THE Outlet in Banbridge has received an early Christmas present of 32 jobs through the opening of three new stores.
Men's fashion outlet Jack & Jones and local home textiles firm, Ulster Weavers and growing UK beauty retailer The Beauty Outlet, are setting up in Banbridge in a £500,000 investment, the latter opening its first store in Ireland.
The major investment coincides with a number of further developments at The Outlet, including the installation of a new mall covering to provide a sheltered walkway for shoppers and a new guest services suite, comprising of a team of advisors that will provide customers with help and guidance.
Centre manager, Chris Nelmes said the new stores are "welcome additions".
“The investment of The Beauty Outlet, Jack & Jones and Ulster Weavers closely follows the announcement of a number of other stores that have recently joined us at The Outlet. I am certain the stores will be very welcome additions to our ever-expanding offer and for shoppers who visit us over the busy Christmas period."
There has been significant investment made in The Outlet since it was bought over by The Lotus Group in 2016 and since then the centre has enjoyed a 19 per cent increase in footfall and a 14 increase in sales. Looking ahead there are plans for further developments next year.
“The new mall covering was installed in response to a customer improvement survey and we plan to announce a number of other developments in 2018, demonstrating continued investment to enhance the consumer’s shopping experience at The Outlet," Mr Nelmes added.
The new stores join existing retailers such as Nike Factory Store, Next Outlet, Marks & Spencer Outlet, Calvin Klein, L.K. Bennett and ProCook.
