FOYLESIDE Shopping Centre in Londonderry has announced a strong year of trading with growth in shoppers from the Republic and the addition of five new traders.
The centre, which is owned by investment fund Kildare Partners, said visitor numbers hit 2.26 million during 2018.
Numbers were up partly thanks to a weaker sterling making it better value for people in the Republic to cross the border and shop in Derry.
The centre said numbers from the Republic were up 20% since 2016.
Shop openings during the year had created up to 70 new jobs.
Disney opened up in April – the second store in the North of Ireland outside Belfast.
Clothing retailer Jack Wills also launched a branch, along with health supplement retailer Holland & Barrett.
Homegrown operators have also opened, including Make Up Pro store in July, and doughnut specialist Taboo.
Foyleside’s growth follows news that Belfast’s retailers are bouncing back after the devastating fire at Primark’s Bank Buildings store hit footfall by up to 60% in some areas.
The number of shoppers in the city centre last week was up 20% on the same period last year.
The rise in footfall numbers came after retailers cut their prices well in advance of the traditional Boxing Day sales in a bid to boost takings.
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