UK fashion and homeware retail giant Matalan is opening a brand new store at Belfast’s CastleCourt next month that will create more than 50 jobs.
With almost 230 stores across the UK in addition to 25 overseas franchises, Matalan is one of the UK’s largest, leading fashion and homeware retailers.
The new Belfast store is Matalan’s first city centre location in Ireland.
A Matalan spokesperson said:
“We’re really delighted to be investing in CastleCourt and in Belfast City Centre and look forward to bringing our quality clothing and homeware brand, outstanding customer care and Click and Collect service to shoppers from across the city and further afield.
“This is a landmark Matalan store in an outstanding location and we’re excited by the opportunities that this new store will bring.”
Matalan is now beginning a fit-out at its new 24,000 sq. ft. space in advance of next month’s opening, which will become a new and additional focal point for CastleCourt in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.
CastleCourt is one of Belfast’s leading and most successful shopping destinations and incorporates a growing mix of standout food and retail outlets including Debenhams, Boots, Argos, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Burtons and Jack Jones.
CastleCourt centre director Paul McMahon said this latest significant investment brings an exciting new dimension to the centre after only recently adding fashion, footwear and accessories brand DV8 and Irish café chain Insomnia Coffee Company to its credentials.
Michael Wright, Director, Asset Management at CastleCourt owner Wirefox, said:
“Matalan’s decision to open a substantial new store in CastleCourt demonstrates the centre’s appeal and investment potential.
“This is another major milestone for CastleCourt in our mission to continually innovate, expand our retail mix to meet growing customer demand and to create unrivalled customer experiences that drive investment and opportunity for the centre and for the city.”
Located on Royal Avenue in the heart of Belfast with parking for more than 1,600 vehicles, CastleCourt is one of the largest shopping centres in Northern Ireland, attracting more than 12 million visitors every year.
Matalan, which currently has four out-of-town fashion and homeware stores in Northern Ireland, was represented in the transaction by Colin Mathewson of CBRE.
“I am delighted to have advised Matalan in this transaction and have no doubt that it will prove to be an excellent addition to its store portfolio in Northern Ireland,” Colin said.
Wirefox/CastleCourt were represented by Paul Wilson, Retail Director, Savills Belfast.
“We are excited that Matalan has chosen Belfast and the secondary anchor store within CastleCourt to launch its latest format.
“Providing a range of ladies, gents and kids fashionwear as well as a homeware collection, this store will provide an important and complementary mix to CastleCourt’s already diverse retail offering.
“Savills, as joint letting agents with CBRE, will soon be making further announcements of exciting new lettings which will delight the centre’s shoppers.”