Retail in Belfast will bounce back after reopening on April 30, it has been predicted - with Debenhams leading the way with its closing down sale.
nd commercial property agents say that despite the loss of the department store after 31 years in the city, new occupiers were arriving.
It is understood there is also strong interest from retailers in setting up at the former Topshop at Victoria Square, while at CastleCourt Shopping Centre plans are progressing to sub-divide the Debenhams store when it does close. For now, though, it is described as "fully stocked and ready to sell out".
However, retailer Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Castle Lane has said it is not going to reopen, claiming its landlord would not allow it to pay a lower rent based on turnover.
Debenhams could not confirm details of its reopening of four remaining stores in Belfast, Craigavon, Ballymena and Newry.
But they are expected to raise the shutters on April 30 with other non-essential retail, and trade for at least another five weeks before shutting for good.
Its closing down sales in England have been offering 70% off fashion and home, and up to 50% off beauty and perfume lines.
Brian Kidd of letting agency Frazer Kidd said new businesses were arriving. It has signed up bubble tea company Chatime to Cornmarket, and Lisburn-based sandwich maker Daltons to a unit close by.
"There are retailers locally and internationally still looking at Belfast. I certainly believe there is still a very strong prospect for retailers across the UK to come here," he said. "We're renowned for our good shopping and that will continue."
And the recent sale of the former BHS unit at Castle Lane to Alterity Investments was also a positive move, he said.
Jeremy Cairns of agency Campbell Cairns said retailers were expecting "a big bounce back".
"During the lockdown a number have been using that time to relocate to better, stronger locations in the best retail areas," he said. "People are looking forward to shopping in the traditional sense. Certain locations will maintain their strength as a draw for shoppers but weaker locations will continue to decline.
"Tourists are going to come back to Belfast when they can, and if you've been working from home in Ballynahinch or Ballyclare, even if you're happy going for your coffee there at lunchtime, by the weekend, you're going to want to come to Belfast to do your shopping."
Mr Cairns said that while some retailers had been surrendering their keys, landlords were also not having an easy time. "They still have shareholders and large loans to service," he added.
Debenhams stores reopened in England on April 12 and are due to shut by May 15.
It is expected stores here will follow a similar pattern, shutting by the first week in June.
Debenhams went into liquidation in December, after an administration process failed to secure any buyers to save the shops, although the name and website was sold to online retailer Boohoo.
Paul Wilson, a director at Savills, has been looking for new businesses for the Debenhams unit. "It's a fair assumption we'll be looking at carving up the space, with alternative use as well as retail.
"We're delighted with the level of interest - it's predominantly retail and leisure occupiers who are showing strong interest."
