CastleCourt Shopping Centre celebrate opening of 12th new store in 12 months

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A Belfast shopping centre has opened 12 new stores in 12 months. Fashion and home retailer TK Maxx has returned to CastleCourt after it first opened on the mall in April 1995 and the centre also became the home of two local businesses in recent weeks.

The relocated retailer officially opened to CastleCourt shoppers last week and created an additional 15 jobs alongside the 65-strong staff which relocated with the business from Rosemary Street.

Fellow recent arrivals, Jacqueline Rooney Art and Rhiannon Cakes & Bakes, plus the upcoming opening of a new fashion retailer and food court tenant soon to be announced, marks an impressive 12 new store openings in a year - representing a large investment from landlord Wirefox, which has created over 100 new jobs.

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It is the first city centre gallery for award-winning artist Jacqueline Rooney who has transformed her prominently located unit on the first floor into a space where shoppers can browse her work and imagine the pieces in their homes.

Jacqueline said: “Opening a city centre location is a dream come true and I’m delighted to be in amongst the hustle and bustle of CastleCourt.

"I already have a fantastic relationship with centre management who have engaged so well with me and my team, ensuring we get off to the best start possible, and sustaining our relationship for the future as we grow alongside their ambitions for the Centre.”

Rhiannon Cakes & Bakes, which originated in Portadown and now operates from five sites across Northern Ireland, has been operating from a concession on the ground floor of the mall since August and now has a permanent home at the Food Court.

John Mitchell, store manager at TK Maxx CastleCourt; Leona Barr, centre manager, CastleCourt; Jacqueline Rooney and Rhiannon Woolsey are all pictured at CastleCourt where their stores have recently opened
John Mitchell, store manager at TK Maxx CastleCourt; Leona Barr, centre manager, CastleCourt; Jacqueline Rooney and Rhiannon Woolsey are all pictured at CastleCourt where their stores have recently opened

Gordon from Rhiannon Cakes & Bakes added: “This is a significant step forward in the growth of our business. CastleCourt has a thriving food court and steady footfall, which we greatly benefit from.

"We have had a fantastic first few weeks of trading with a wave of new customers since moving to our permanent home in the Food Court. The management team have brilliant in helping us communicate our move to shoppers.

“It is a fantastic time to be part of CastleCourt with all the exciting openings and announcements taking place. We’re delighted to be here!”

Leona Barr, Centre Manager at CastleCourt added: “The relocation of TK Maxx back to CastleCourt has been a great success, with heightened footfall over the opening weekend.

"We’re delighted to welcome the store back to where it first opened in the city centre, including some of the original staff members who worked in CastleCourt’s TK Maxx in 1995!

"The continued investment by Wirefox ensures CastleCourt remains competitive and an attractive outlet for our tenants, which is evidenced in the opening of Jacqueline Rooney Art and Rhiannon Cakes & Bakes taking a permanent site at our busy Food Court.

"We welcome all of our new and returning retailers to what will be a busy remainder of the year and beyond at CastleCourt Shopping Centre.”

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