WATERSTONES is set to open a new store in Derry.
The book retailer, which has five outlets across Northern Ireland, is due to expand with a new unit inside the city's Foyleside shopping centre on November 5.
It comes just over a year after Irish book and stationery retailer Eason announced its decision to close its seven stores in the north, including a unit at Foyleside.
A spokesperson for Waterstones said: “We are delighted to confirm that Waterstones will be opening a brand new bookshop this autumn, with an eight-strong bookselling team, in the Foyleside shopping centre.
"Being so popular, the centre is a great location for our new bookshop, and we plan to open its doors on Friday November 5, in time for Christmas shopping.
"We can’t wait to welcome customers into our beautiful new shop and to recommend all the brilliant books waiting to be discovered by the book lovers of the city and beyond.”
It's the latest boost to Foyleside following a challenging period for retail.
Centre manager Fergal Rafferty said retailers including Butlers, bPerfect, Frasers, Sports Direct, Game had been signed up since March 2021.
“It is significant that whilst retailing in general has faced a tough year, Foyleside can announce another new store opening," he said.
"There have been some store closures, and this has presented opportunities for new retailers.
“We welcome these new tenants to Foyleside as we approach the busiest trading period in the lead up to Christmas and will coincide with the government’s spend local £100 high street voucher scheme.”
