Apple to open first Irish store in Belfast

APPLE is set to open its first dedicated branded retail outlet on the island of Ireland this year, with Belfast the chosen option.

The computer and iPod manufacturer is opening a number of retail outlets around Europe. Two are due to open in the Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva, with another set for Monaco. The company is also rumoured to be opening stores in Milan and Munich.

The first Irish-based store — for which the company is already recruiting — could open next month.

It is set to be part of Belfast’s newest retail outlet, the Victoria Square shopping centre, which officially opens on March 6. However, no exact opening date for the Apple shop has been given as yet.

It is thought, however, that the Belfast Apple store will not open until later in the year — even though it has been assigned a spot in the new 75,000 square metre retail/office/residential facility in the city, which is based near the City Hall.

The computer giant has decided on adding to its European store portfolio after successful launches of earlier stores in Britain and Italy.