Record summer at The Boulevard

THE Boulevard in Banbridge has recorded its best ever summer on record, as sales in August soared by more than 8 per cent compared to last year.

The Banbridge-based retail destination recorded a 7.3 per cent increase in footfall in August, compared to the UK’s drop of -0.4 per cent, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor data, where Northern Ireland suffered a 1.7 per cent drop in shopper numbers overall.

Showing strength in the outlet model, The Boulevard saw shoppers spend more than ever this summer, helped by a stream of new tenant openings and a host of onsite events in 2025.

Opting to test the outlet model for the first time, cosmetic brand BPerfect has experienced success at the scheme.

The Boulevard also welcomed a trio of pop-up stores this summer, creating 20 additional jobs.

SKYL, Ten Foundations and School Bags and Stuff opened their doors in August to join brands with heavy discounts such as Kate Spade NY, Molton Brown, Marks and Spencer, Nike, Adidas and the recently opened French Connection.

Located along the main A1 corridor between capital cities Belfast and Dublin, The Boulevard continues to see success from a high volume of visitors from both sides of the border.

Chris Nelmes, retail director at The Boulevard, said: "To continually buck national retail trends is a huge achievement and one we are all incredibly proud of. The Boulevard’s strong retail mix coupled with a variety of food, drink and leisure offerings sets us apart when competing for that ‘day out’ destination.

"We are going from strength to strength each year, not only beating our own statistics but completely smashing what is a national downturn elsewhere. There is still a place for brick-and-mortar stores in our industry and the outlet model is continuing to prove itself as a heavyweight in the sector."

The Boulevard is owned by Lotus Property, advised by Johnstone Property Consultants and KLM Real Estate.