Retailer Carroll's Irish Gifts today announced the opening of its first store in the North.
The 5,000sq ft shop is located in Belfast’s Castle Place in the city's shopping district and employs a staff of 12. Carroll's has taken a 15-year lease on the property.
The company, whose main business is the sale of Irish-themed and related gifts, said the initial reaction to the opening has been "extremely positive".
“We are delighted with the success of the Belfast venture to date and have been welcomed with open arms by the retail and local shopping community alike," property director Lorcan O’Connor said.
Mr O'Connor added: "We chose Belfast because it is a new and expanding market. The tourist industry in Belfast is in its infancy."
Carroll's chairman Colm Carroll said the retailer was anxious to expand its product range to cover all the local attractions and meet local needs relating to Belfast and the North.
The retailer employs 160 full-time staff and 25 part-time at its nine Dublin stores generating a turnover of €26m annually.
The company describes itself as one of the leading retailers of quality Irish sport and fashion clothing, souvenirs and gift products.
