Two ladies clothing retailers (Zarabella and Molly’s Soul), a gelato store (Nugalato), sweet shop (Scrummies) and a children’s play town / café (Honeybees Playtown) are amongst the new businesses to open over the past year.

BID Manager, Emma McCrea believes that the town is best-known its bespoke make-up of independent stores, combined with the two major shopping centers located on the vibrant high street which offers a unique shopping and visitor experience, which has attracted further investment into the area.

She said: “Ballymena has always been a premier shopping destination town and has attracted visitors from far and wide. Footfall is above the average of other Northern Ireland towns, and you can feel the buzz in the atmosphere as people get back to enjoying everything now on offer.

“It is a unique town in that over 70% of the businesses are independent and we have such a vibrant mix of businesses from the established McKillens, to Camerons, Wallace and Wyse Byse, some of whom have been in the town for over 50 years.

“There’s a real sense of both community and trading confidence with a new artisan market, held on the last Friday of the month, and great new stores opening. With Spring in the air, retailers are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new back to enjoying one of the best shopping experiences in Northern Ireland.”

The wave of new independent stores is building on Ballymena’s popularity and success over the festive period, with the town enjoying one of the busiest Christmas trading periods on record, despite the challenging circumstances.

Cara-Lee Glenn owner of Zarabella commented: “I have worked in women’s fashion for over 20 years and always had a burning ambition to open my own business. I was absolutely delighted to find a recently refurbished, vacant unit in such a central location on Greenvale Street.

“Ballymena is a really lively, welcoming town and the reception to the business has been amazing. I am delighted with our performance so far and look forward to a bumper Spring/Summer. I truly appreciate all of the support from customers, old and new and we now look forward to launching our online platform later this month.”

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The event, which takes place at the Crowne Plaza hotel on November 14, is organised by Neighbourhood Retailer magazine. This pioneering summit will explore the latest trends in retail, including digitisation, the rapidly growing food-to-go market and the rise of vegan and vegetarian meals.

Seven internationally-renowned speakers, among them six-times Olympic champion, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, will be there to motivate and inspire delegates from NI’s diverse retail sector.

There will also be a full trade exhibition.

Jim Clerkin, who comes originally from Co. Down, has worked in the drinks business for 35 years. After rising through the ranks at Guinness, he ultimately became a member of the board of directors and went on to head divisions for Grand Metropolitan and later, Diageo before joining Allied Domecq.

Now, as CEO of Moet Hennessy North America, Jim is part of the brand’s executive team, with responsibility for the company’s portfolio of global labels.

At the Neighbourhood Retailer Summit, he will take a closer look at how the industry is changing while drawing on the challenges and opportunities that can arise when growing a global brand.

To reserve your place at this prestigious event, call Pamela Beers today on 028 90 457 457, email her on pamela.beers@pentonpublications.co.uk or book online at www.nrsummit.com

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