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JUNCTION ONE ROLLS OUT NEXT PHASE OF OUTLET SHOPPING

Global luggage brand Antler and fashion footwear label Staccato are the first in a series of new stores which form part of a 16,000 sq ft additional phase of outlet shopping development at Antrim based Junction One. Both stores have just opened for business and will be closely followed by locally based trend setting fashion chain Clockwork Orange and surfer’s brand Billabong in early October. Later in November the UK’s largest independent coffee retailer Caffe Nero will add a new dimension to Junction One’s already comprehensive range of restaurants and coffee houses. Two additional stores spanning the leisure fashion and health and beauty sector are also set to open as the outlet centre builds up to the busy Christmas shopping period.

Staccato is a well established luxury shoe brand in the UK  shopping sector with 7 stand-alone stores and 4 concession outlets and has plans to expand with up to 50 new stores during the next 5 years. Staccato offers a full range of high fashion footwear for both men and women.

A high profile name in the luggage and travel goods market, UK based manufacturer Antler was founded in the nineteenth century and has managed an expanding retail operation since the mid-1980s, with the outlet sector becoming a significant section of the company’s business.     

Welcoming new stores Staccato and Antler, retail operations manager Valerie McLernon said, “Since opening over three years ago Junction One

has enjoyed a strong sales performance and has attracted over 10 million visitors. This new phase of outlet shopping is located adjacent to our visitor information centre and will add a different edge to Junction One’s consumer offer catering for a younger market.”

“We’re looking forward to rolling out more of our phase four stores as we gear up for the Christmas and New Year trading season. This new development coupled with our existing outlet mall and Junction One’s vibrant retail and leisure partners such as Homebase and Laser will bring greater breadth and extra choice for Northern Ireland shoppers. Junction One really is becoming a ‘one stop’ shopping and leisure experience.”            

Ends

Media contact: Rosemary Allister, JPR Tel 028 9076 0066 or mobile 07880 504928 or email [email protected].

Editors’ Notes:

Junction One

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

·        Junction One extends over 245,000 sq ft and comprises over 60 stores plus 6 cafes and restaurants. It provides parking for 2000 cars.

·        Junction One currently comprises over 60 stores and offers well known High Street names such as Marks & Spencer and Next, sports retailers and designer style brands such as Austin Reed and Liz Claiborne.

·        Junction One’s retail and leisure park features a Lidl supermarket, Homebase, Seasons, Laser, Mr Suds,  a range of restaurants and bars and a 90 bed Express by Holiday Inn hotel.

·        Recent research carried out by retail specialists CACI showed that 85% of shoppers at Junction One were repeat visitors with increased dwell time and over 86% or respondents were extremely positive about their Junction One experience