With the countdown to Christmas well and truly on, there’s yet another reason for shoppers to visit Athlone Towncentre (www.athlonetowncentre.com ) with the announcement that a new look, larger H&M store has opened.
The international fashion retailer increased the store size from 11,887 sq. ft to 15,192 sq. ft by amalgamating two units at both the ground floor and first floor level, investing circa €3 million into the store re-fit. In a significant vote of confidence for the retail location, H&M have also signed a new 10 year lease. The letting agents are Bannon and Cushman & Wakefield - occupancy at the centre now stands at 98% .
Shirley Delahunt, Marketing Manager, Athlone Towncentre said that with this latest announcement, there is no doubt that it is the leading shopping centre destination in the Midlands region and wider catchment area.
“That’s a big part of its appeal for H&M and other major Irish and international brands including Sports Direct, River Island, Zara, M&S, NEXT, TK Maxx and Eason.
“At virtually full occupancy now and with an eye-catching mix of retail and services , the next number of trading weeks to Christmas promise to be very busy with gift givers and those who want to treat themselves. We’re anticipating increased footfall – an important boost for the local economy at this time of year,” she said.
This latest news from H&M follows a busy period of retailer activity at the centre in past year or so with the arrival of a new anchor tenant (Sports Direct ) major new brands including Rituals, an expanded Pamela Scott, new Irish brands Echo Hair and Nails and Koo Koo in addition to Nana’s Tea which opened last Friday.
In addition, a multi-million euro mechanical and electrical upgrade project completed in 2023, has resulted in electricity consumption being reduced by 50% in the shopping centre and by 35% in the car park compared to energy consumption in 2019, pre the commencement of the upgrade and project works.
