Bershka, the international fashion retailer, today opens the doors to its new store at Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin’s largest retail and leisure destination.
Bershka is owned by Spanish multinational clothing company Inditex, whose portfolio also includes ZARA, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear and Stradivarius, amongst others. The news follows the recent opening of ZARA’s largest store in Ireland at the centre.
Signed on a 12-year lease and spanning 10,000 sq ft, the new Bershka store will sit on Level 2, beside the new ZARA, in a prime position. It will offer the latest womenswear and menswear collections, along with accessories, through a world-class and vibrant in-store experience.
The addition of Bershka and ZARA follows several other signings at the centre over the last few months. These include Nike, which will debut its new Nike Unite concept store later this year, and UK luxury fashion retailer, FLANNELS, which recently opened its 45,000 sq ft department store – the first in the country.
Blanchardstown Centre is Dublin’s largest retail and leisure destination, covering over 1.1 million sq ft. Centre occupancy currently stands at 98% and footfall 10% up on 2019 levels with current trends suggest a record year in 2023, outperforming the already positive performance for physical retail more broadly across Ireland.
The centre has benefitted from an extension and extensive refurbishment process over the last two years, including a full mall upgrade, with further spend planned. This investment has succeeded in increasing appeal for new international and local brands.
Blanchardstown is Dublin’s third largest urban area, popular with urban professionals and young families, with one of the fastest growing populations in Ireland. Catchment currently totals 1.9m. The town enjoys excellent transport connections – sitting on the M50 ring road and N3 motorway, eight miles from Dublin city centre, 15 minutes from Dublin airport and on a total of 20 bus routes.
Pat Nash, Managing Director at Falcon AM, asset managers for Blanchardstown Centre, commented: “Bershka is a great addition to the line-up here at Blanchardstown and, along with other recent signings, will act as a real footfall driver.”
“The opening is indicative of continued confidence across the market and the resilience of physical retail in Ireland specifically – in contrast to much of Europe. With sustained recovery on occupancy and footfall, the Irish market really is emerging as a bright spot on the landscape – and is increasingly on the radar for international brands focused on European expansion.”
“The signing also reflects the success of our substantial investment in the centre over the last two years, increasing its appeal for household names like this Bershka – alongside Nike and FLANNELS.”
“Bershka is also a brand which really understands the importance of integrating physical and digital retail strategies – giving shoppers the best of both worlds and a seamless experience. It is exactly the type of retailer we want at Blanchardstown Centre. The addition will significantly enhance our fashion offer, and we’re delighted to see the store open its doors.”
