Sports Direct acquires Belfast’s Donegall Arcade
Sporting goods retailer Sports Direct has acquired Donegall Arcade in Belfast city centre as it looks to find sites for more stores and gyms across the UK.
Sports Direct will occupy the former Curry’s unit in the arcade which is currently vacant. The new store will open in 2016.
A spokesperson for Sports Direct said: “This has been an exciting decision for the company and we are looking forward to holding a central position in Belfast’s impressive retail offering. We believe that there is a gap in the market for our diverse product range which includes world famous brands such as Nike, Adidas and Puma, Dunlop, and Slazenger. Our intention is to incorporate, where possible, the group’s new low cost gymnasium brand in future sites.
“Our strategy for the coming years is to expand further and open more sport and gym superstores. We recognise the opportunities which are open in the UK and Ireland and we will continue to explore other potential sites as we move forwards with these plans.”
Offering around 75,000 square feet of retail space, Donegall Arcade is almost fully occupied and houses brands such as HMV, TK Maxx and Game.
Commercial property agent Lambert Smith Hampton acted on behalf of Sports Direct to secure the arcade.
Ryan Kee, director of retail agency at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “We would like to firstly welcome Sports Direct to central Belfast, as they prepare to open their first store in the city centre. The addition of such a major retailer into this location sends a clear message of confidence in the market.”
