British fashion giant French Connection is set to make a highly anticipated return to Northern Ireland next month with the opening of a new store at The Boulevard in Banbridge, Co Down. The move marks the brand’s first standalone presence in the region since closing its last store in Belfast’s Cornmarket in July 2013.

The new store will create 10 jobs and reinforce The Boulevard’s position as a thriving retail hub, following its strongest-ever sales performance in 2024 - an increase of 6 percent compared to the previous year.

Simon Donoghue, European Retail and E-commerce Managing Director at French Connection described the opening as a key milestone for the brand. “This marks our re-entry back into Northern Ireland with a standalone store after a number of years,” he said. “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.”

Simon Donoghue further added that, “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”. The 2,608-square-foot store will be located alongside other major fashion brands, including GUESS, Marks & Spencer Outlet, Kate Spade NY, Jack Wills, Levi’s, and Ben Sherman. It will be French Connection’s tenth UK outlet, offering a mix of full-price and outlet stock for both men and women.

Paul McCann, Asset Manager at Lotus Property, which owns The Boulevard, called the addition of French Connection “fantastic” and a strong complement to the existing fashion lineup. “This deal signals a resounding confidence in The Boulevard,” he stated, noting that “We are delighted to welcome French Connection back to Northern Ireland and have no doubt it will thrive in its new home”.

As Northern Ireland’s only designer outlet centre, The Boulevard continues to attract both local and cross-border visitors, benefiting from its prime location on the A1 corridor between Belfast and Dublin.