The Boulevard has said it’s bucked trends with a 6% rise in footfall in December
Co Down shopping outlet The Boulevard has said it’s bucked trends with a 6% increase in footfall in the run-up to Christmas.
The designer retail destination outside Banbridge said discounts in shops like Kate Spade ny, Levi’s, Nike and Molton Brown had enabled it to outperform other shopping centres and high streets.
The NI Retail Consortium has reported that footfall in shopping centres and high streets across Northern Ireland declined 5.8% in December. In Belfast alone, there had been a 7.2% slump.
During 2024, The Boulevard – owned by Co Down company Lotus Property – attracted new brands including handbag retailer Radley, sportswear specialist Castore and menswear names Police and Ben Sherman.
And 10-pin bowling giant Hollywood Bowl is due to open up at The Boulevard during 2025, joining existing tenant Omniplex Cinema as part of a £9m redevelopment.
Chris Nelmes, retail director at The Boulevard, said: “Ending 2024 on a record turnover figure was a fantastic way to round off our best year yet at The Boulevard. It’s wonderful to see such strong footfall and sales figures this Christmas, following on from our best summer yet at the scheme.
“The retail and leisure mix at The Boulevard is also the best it’s ever been and will only continue to strengthen with the arrival of Hollywood Bowl by the end of 2025.
“We’re confident that the winter sale and a strong sports and outdoor category will continue to attract shoppers as we get through the icy winter months.”
“It is an exciting time for The Boulevard, and we are looking forward for what is to come in 2025.”
Lotus Property submitted a notice for full planning permission for a 23,000 sq ft 21-lane bowling alley for The Boulevard in July. It has said it expects to obtain planning permission in early 2025.