Northern Ireland’s premier designer outlet – The Boulevard – continues to buck national retail trends, with sales up +6% versus December 2023 in the run up to Christmas.
The Boulevard’s heavy discount offering on brands such as Kate Spade ny, Levi’s, Nike and Molton Brown attracted a myriad of shoppers looking to save on last minute Christmas gifts, significantly outperforming the local high street, as well as other retail parks and shopping centres across Northern Ireland.
Reports show that retail footfall elsewhere across the UK was considerably down -11.4% on 2023, putting The Boulevard on a strong footing and showing how the Northern Irish outlet has weathered the storm.
In 2024, the Lotus Property-owned scheme welcomed new retailers, including Radley, Police, Castore and Ben Sherman to name a few. The scheme also welcomed pop-up stores, including purpose-led retailer OutsideIn, which returned twice more throughout the year due to popularity, including a stint across the Christmas period and into January.
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 and by the end of 2025. We’re confident that 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.”
