The latest data from the NI Retail Consortium has indicated that footfall in Belfast city centre has risen by 4.8% in January, compared to 12 months previously. This rise in shoppers is providing a welcome boost to retailers in the centre and there is every chance that footfall could increase further in the coming months as new stores are due to move into the area.
The retail giant Primark has opened a homeware store at Fountain House in Belfast, and other stores such as Lego, Russell and Bromley, and Krispy Kreme are moving in shortly, which could add to a very exciting time in the centre.
There Are Challenges But Some Great Brands Moving In
Speaking about these developments, Martina Connolly, chief executive of Belfast One Business Improvement District, is quoted in an article by Clodagh Rice on the BBC News website, saying:
“Footfall year to date is up, we have seen the transport hub opening and an increase in visitors coming from Dublin on the train, but we also have our students living in the city centre,
“We have challenges, just like every other city, but we have movement and some great brands coming in – some which I can talk about and some which I can’t.
“The likes of Russell and Bromley, the Lego store, Krispy Kreme are all opening in the next few weeks.
“There is real confidence in the area that we had seen prior to Covid, but it had dropped off.
“That confidence is coming back. Year-on-year figures are coming back up to those pre-Covid levels and the investment that’s happening in the city means we can see Belfast is back on track.”
She went on to say that:
“Having places like Primark investing in Belfast will help drive footfall for the likes of the hospitality venues, and Grand Central Station is helping with that,”
An Awful Lot Of Coffee Shops Have Opened
In the same article, shopper Geraldine McLaughlin is quoted, saying she came in specifically to visit the new Primark store. She said:
“I want to see what they have for the house so I’m in this morning to have a wee nosey,
“Hopefully it will bring people in, I would like to think so.
“I’ve noticed a few new places have opened, there’s an awful lot of coffee shops [that] have opened,” she added.
“So it’s looking to take off a wee bit and brighter days are coming. Nice to see the tourists coming back and the ships coming back.”
Great news for our major city Belfast. Let us hope there is a ripple effect and more businesses open in various towns across the country to boost footfall and the economy.
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