As Northern Ireland’s only premier designer outlet, The Boulevard saw an uptick in festive shoppers from Black Friday onwards. Black Friday recorded an increase of 19% in sales in the same period last year, with the day itself proving as popular as ever, seeing a 22% increase in sales.
While many expected Black Friday crowds to abate as Christmas approached, The Boulevard maintained a steady flow of shoppers right up until it closed for the holidays. December finished as the scheme’s strongest month on record as sales increased 25% in 2021. Figures also showed a 7% increase in footfall for December, which is the opposite of what many high streets and national retail figures are recording.
In 2022, the Lotus Property-owned scheme saw the arrival of many new retailers which helped attract more customers than ever before. Retail Director at The Boulevard, Chris Nelmes has said: “The retail mix at The Boulevard is the strongest it’s ever been and the outlet model, quality brands at discounted prices, has really come into its own, especially as purse strings tighten for many.”
“2022 saw the scheme go from strength to strength by consistently increasing sales and footfall throughout the year. We were delighted to welcome new household names, local retailers, and upsize current tenants at the scheme as well as being the choice for some brands’ first outlet store. It is an exciting time for The Boulevard, and we are looking forward to what is to come in 2023.”
