Two of the north’s best-known shopping destinations each claim to have broken industry trends by increasing their footfall and sales figures during December.
CastleCourt shopping centre in Belfast has reported a 12% year on year rise in footfall over the key Christmas trading month, while The Boulevard in Banbridge said sales were up 6% during the festive period.
It came as the NI Retail Consortium reported a “drab 2024 for retail” as it revealed that shopping centre footfall decreased year-on-year by 5.7% in December in Northern Ireland.
Overall, it said total footfall in the north in 2024 was down 2.2% while in the three months to December (the so-called “golden quarter”) shopper numbers declined by 3.0%.
CastleCourt centre manager Leona Barr said: “On the whole, 2024 was a fantastic year, which saw our shopping centre become even more of an attraction.
“The final shopping days before Christmas are crucial for our stores and leisure outlets, and after December 2023′s transport strikes, we were hopeful for higher footfall and sales throughout the centre.
“The month also brought widely reported traffic congestion throughout Belfast city centre, so we are delighted to have had such positive results.”
And Chris Nelmes, retail director at the Boulevard, added: “Ending 2024 on a record turnover figure was a fantastic way to round off our best year yet.
“The retail and leisure mix at the Boulevard is the best it’s ever been and will only continue to strengthen with the arrival of Hollywood Bowl by the end of 2025. We’re confident that winter sale and a strong sports and outdoor category will continue to attract shoppers as we get through the coming months.”
