15 February 2008
Since the Killarney Outlet Centre first opened it's doors to eager shoppers in 1999, the Centre has recorded year on year growth in visitor numbers. Figures just in for 2007 show continued growth, despite the reported retail slow down in Ireland and abroad. The Centre has also reported an increase in actual Sales to correspond with the increase in visitors to the Centre.
This performance Paul Sherry, the Centre Manager puts down to the confidence store owners have shown in the Centre by investing in their premises with upgrades and new looks as well as the new store openings.
The year saw many positive changes at the Centre. On 1st March 2007 Pavers Shoe Store introduced a new high fashion range of footwear called "Staccato" offering shoppers footwear straight from the catwalks of Milan and Paris at prices 30% below normal retail prices. To coincide with the introduction of the new range, the store received a complete new look and their confidence in the Centre and investment was rewarded with a sales increase in excess of 20% year on year for 2007.
The year also saw the introduction of a new retail fashion outlet, Betsy Boo offering a new fashion alternative at the Centre, catering for ladies fashions of all ages at unbelievable value. Also new to the Centre in 2007 was Director's Cut offering shoppers new and classic films and music DVD's, CD's as well as a range of Computer Games.
One of Killarney's busiest Sandwich Bars O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bar, carried out a Refit in November 2007, reopening just in time for the busy Christmas season. The new look incorporates a children's area in the food court and extending their ready to go menu, re-affirming their confidence in Killarney Outlet Centre. The new and improved facility offers more Hot Food Options.
On forecasts for 2008 Paul Sherry, Centre Manager stated, "There is no doubt that trading in the year ahead will be tougher than previous years, however we are confident with the investment our stores have made and continue to make, that we can maintain our position as one of Munster's Premier Shopping Destinations, offering locals as well as the many visitors to Killarney a shopping experience with a difference." To add to this Paul stated "The new look Blarney Woollen Mills is due to open in the next two weeks and Claire's Accessories are due to refurbish their store later this year. All this investment through the various re-fits demonstrates the confidence the tenants have in the Centre and we look forward to yet another record breaking year in 2008."
As a closing note and looking towards changes in retail in general in Killarney, Paul stated, "We welcome the arrival of Marks & Spencer to town and feel sure that they will add significantly to Killarney as a Retail Destination bringing more shoppers. More Shoppers means more business for all! We are also excited about the opening of the New Torc Shopping Centre due to open in 2009, which again can only add value to Killarney as a retail destination."
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