UK electronics retailer Maplin Electronics plans to expand its Irish chain from two to eight stores within the next two years.
The announcement came as Maplin completed its move to a 6,250 sq ft (581 sq m) retail warehouse in Boucher Road, Belfast, where it is paying £93,750 pa, equivalent to £15 per sq ft (£161 per sq m).
The store replaces a smaller store at Lisburn Road, Belfast.
The group confirmed plans to increase its portfolio of Dublin stores to three, adding to its store at the Jervis Centre in Dublin city centre.
Eamonn Murphy, director of commercial property consultant Lisney, confirmed Maplin is also planning to acquire further stores of 5,000-7,500 sq ft (464-697 sq m) in Derry, Galway, Cork and Limerick, as well as in Belfast city centre.
The electronics retailer, which has 64 outlets throughout the UK, has traditionally favoured high-street locations.
The Belfast acquisition marks the first step in Maplin Electronics strategy to expand its Irish operations with an emphasis on larger out-of-town units.
EGi News 07/08/02
