IKEA launches first Northern Ireland outlet with flexible fit-out

IKEA has opened a 2,691 sq ft outlet store at The Boulevard shopping centre in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, delivered as a flexible fit-out.

The pop-up unit, operating until spring 2026, combines planning services, curated home furnishings, and a hub for online order collections.

The store reflects IKEA’s revised, smaller-format concept, aligning with shifts in customer behaviour and omnichannel retail strategies. The Boulevard itself has seen double-digit growth in both sales and footfall over the past year, reinforcing the value of experience-led, well-located retail spaces.

Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, said: “The scheme’s combination of strong footfall, accessibility and on-site management expertise made it an ideal environment for retailers trialling new concepts. The centre’s ability to deliver adaptable retail space quickly has also proved attractive, particularly for brands seeking lower-risk entry into new markets.”

Since its 2006 opening, The Boulevard has continued to evolve with new lettings and phased enhancements. Market-first locations have included Northern Irish cosmetics brand BPerfect and fashion names such as Vila and French Connection. The scheme now hosts the only standalone Northern Irish stores for several global brands.

Beyond retail, The Boulevard is expanding its leisure and food-and-beverage offering to create an all-day destination. A new Hollywood Bowl, featuring a bowling alley, restaurant, and family entertainment space, is scheduled to open later this year, contributing to the growth of the night-time economy.

With a critical mass of retail, leisure, and adjacent big-box operators, The Boulevard demonstrates the value of flexible fit-outs in supporting long-term adaptability for occupiers and investment resilience. IKEA’s debut outlet reinforces the centre’s role as a strategic, dynamic retail destination.

Explore the full project details and fit-out strategy in the complete report.

(Photo credits to The Boulevard’s official website)