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Updates on Junction One
John Drummond, Junction One Asset Manager explains, "Junction One enjoyed an exceptionally busy Christmas trading with footfall up on the same period last year. Perfumery, computer games and luxury goods such as jewellery and audio/visual equipment proved the most popular buys for the season with many retailers recording double digit percentage growth figures up to 30%. Game for example stated that their store had "delivered an outstanding Christmas sales performance at Junction One." Homeware retailers such as Oneida and Christy Towels also performed extremely well whilst Paper Mills sales placed them second out of their 25 stores throughout the UK. "
"In terms of sales density newcomers Clockwork Orange and cosmetics retailer All Wellan Good have successfully earned their place in the Centres top ten tenants whilst Chapelles Christmas upturn reflects the Northern Ireland consumers love of luxury goods at competitive prices. Trading for Retail Park retailers and restaurants at Junction One was also very solid. Recently opened Express by Holiday Inn Hotel recorded a December "exceeding budget forecasts" .
Junction Ones success mirrors its recognized position in the top three of independent research company CACIs Northern Ireland Footprint Rankings 2007. This nationally recognised retail ranking covers over 300 retail centres across the whole island of Ireland. It measures the true market size, shopper characteristics and catchment extent of each retail centre and classifies them into over 40 different types of centre according to retail mix, market positioning and evolving shopping role. Third only to Belfast and Londonderry Junction One has maintained its placing above cities such as Lisburn and towns such as Omagh and ahead of all other retail centres in Northern Ireland. Taking a pan-Ireland approach Junction One is also firmly established in the top ten Retail Footprint places ranking alongside Dublin, Cork and Galway.
"CACIs analysis shows that with strong concentrations of affluent families, customers at Junction One International Outlet are more upscale than any other outlet centre in Northern Ireland. The evolving customer offer has significantly increased the number of affluent shoppers to the site and levels of average visitor spend and dwell time now rank amongst the best in Europe. With trading patterns firmly established and year on year growth out performing the market, Junction One is clearly the number one outlet centre in Northern Ireland," Ken Gunn, Head of Property Consulting, CACI.
"Against a background of extensive High Street discounting, credit crunch predictions and a mood of consumer caution, retail forecasts for Christmas were dismal. We are delighted with the strong performance of all the retailers right across Junction One who have not only managed to hold or increase their sales but have also in the week beginning 17th December succeeded in delivering one of the highest weeks trading since our opening period in 2004. This achievement demonstrates that Junction One International Outlet perfectly delivers the requirements of the consumer who seeks value for money on quality brands all year round. Further tangible evidence of this success is our drive now to initiate additional leasing for an extra 45,000 sq ft of retail space plus 250,000 sq ft of outlet and leisure," concluded Mr Drummond.
For more information contact Jane Wells, 028 90 760066, 07836 23
