NEWTOWNABBEY shopping mall Abbeycentre is one unit away from full capacity after two new retailers have set up shop at the centre.
Men’s clothing brand Jack & Jones has opened in a 1,850 sq.ft unit, while ladies fashion retailer Bon Marche has taken a 4,600 sq ft space.
Both retailers are now open and trading.
The new arrivals are the latest in a list of retailers that have opened in the centre recently.
Meanwhile, hair and beauty specialist Sally has relocated and upsized in the complex, taking a 1,650 sq ft unit.
Other existing tenants to have recently scaled up operations include Holland & Barrett, Vogue and Argento.
Otehr lettings to new retailers include Trespass, Deli Bean, Uberfone and AXA totalling around 4,000 sq ft.
Works is also ongoing to create a new 45,000 sq ft store for Next, its largest in Northern Ireland and Dunnes Stores is upgrading and extending its unit by 13,000 sq ft to create a 35,000 sq ft flagship store.
Emma Mackenzie, director at NewRiver Retail, owners of the Abbeycentre said complex management had "worked hard to continue to improve it further through ongoing new lettings, our exciting developments with Next and Dunnes and a wider enhancement of the signage, wayfinding and brand which is all under way".
"Retail demand is self-perpetuating - the more new and exciting retailers that join Abbeycentre, the greater the demand we generate. We are very much looking forward to Next and Dunnes Stores opening their new stores before Christmas and thanks to our letting team there are plenty more exciting new names in the pipeline for this year and next," she said.
Jonathan Martin, associate director at Lambert Smith Hampton which acts on behalf of the centre added: “The two latest lettings will further strengthen the already impressive fashion line up in the centre.
"Both retailers are now open and trading and they have been well received by our shoppers. There is currently only one vacant unit in the centre and we are already in advanced negotiations on this space.”
