HomeRetail in Belfast
A city's retail market is vital as it attracts not only tourists
but regular trade from residents and day trippers. Belfast is the main retail market in Northern Ireland with a primary catchment population of 1.8 million. This includes all of Northern Ireland as well as extending into parts of the Republic of Ireland.
There are a total of 7.1 million high-spending visitors to the city each year, demonstrating the Lonely Planet's description of Belfast being a 'city on the rise'.
Victoria Square, the new £400 million development which opened in March 2008, will increase Belfast's presence on the UK retail map and will give it a further boost in attracting shoppers, tourists, conferences and investors.
Key statistics
- Belfast is rated within the top five fastest growing regional economies in the UK.
- It is ranked fifth in the UK for retail trading conditions, and fourth for retailer confidence (Gerald Eve: 'Prime Retail Report').
- Belfast has the largest and most diverse retail centre in Northern Ireland.
- There are 834 retail outlets in Belfast's prime retail area, an increase of 58% since 2006.
- It has a combined retail spend of more than £2.5 billion per year.
- 45% of total visitor expenditure is based on shopping.
- Shoppers' perception of safety has improved by 40% (from 49% in 2006 to 89% in 2007).
