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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Mar- 2021 -23 MarchEconomy
Gov to create hubs to boost international trade
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has announced the creation of four new trade and investment hubs which will channel the economic benefits of international trade directly into Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the North of England. The trade hubs in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and a new site in Darlington,…
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Jan- 2021 -14 JanuaryCoronavirus
£95m Northern Ireland retail voucher scheme put on hold
A £95m high street voucher scheme, first announced by the Northern Ireland economy minister in November, has been referred to the next financial year, according to the BBC. The scheme is intended to support retailers that have been hardest hit by the pandemic, possibly through a pre-paid card system. Similar…
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Jul- 2020 -9 JulySupermarkets
Asda launches home delivery partnership with Uber Eats
Asda has announced its partnership with Uber Eats to offer customers “greater flexibility” and access to its products. The trial, which launches this week from stores in Leeds (Pudsey) and Birmingham (Barnes Hill), offers customers a choice of over 300 Asda own-brand products and branded everyday items for delivery including;…
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Jun- 2020 -5 JuneCoronavirus
Debenhams prepares to reopen 50 UK sites
Debenhams has announced it is preparing to reopen a 50 of its sites in England in phases from the beginning of next week. The department store announced three stores with street access will open in Northern Ireland on 8 June, including the Belfast flagship, with Debenhams’ two remaining stores in…
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May- 2020 -15 MayCoronavirus
Poundland to reopen 36 stores across the UK
Discount chain Poundland has revealed it is set to open 36 stores across the UK next week as it begins to reopen its store estate. While most of Poundlands stores have remained open for “essential” shopping, In March, the retailer closed around 100 stores that were located close to another…
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Feb- 2020 -21 FebruaryShopping Centres
Hammerson offloads seven retail parks to Orion in £400m deal
Hammerson has announced it has agreed a deal to offload a portfolio of seven retail parks to Orion European Real Estate Fund V (Orion) in a £400m deal. The transaction marks the largest UK retail park portfolio sale in the past decade and follows Hammerson’s strategic decision, announced in July…
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Sep- 2019 -12 SeptemberAnalysis
Beaverbrooks: Celebrating 100 years
What started out with three brothers moving to Belfast with just a suitcase full of silverware and a dream of selling fine jewellery and gifts has ended up as a thriving business celebrating a century of trading this year. Founded by Isaac, Harry and Maurice Adlestone, Beaverbrooks now operates some…
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Aug- 2019 -7 AugustHigh Street
Boots to trial in-store interpretation service
Health and beauty retailer Boots is trialing an interpretation service for non-English speaking pharmacy patients, starting in five stores across the UK. The service is being provided by US firm Voyce, with the service being accessible via in-store iPads. Voyce connects colleagues and patients with interpreters who can translate over…
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May- 2019 -13 MayDepartment Stores
Mike Ashley plans to invest millions to revamp House of Fraser
Mike Ashely has revealed he plans to pledge hundreds of millions of pounds into relaunching House of Fraser in return for a three-year rent holiday. According to The Sunday Times, Ashley plans to open 31 upmarket stores rebranded to “Frasers” over the next five years – with five of these…
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Feb- 2019 -21 FebruarySupply Chain
UK and Ireland retailers warn of no-deal tariffs
With just 36 days until the UK leaves the EU the leading retail bodies in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom have said a no-deal Brexit could have “devastating consequences”. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) and Retail Ireland have issued a joint statement highlighting…
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