Taking the Mickey

Just as the Disney Belfast store announces its closure, Primark releases this sustainable range..

Something I always wanted to do when my daughter reached the age she is, was take her to the Disney Store in Belfast. I had it all planned out in my head. We’d get up early, she would choose her favourite princess dress, we’d hop on the train, walk into the city centre and enter a store which could only be described as child heaven.

Seeing her face light up as all her favourite characters came to life and being surrounded by endless toys, costumes, accessories featuring the animations she has grown up with and grown to love.

Of course, the pandemic put this plan on hold, but it seems now it may never actually happen as the Disney Belfast store has announced it will close at the end of the month. Now this news is so sad for so many reasons but probably the main one being, it will be leaving another gaping hole in the high street – and is just one more reason for people not to visit. I haven’t been in Belfast in about two years and I dread to think what it will like when – or if – I ever venture in again. It may be too depressing, shocking and disturbing.

When I first moved here two decades ago, the city centre was thriving. The streets were always packed and there wasn’t one empty outlet. My how times have changed.

But the good news is, Primark – possibly the biggest draw to the city centre – has announced it is working hard on repairing Bank Buildings after the disastrous fire several years ago and it will be completed by the end of 2022.

And its Disney range keeps getting bigger and better so it will go some way to filling the hole left a few doors down on Royal Avenue. I particularly like this Mickey Cares environmentally-conscious collection which appeals to all age groups – even pets. So, thanks to Primark, we will at least get to live sustainably every after, after all.

PRIMARK Disney Mickey Cares sweater £14 and pants £14