Zara to open at former Debenhams unit in Blanchardstown

Fashion retailer Zara is to increase its presence at the Blanchardstown Centre after striking a deal for a new outlet on the scheme’s second floor.

The unit, which had been occupied previously by Debenhams, will accommodate Zara’s womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and accessories collections. The agreement of the letting will see the Spanish-owned brand’s footprint at Blanchardstown grow from the16,000sq ft it occupies to 52,000sq ft.

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News of the deal comes just over two months after premium fashion group Flannels signed for the ground floor of Debenhams’ former premises in Blanchardstown. At 45,000sq ft, the space is the larger of the two outlets committed to by the UK retailer in the Irish market to date. Flannels, which is part of Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, agreed earlier this year to occupy 30,000sq ft, or half the retail space at the Clerys Quarter on O’Connell Street in Dublin city centre.

Commenting on Zara’s decision to expand its operations at the Blanchardstown Centre, Sharon Walsh, leasing director at Falcon AM, said: “This letting underpins the strength of the centre and is in line with the ongoing strategy to reposition and strengthen the asset by upsizing and adding new retailers which add to the overall shopping experience.”