Revealed: Two popular clothing shops could be leaving Victoria Square – and Pret’s future plans for NI
The information has come from a new report by CBRE NI
Two popular clothing shops are understood to be leaving Victoria Square for other city centre locations.
According to the latest quarterly report by commercial property agency CBRE Northern Ireland, H&M is moving to the former site of British Home Stores, and River Island to Donegall Place.
Victoria Square says it wont be commenting.
The CBRE report also says the Belfast shopping centre continues to generate strong demand - with new and upcoming tenants including Sculpted by Aimee, and The White company.
The report also reveals Pret A Manger is planning to open more stores in Northern Ireland, after confirming its first Belfast location at Donegall Square West, next to Belfast City Hall.
Stephen Smith Associate Director, Retail Agency CBRE NI said, “As highlighted in our Q1 report, H&M has now been confirmed as a tenant at the former BHS site on Castle Lane in Belfast city centre. “
“Known as ‘The Keep’, H&M will lease 20,000 sq ft in what will be its flagship Belfast store as it plans to eventually relocate from Victoria Square.”
“We understand River Island also plans to vacate the centre as part of a relocation to Donegall Place.”
“Despite both retailers' decisions to relocate, it’s encouraging to note Victoria Square continues to generate strong demand from new retailers.”
“Lifestyle brand The White Company has agreed to lease approximately 4,900 sq ft for what will be its first Northern Ireland store.”
“Make up brand Sculpted by Aimee has recently opened its first Northern Ireland flagship store while beauty retailer Rituals is in the process of upsizing at the scheme.”
“Outside of Belfast, it has been confirmed that Primark will relocate from Tower Centre to Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena while River Island and Toy Town plan to upsize at the scheme.”
Chinese lifestyle retailer Miniso is opening in Ballymena’s Tower Centre which will be its second store in Northern Ireland following its opening in Castlecourt earlier in the year.
“We understand it is actively seeking new store opportunities. The retail warehouse sector continues to perform well with demand not only from the discounters such as Home Bargains and B&M but also home interiors retailers such as EZ Living and Harry Corry.”
“EZ Living have recently opened at Riverside Retail Park, Coleraine while Harry Corry plan to open at Derry’s Crescent Link Retail Park.”
“The food and beverage sector remains active. After confirming its first Belfast store at Donegall Square West, Pret A Manger is seeking new stores while bakery chain Muffin Break has recently opened at Castlecourt following its opening at Buttercrane Shopping Centre earlier in the year.”
“Coffee chain Bob & Berts recently announced it will open on Ann Street which will be its second unit in Belfast city centre.
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