Jack Wills set to pop up at The Boulevard

THREE new fashion brands, including teen favourite Jack Wills, are to open at a Co Down shopping park with the creation of 34 jobs.

Jack Wills, famous for its pink and navy branding, will open a six-month pop-up at The Boulevard outside Banbridge in October.

The owners of the centre have said it’s bucking the downward trend in retail, with 25% sales growth.

American fashion brand Guess and luxury British handbag and accessories brand Radley will follow suit next month.

The retail park, which was formerly known as The Outlet, is in the middle of a £7m revamp under the ownership of the Lotus Group.

There are already 54 brands on site, including recent shoe retail openings Kurt Geiger, Adidas, Skechers and Asics.

Centre manager Chris Nelmes said: “The new stores will be a great addition for shoppers in the run-up to the busy Christmas shopping period. Our aim is to continue to provide a top-class

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shopping experience and we will continue to grow and invest in the centre through to the new year.”

Alastair Coulson, managing director of Lotus Property, also said: “We have seen a 25% year on year increase in turnover, bucking the trend of the downward trajectory of the retail industry of late.

“We believe this will continue with Jack Wills, Radley and Guess being a big draw for customers.”

Lotus bought The Boulevard along with Junction One in Antrim in May 2016 in a deal worth more than £40m.