Iceland launches search for new stores in Northern Ireland

As part of a major three-year expansion plan, supermarket giant Iceland has launched a property search to find eight new sites for outlets in Northern Ireland.

The property search launched this week is part of a nationwide campaign to locate suitable sites for a planned company extension of 80 stores throughout the United Kingdom.

Iceland, which already has 760 stores, has located 110 potential sites for the new outlets across the UK, with the company targeting Armagh, Ballyclare, South/West Belfast, Cookstown, Downpatrick, Kilkeel, Limavady and Londonderry in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Iceland Group’s property director Tim Yates said: “Iceland is all about delivering quality food at value-for-money prices direct to the shopper. Because of this we look for sites which are easy to access by foot as well as by car or public transport. We even offer a delivery service so that customers who don’t want to carry their shopping home can have it delivered to their door.

“Our customers know us for the exceptional deals we offer, and we are confident that there is space for an Iceland store in many more of the UK’s high streets and suburbs. We plan to bring 80 new stores on line over the next 36 months, if suitable locations are available,” added Tim Yates.

Known as a high street retailer, Iceland’s existing stores are located to provide easy access to shoppers. Prospective new sites should be in established high streets and suburbs, or on main roads in populated areas, with convenient parking. Store sizes will range from 3,000 sq ft to 8,500 sq ft to accommodate Iceland’s range of frozen, chilled and grocery products.

Iceland’s search in Northern Ireland and Scotland is being managed by Fisher Wilson and Mason Owen & Partners in England and Wales. (AMcE)