The announcement that the John Lewis Partnership has been given the "green light" for their proposed development at Sprucefield is good news for consumers here – according to University of Ulster retail expert, Donald McFetridge.

“Traders who worry for the future of their business need not do so,” explains Donald. “Past research has demonstrated that there is cumulative attraction when new retailers of such a high calibre develop store operations in new territories. Out of town retailing complements that already available in town or city centres and should be welcomed by traders and consumers alike.”

Donald, who is a lecturer in the School of Business, Retail and Financial Services at UU, rejects claims that the arrival of a John Lewis store could have a detrimental effect on other retailers in the area.

“It is protectionist in the extreme to claim that there will be massive problems resulting from this development. History has demonstrated that this is not the case. This is a time for looking to the future. It is time for incoming department store operators to concentrate on areas of the province.  The north-west is crying out for a department store of the size, scale and calibre of John Lewis, especially in a town like Coleraine. Incoming investors should perhaps look at other potentially lucrative geographical locations outside of Belfast City Centre.

“The news of new jobs is to be welcomed and those who bemoaning the arrival of JLP should review their thinking, trade-up their own retail operations and get in on the act.”

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter