French Connection is set to open its first Northern Irish store in over a decade at The Boulevard, Northern Ireland’s leading designer outlet. Scheduled to launch on 8th March 2025, the 2,608 sq. ft store will create 10 new jobs and join an established lineup of fashion retailers.
French Connection’s Return to Northern Ireland
The opening at The Boulevard marks a significant expansion for French Connection, bringing its mix of full-price and outlet stock to a new audience. This will be the brand’s tenth UK outlet and will feature men’s and womenswear collections, known for soft tailoring, masculine silhouettes, and floral accents.
The Boulevard, which recorded its best year ever in 2024, with sales up 6% in December compared to the previous year, continues to attract major brands. French Connection will join retailers including GUESS, Marks & Spencer Outlet, House of Cavani, kate spade ny, Jack Wills, Crew Clothing Company, Levi’s, and Ben Sherman.
Retail Leaders on the Store Opening
Paul McCann, Asset Manager at Lotus Property, which owns The Boulevard, commented:
“French Connection is a fantastic addition to The Boulevard’s retail portfolio, complimenting the existing high-street fashion offering we have at the scheme. This deal signals a resounding confidence in The Boulevard as it continues to be chosen as both the first and only location for many retailers.
“We are delighted to start 2025 off so strongly and welcome French Connection back into the Northern Ireland market via The Boulevard. We have no doubt the brand will succeed and continue to prosper at its new location.”
Simon Donoghue, European Retail & Ecommerce Managing Director at French Connection, added:
“The opening of this French Connection store at The Boulevard marks our re-entry back into Northern Ireland with a stand-alone store after a number of years.
“With strong trading figures and a large footfall of key audience demographics, we feel this designer shopping destination is a great match for our brand. We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone at such a prime location and look forward to welcoming both new and existing customers through our doors.”
A Strategic Location for Retail Growth
As Northern Ireland’s only designer outlet, The Boulevard benefits from a prime location on the A1 corridor between Belfast and Dublin, attracting both local and cross-border shoppers. Around one-sixth of annual footfall comes from visitors from the Republic of Ireland, reinforcing its position as a key retail destination on the island.
The Boulevard is owned by Lotus Property and advised by Johnstone Property Consultants and KLM Real Estate, while Hall Lahaise advised French Connection on the deal.
With the store launch set for 8th March 2025, French Connection’s return to Northern Ireland highlights the continued demand for premium high-street fashion at designer outlet destinations.
