Apple is finalizing negotiations with developers to locate a retail store in the Victoria Square complex in Belfast (N. Ireland), the first store on the island. The store is now assigned space UG5 on the second level of the new 800,000 square-foot set of buildings in city centre that includes 98 shops, residential and office space, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, all converging on a 115-foot dome. Ironically, Apple already has a huge presence on the island, employing thousands in telephone technical support jobs based in Cork. The shopping complex, between City Hall and the River Lagan, will open in March 2008, but the Apple store will open later in the year.
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
While I agree that Belfast should be part of the country of Ireland it is still, at present, part of the UK, so technically this isn’t the first store in the Republic of Ireland, just the 19th store, or so, in the United Kingdom. Great news, however. [IFO - Thanks...correction made.]
They’re fools if they don’t employ me!
Regardless of 1rst or 19th store, i think its fantastic news!!!! GO APPLE! i think you have just made my husbands day or sorry i should say year!!!
YAY!! BELFAST! FIRST STORE IN IRELAND BABY!!
It’s rare for us to get something before Dublin! So WOOT! (Right Billy? :P).
^_^
Gary, it’s interesting that we have an explosion of stores in the UK, but no movement in any of the rest of Europe. Is it so difficult to find acceptable locations in other European countries? Or is there some legal hurdles common in most of Europe that is not true for retailers in the UK?
This is great, but where is that Paris store we all have been looking for?
I also find it amazing that Apple have not opened an Apple Store in the Republic of Ireland seeing as the country has been seeing a massive growth since 1996 and the start of the Celtic Tiger.
Also, a correction: Cork is not just the Call Centre for Apple Europe – there is still manufacturing going on with Leopard DVDs and packaging assembled there among other product lines.
With so many UK stores opening up in the last year and so very little European openings I am beginning to believe that the Euro currency is the blokage on some level.
Stuff the politics, as Jaydee said, it’s the FIRST STORE IN IRELAND BABY!!
And that, of course, is the Island of Ireland!
Only a bunch the Irish regardless of location would argue about something like this. Be thankful the store is coming to our island reagrdless of location!?
KevMac – I’m not sure I follow your notion regarding the euro.
I’d say the reason the UK has a lot of Apple stores is quite simply because it’s the largest english speaking region in Europe, which makes it significantly easier for Apple to open stores there over other countries.
Anyone heard of plans for Dublin, Ireland???
Awesome news. Now all we need in Belfast is Pret a Manger or EAT and I will never have to go to London again.
Belfast is not part of Ireland. Belfast is in Northern Ireland, yes its on the Island of Ireland but NOT Ireland. Until it is legally changed to Ireland no-one has the right to past comment of it using incorrect terms. And before you start about Ireland this and that, if it was Ireland you would have to pay for your health care.
UK_man were not here to debate whether its north south east west ireland, give it a break about the whole Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland thing, who gives a S**t ….. im just happy there is going to be an Apple Store near me whether that be in the North or South of Ireland i couldnt care less…. grow up and get a life.
Well said banned! Wake up and smell the roses UK_man and stop clinging onto the past. We’re all one Europe now anyway; all borders have came down! I’m over the moon that Apple have picked Belfast over Dublin for their first Irish store (purely because I’m from Belfast myself)… I’m almost positive my attendance at the Belfast Art College will suffer though! I’m hearing on the grapevine that it’ll be opening in September.
End of summer is a possibility. September is just coming from thin air.
Does anyone know how we can apply for Job at the new Belfast store thats due to open in September?
Cheers
Tina :)
the republic sucks, mainly for the shitty euro. theres a reason its in belfast, THE POUND.
Not political but I have to correct the blatantly misinformed comment made by UK man. I live in the republic and can I just point out that what you said about healthcare in ireland is wrong. We are not a big country and cannot support a NHS like in the UK. However People who can afford it get health insurance. Those who cannot afford insurance are entitled to a ‘medical card’ and receive FREE healthcare just like in the NHS. Its the rich looking after the poor. While it might not be a perfect system it works. Im sick of people making out we have a healthcare system like in america where people die because they dont have insurance. Its fear mongering and seige mentality like this that is keeping us in the dark ages. Apologies for the rant.
Gandalf- I live in Northern Ireland and I understand your frustration. I just want to let you know that these are views of a certain section of society that are living in the past!!
FUCK OFF EVERYONE
WHO GIVES A FUCK
Hello there, Happy Fool’s Day!
For the first time in many years, a an old man traveled from his rural town to the city to attend a movie. After buying his ticket, he stopped to purchase some popcorn.
Handing the attendant $1.50, he couldn’t help but comment, “The last time I came to the movies, popcorn was only 15 cents.”
“Well, sir,” the attendant replied with a grin, “You’re really going to enjoy yourself. We have sound now”
Happy April Fool’s Day!
Let’s not beat around the bush here: they chose Belfast because it’s a hell of a lot cheaper and is part of the UK market of 65 million people. For many retailers, “choosing” Belfast isn’t that hard because they can open small, cheap rented shops and get decent traffic from the Republic and the North. It’s testing the waters. You can be assured Dublin’s store will be a flagship, whereas Belfast’s is a regional ‘mall’ store.
The staff in Belfast are sure to be friendlier though. Some very down to earth people in Belfast – unlike the snobby attitude of Dublin sales assistants.