13 August 2021
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
Frasers Group to occupy anchor store (75,000 sq. ft.) at Mahon Point – Sports Direct will operate inside also
Frasers Group plc, which is a sporting goods retailer, and multi-brand luxury destination is set to open 2 brand-new stores in Ireland. The stores will be the first for the group in Ireland, and will be opening at Mahon Point Shopping Centre in Cork, and Whitewater Shopping Centre in Kildare. Both Centres are owned by German fund Deka.
The openings will take a phased opening approach, starting with Sports Direct set to open later this year, and luxury lifestyle destination, Frasers, set to open in early 2022. The stores occupy approximately 150,000 sq. ft. combined and will open in units both previously occupied by Debenhams.
The Frasers will bring a dynamic retail destination to each location and will boast an unrivalled range of beauty, fashion, premium and contemporary accessories and designer childrenswear. Focusing on experience, brands and service, Frasers will bring a world-class beauty hall alongside an impressive ready-to-wear offering that will include a comprehensive mix of hundreds of brands.
Wolverhampton Frasers, Photography by Joas Souza Photographer
Oblique aerial view of Mahon Point Shopping Centre. Debenhams used to occupy 2 floors on the rear of the photo. Sports Direct will be on the 1st floor when it opens.
A Sports Direct will also operate within both Mahon Point and Whitewater’s new stores. Opening later this year, each store will boast the very best in sports brands with an unrivalled selection for men’s, women’s and kids and will include sections dedicated to disciplines such as running, football and outdoors.
James France, Head of Global Leasehold Property at Frasers Group said:
“These new sites mark as a pivotal moment for the group as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to bricks-and-mortar and prove our investment into major retail destinations and the retail market in Ireland. Frasers Group is dedicated to bringing an unrivalled shopping experience to customers and, importantly, will bring a significant number of jobs with both openings.”
The deal was brokered by Peter O’Meara & Kevin Sweeney from Savills, acting for Deka, with Karl Stewart of Cushman and Wakefield acting for the tenant.
Peter O’Meara, Retail Director at Savills Ireland commented:
“These deals are a huge boost to the Irish retail market. They demonstrate that despite a challenging retail market, centres which dominate their trade area will continue to attract the best retailers.”
“The positive impact on both shopping centres will be significant, as Frasers will bring a widened product offering – in a new modern fit-out – which will boost footfall to the benefit of all retailers in situ.”
A spokesperson for Deka Immobilien, the owners of Mahon Point and Whitewater Shopping Centres commented:
“We are delighted to have secured a strong new partner in Frasers at Mahon Point and Whitewater and wish them every success for the future.”
Mahon Point Shopping Centre is Munster’s largest shopping destination. The centre offers an exciting range of over 60 high street stores, restaurants, cafes, as well as a 13 screen cinema and additional leisure facilities.
