Centre trading was positive in Buttercrane over the final quarter, specifically the Christmas period.
Peter Murray, Buttercrane Centre Manager reports: “Some stores performed particularly strongly and some recorded their best ever December trading figures in Buttercrane Centre, which is great news for those retailers concerned, the Centre and indeed Newry itself.”
There were several factors which positively impacted on trade in Newry in November and early December, including the strong Euro and resulting cross border trade.
“Even with the result of the UK general election and subsequent softening of the Euro there did appear to be an almost last minute rush of southern shoppers coming to Newry to purchase in bulk and availing of significant saving in lines like alcohol, baby products , chocolates, and medicines,” Peter adds.
Whilst ROI trade is always seen as a bonus, the vast majority of trading continues to be garnered from South Down, South Armagh and across NI.
Buttercrane continues to improve its offer to appeal to all ranges of shoppers by investing in retailers and facilities.
Online shopping continues to be a factor for all retailers, regardless of their location. “It’s a challenge Buttercrane and our retailers continue to address – with many offering click and collect in store and Buttercrane Shopping Centre also now offer an ‘in centre’ click and collect locker service for Amazon and other online deliveries which has proved extremely popular with customers.”
now able to collect their on line orders conveniently whilst they are in Centre
Looking ahead into the New Year, Mr Murray envisages a year of change and improvements for the centre with the addition of USC and Sports Direct mid-year.
The sports clothing retailer is currently fitting out circa 25, 000 sq ft superstore which will open in Q2 2020.
Other major brands are scheduled to open later in 2020 enhancing the already strong tenant mix, currently anchored by Primark and Dunnes Stores.
“As we go forward into 2020, Buttercrane will continue to invest in excellent customer services, including its public facilities and initiatives like Dementia and Austism Awareness – having recently received and Austism Impact Award.
Buttercrane are celebrating the New Year with the recent announcement that its bathrooms, Place to Change toilets and Parent & Child facilities, all have been recognised as the best facilities in Ireland, by the national Loo of the Year Awards.
Buttercrane achieved Diamond Award for their public restrooms – the only Irish shopping /retailer to receive the award, placing Buttercrane amongst the top 3% in all surveyed across GB and Ireland.
