Boost For Newry As Retailers Flock To The Buttercrane

Newry's retail offering is set for a boost with the opening of Lidl and Sports Direct at the Buttercrane Shopping Centre, subject to planning.

The two companies will begin trading at the site in 2020 if all goes ahead, the Newry Chamber of Commerce has announced.

Lidl will occupy a 25,000 sq ft unit in the centre which was previously occupied by Easons as well as part of the former M&S space. Sports Direct will occupy a 22,500 sq ft unit across two floors in the remainder of the M&S unit.

It comes as the shopping centre, which employs 900 staff, celebrates 30 years of operation in the heart of Newry City. In an ideal setting alongside the canal, Buttercrane contributes £13 million to the economy per year and has earned a reputation as one of the best provincial shopping destinations in Northern Ireland.

Both new stores bring a solid history of retailing in Northern Ireland along to Newry. Since arriving in the region in 1999, Lidl has opened 38 stores across the country and recently unveiled a series of new concept stores, with ultra-modern designs.

Founded in 1982, Sports Direct is the UK's largest sporting goods retailer and operates a diversified portfolio of sports, fitness, fashion and lifestyle fascias and brands. The Buttercrane store will be the first in Northern Ireland to feature the new elevated store design, including a UFC fashion section.

The boost for Newry's shopping was welcomed by Buttercrane's Centre Manager Peter Murray.

"This is a very exciting year for the shopping centre as we mark a successful 30 years in the city," he said. "We are delighted that Lidl and Sports Direct have chosen to move to Buttercrane, further expanding our diverse offering of fashion, lifestyle and food and beverage retailers."

Conor Boyle, Regional Director for Lidl Northern Ireland added: "As the fastest growing retailer in Northern Ireland we need to accommodate our growing customer numbers and so we have sought a location to replace Bagenals Castle.

"Our proposed scheme will regenerate a strategic site in the heart of Newry City, which has sat vacant for much of the last decade and we believe we will be able to offer a much improved shopping experience for the years ahead. We look forward to continuing to invest in Newry City and offering shoppers the best value in the market."



(JG/CM)