POPULAR Banbridge shopping centre, The Outlet is to be rebranded next month as part of ongoing investment plans at the complex.
From March 24 the centre will be known as 'The Boulevard', as the owners seek to improve the outlet shopping experience in the north.
The new brand has been created to reflect the centre’s positioning as an alternative to shopping in the city and fresh signage will be rolled out across the site over the coming months.
Owners Lotus Group acquired the centre in 2016 and since then have overseen a total investment of over £8 million in the retail stores. The outlet shopping destination has also enjoyed a rise in footfall of 20 per cent since April 2016 and an increase in sales of 26 per cent in the last two years.
Within the past six months, a modern new mall covering has also been installed to provide a sheltered walkway for shoppers, while a new guest services area was also developed in recent months, placing a key focus on customer service.
Additionally the shopping destination has introduced a number of new brands in the last 12 months with ProCook, Jack and Jones and The Beauty Outlet, joining established names Nike, Timberland, Calvin Klein and Jaeger.
Centre manager at The Outlet, Chris Nelmes, said the rebranding is a "turning point" for the centre.
"We feel that we now have a much stronger brand identity that reflects everything that we have to offer to both local and international customers."
“We are continually working on attracting further brands that shoppers want, and consumers can expect to see more exciting developments in the pipeline this year," he added.
Alastair Coulson, asset and property management director of The Lotus Group, said he is confident the relaunch will provide Banbridge and the surrounding area with a real boost.
“We plan to build upon the success of improvements already made to the site throughout the course of 2018 and we are confident that our new brand will not only give us a competitive edge but will encourage new high-profile tenants to set up shop.”
The Boulevard will mark its official launch with a series of free events for customers starting on March 24.
