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Junction One International Outlet Shopping Centre has kicked last year’s Christmas trading figures into touch with an outstanding increase in sales of 10% in November and a staggering 22% in December.  The Winter Clearance Sale which began on 26^th December proved to be the Centre’s busiest week of the year with sales on Boxing Day alone racking up a record 45% more than 2005.

Commenting on the Centre’s sales success John Drummond, Junction One Director said: “2004 was the Centre’s first Christmas and we were thrilled with the results but this year has tangibly exceeded our projections.  Extensive marketing, thorough research and a continually enhanced tenant mix alongside well motivated and prepared retailers have all contributed to the Centre’s increased market penetration resulting in these hugely successful seasonal figures.”

Nike UK Area Manager Jo Howard remarked on exceptional sales during Christmas and New Year with the Junction One store achieving fourth position in Nike’s UK outlet league table: “Nike has been extremely pleased with trade at Junction One and since opening store turnover has well exceeded targets.  Achieving fourth position out of twelve stores during the festive season was an excellent result and we see huge potential for Nike with the opening of Phase II and future plans for the overall site.”

Anchor tenant Clarks reported exceptionally strong growth on the 2005 Christmas trading period.  “The post-Christmas clearance phase was particularly busy and sales were well above company average,” explained Steve Taylor, Retail Area Manager for Clarks Outlet UK.  “Our Antrim store continues to achieve all its targets and more.”

Kirsty Wandrum, Area Business Manager, Thorntons plc is equally impressed with performance at Junction One saying: “Antrim is trading 105% to target,” and suggests “my message to any future retailer buying into the scheme is look at the car park – it’s full, look at the people – they all have shopping bags.”

“Trade at Junction One has been exceptionally good over the Christmas and New Year period,”  says Stuart Paver, Managing Director Pavers, “and we have seen a strong increase against sales last year.”

Recording a 38% increase in Christmas trading Chappelle Managing Director Paul Mortimer looks forward to 2006: “The growth has been quite incredible year on year.  We are looking forward to continued growth especially at the higher end as we and the centre become more established in the region.”

Pre-construction work on Junction One’s Phase II extension has already begun and on completion will create a further 30 stores.  When it opens in Autumn this year, the Junction One site will extend over 305,000 sq ft and offer a total of 88 outlets and restaurants, consolidating its position as the largest outlet centre in Ireland and in the top five premium outlet centres in the UK.

ENDS.