its first standalone Home store in Great Britain this summer at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester. The 11,900 sq. ft, two-floor unit is set to launch later in the season and follows the debut of the Primark Home concept in Belfast earlier this year. It…
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3 JuneProperty
Northern Ireland’s Abbey Centre sold to new owner for £59m
Abbey Centre in Northern Ireland has been sold by NewRiver to The Herbert Group of Companies in an off market deal for £58.8m. The 320,000 sq ft shopping centre, located six miles north of Belfast City Centre in Newtownabbey, houses over 70 shops and has a “strong” convenience offer, together…
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Apr- 2025 -8 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-8/4/25
Levi Strauss & Co reported a strong start to 2025, with Q1 sales rising 3% to $1.5bn (£1.17bn) and adjusted EBITDA surging 47% to $204m (£159m), exceeding expectations. Direct-to-consumer revenues grew 9%, while wholesale sales increased 3%. The Levi’s brand saw an 8% global organic growth, with the Americas up…
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8 AprilClothing & Shoes
Primark to double footprint at White Rose Leeds
Primark has announced that it is set to double its presence at White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds from from 26,200sq ft to 55,700sq ft. The expansion commenced this week (7 April) and is expected to be completed by 2027. The value retailer follows in the footsteps of JD which…
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Feb- 2025 -21 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-21/2/25
UK retail sales saw a 1.7% rise in January 2025, driven primarily by a 5.6% surge in food sales, the largest monthly increase since March 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Despite this rebound, sales volumes over the three months to January fell by 0.6% compared to…
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21 FebruaryHigh Street
Primark to open first standalone homewares store in March
Primark has announced that it is set to open its first standalone homewares store in Belfast on 6 March 2025. The 8,700 sq ft one floor store is located in the iconic Fountain House building on Donegall Place in Belfast. Primark’s homeware offering will move out of the Bank Buildings,…
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4 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-4/2/25
Shein’s planned £50bn London IPO is under threat due to potential US tariff reforms and ongoing allegations of forced labor in its supply chain. Former President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the ‘de minimis’ tax rule—which allows duty-free imports of small packages under $800 from China, Canada, and Mexico—could significantly…
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4 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Mango to open 20 new UK stores in 2025
Mango has announced that it is aiming to open 20 new UK stores in 2025 as part of its 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. The plan will concentrate in London, with six openings, as well as central England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the arrival in Cardiff. One of the company’s six openings…
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Jan- 2025 -8 JanuaryHigh Street
Mamas and Papas to open more stores after ‘record’ festive sales
High street nursery brand, Mamas and Papas, has seen its sales across stores, online and wholesale channels rise by a “record” 5% over the 13-week period to 29 December, driven by a strong performance from the retailer’s UK and overseas markets. Retail sales were up by 8% in the overall…
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