Connswater Shopping Centre in Belfast closes after 40 years

An iconic shopping centre in east Belfast has closed for the last time, leaving staff and shoppers heartbroken. Connswater Shopping Centre, which opened in 1993 and was a popular spot in the 90s, shut its doors yesterday after experiencing a decline in footfall over the years. The closure affects 20 tenants, including Boots, New Look, and Poundland. Workers expressed their sadness, with one employee, Sheelagh Gray, calling it “like a death.” Many staff members cried as they said goodbye to a place they cherished. On their final day, a loyal customer surprised the staff at Semichem with lunch, showing their appreciation for the team. Several shops marked their closure with discounts and sales. Poundland offered 50% off on their last items. Meanwhile, local groups, like the East Belfast Men's Shed, expressed concerns about losing their meeting space but have found a temporary location. The closure highlights a bigger issue facing retailers. Many shops are struggling due to the rise of online shopping and increasing costs. The British Retail Consortium warns that upcoming tax changes and rising minimum wages will further squeeze the retail sector. As more shops shut down, local high streets face the risk of becoming empty and losing foot traffic. Major retailers have already closed many locations, and experts predict thousands more will close this year.