Foot Locker backs staying in Ireland with double Dublin commitment

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Feb 24, 2023

Athleisure giant Foot Locker is backing up a renewed commitment to Ireland by not only opening a major new flagship store in one Dublin mall but also upgrading and relocated an existing store within another shopping centre in the city.

The raising of its profile in Dublin, and indeed Ireland as a whole, comes after Foot Locker admitted it had questioned its very existence in the country, according to John Lowry, Director of Real Estate at Foot Locker Europe.

He said: “We have spent recent years debating whether we would exit Ireland altogether, given lack of store performance, however after some deliberation and consolidation, we have chosen to re-invest in Ireland and support a market that we believe has much more to offer.”

He added: “Ireland is very much a market we would like to improve our presence, subject to positioning ourselves in the right locations and at the right terms. We are delighted to support Irish jobs and the local economy.”

So Foot Locker is to open a flagship store at The Ilac mall in Dublin, and it will be the brand’s largest in the country.  And reflecting its strong commitment to the city, the retailer is also relocating to an upgraded store in the Swords Pavilions retail venue.

The 13,000 sq ft Ilac store will occupy a prime location at the mall’s main entrance, facing out onto Henry Street, “rejuvenating one of Dublin’s main shopping streets following the pandemic, bringing with it vibrancy and a new young audience”, said mall co-owner and operator Hammerson. 

It also strengthens the athleisure offering within the destination and underpins “a wider strategy… to reinvigorate The Ilac with household brands, new concepts and experiences which excite and engage new and loyal customers”, it added. 

In parallel with the The Ilac flagship, the city’s Swords Pavilions sees a relocation for the brand, “boasting a new modern fit out” within a 4,800 sq ft unit on the ground floor. 

Connor Owens, Managing Director, Asset Management (Ireland & Scotland), Hammerson, said: “Athleisure continues to be a top-performing category across our portfolio, and Foot Locker is a global leader in this space.

“Its exclusive range of footwear, sports apparel and campaigns are hugely popular with consumers worldwide, so we know this is just the type of brand which will resonate particularly amongst our younger customers.”

He added: “Foot Locker’s relocation and renewed commitment in Swords Pavilions also highlights both the growing national demand for this athleisure brand, as well as Hammerson’s unrivalled ability to connect top brands with strong consumer demand across our destinations.”