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One of Northern Ireland’s best known department stores Menarys has ventured into the retail outlet shopping sector with the opening of a brand new 5600 sq ft store at Junction One International Outlet Shopping centre. A first for Menarys, the outlet store will sell a comprehensive range of women’s fashion, lingerie and accessories stocking key brands such as Gerry Weber, Gold by Michael H, Olsen and Bianca complemented by a home and cookware section featuring well-known interiors labels Dorma, Bedeck and Stellar kitchenware.

Menarys retail director Philip McCammon said, ”Entering the outlet market is an integral part of Menarys ongoing development programme and we’re very pleased to be making our debut at Junction One. A maturing complex which continues to refresh and enhance its portfolio of stores, Junction One’s location, excellent facilities and extensive customer base helped make it the perfect choice for our latest venture.”

The new Menarys outlet store is the group’s 14^th in the north of Ireland and comes hot on the heels of the launch of a brand new Letterkenny based complex. This 10, 000 sq ft new build department store replaced a much smaller fashion only shop based in the town centre and opened at the end of May.

“In concept our new Junction One clearance store is a ‘mini-Menarys’ offering product selections from each of our main departments but at  discounted prices of up to 70% off RRP. Whilst the bulk of our fashion and homewares will be vastly reduced, we also plan to feature a range of full price basics to complement our outlet collection.” explained Mr McCammon.

Welcoming Menarys to Junction One, centre manager Hugh Black said, “Familiar to customers throughout Northern Ireland, the Menarys brand is synonymous with quality and classic style and we believe the new outlet will prove to be a signature store at Junction One helping to attract even more customers to the centre.”

Junction One recently celebrated its third birthday as it looks forward to its next phase of outlet shopping which is already over 60% let and is scheduled to open in Autumn 2007.

Ends

Media contact: Rosemary Allister JPR Tel 028 9076 0066 or mobile 07880 504928.

Junction One

·        Since opening on 31^st May 2004, Junction One has attracted 10 million visitors.

·        A second phase of outlet shopping is already over 60% let and is set to open in Autumn 2007.

·        Junction One currently comprises over 55 units.

·        Recent research carried out by retail specialists CACI showed that 85% of shoppers at Junction One were repeat visitors.

CACI research also indicated that the average spend at Junction One had reached an all time high, with increased dwell time and over 86% or respondents being extremely positive about their Junction One experience

Menarys

·        Menarys is a locally owned and managed family business and employs in excess of 1000 people.

·        The Group operates 14 stores throughout Northern Ireland (including Junction One) and an additional store in Letterkenny.

·        Products include signature fashion brands, lingerie, linens, cosmetics, cookshop, accessories and handbags. Menarys also owns and manages a range of Tempest branded stores which focus on females aged 15 – 40.

·        Menarys was founded by Joseph Alexander (great-uncle of the current owners) in Cookstown in 1923.