Carrickfergus - Neighbourhood Retailer

Second Home Bargains store opening in Carrickfergus

Caroline Rainey — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:05:16 +0000

Home Bargains will open its second store in Carrickfergus on Saturday 7^th June.

Dubbed ‘Carrickfergus 2’, the store is situated in Shore Commercial Park and boasts a Home Bargains bakery, café and garden centre.

Representing an investment of approximately £5 million, the new store is 24,994 sq ft and is creating 76 jobs for the area.

The discount store is widely known for its extensive range of products including homewares, health and beauty products, fresh and frozen food, gardening products and a range of sweets, snacks and drinks.

The store is the second for the County Antrim town, following on from the store at Decourcy Shopping Centre.

Founded in Liverpool almost 50 years ago, Home Bargains revealed that its sales in 2024 had broken the £4 billion mark, with pre-tax profits up 35% to £454.8 million.

Carrickfergus 2 store manager, Adrienne Wady has described her pride in being part of the brand-new store in her home town.

“We are not only opening a store – we are building a team, serving families, and becoming part of the daily life for many residents within the community,” Adrienne told the Carrick Times.

“It is exciting to be part of something that will not only offer great value to our local community but also provide job opportunities to those in surrounding areas.”

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Lidl reveals plans to demolish and rebuild Carrickfergus store

Linda Stewart — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 09:14:18 +0000

Lidl has unveiled plans to demolish and rebuild its supermarket in Carrickfergus.

It’s part of the German retailer’s ongoing programme to replace its older outlets around the north with its larger and more modern store format.

Lidl recently unveiled its latest concept supermarket on Belfast’s Shore Road.

Rebuilds are currently under way in Omagh and the Castlereagh Road in east Belfast, with a new store also in the works for Belfast’s Boucher Road.

The discounter opened its Carrickfergus store, next to the former Courtaulds factory, in December 2010.

Lidl notified Mid and East Antrim Borough Council of its plans in recent days. The bid is currently at the pre-application stage, with a community consultation set to take place ahead of the submission of a full planning application later in the year.

The German retailer’s move comes as fellow discounter Home Bargains continues its efforts to secure planning permission for a new 42,000 sq ft store garden centre on the site behind it.

A major demolition programme has just been completed on the former Courtaulds site, which is subject to a major redevelopment plan.

The Kilmona Group has planning permission for a major retirement development on the site. Choice Housing confirmed in June that it will be investing around £20 million in delivering 146 homes on the site.

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Christmas artisan markets create good cheer in Mid and East Antrim

Linda Stewart — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 09:33:56 +0000

Artisan markets showcasing the finest fare from Mid and East Antrim will be adding some sparkle to town centres this festive season.

Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne will be filled with local seasonal food, crafts and gifts so there will be no shortage of inspiration this Christmas.

Some of the traders setting up stall will include Salty Herb, The Natural Root, Castle Crafts, Plumpy Balms and Country Candles. All traders are taking card payments, so it’s a great way to spend your local high street voucher.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr William McCaughey said: “Share the festive season with our amazing local traders by celebrating and supporting local this Christmas. These markets are not only perfect for a family day out, but also to get a present that’s a bit different as well.

“It’s been tough, particularly on small businesses the past year, with events like this cancelled across the country, so what better way to get behind our local traders and help give them a boost this winter.

“This year we have fantastic entertainment in all the town centres, from the lights switch on, to live music and parades. Cafes and restaurants are gearing up to welcome you back safely this season and make it a Christmas to remember.”

Ballymena

Ballymena’s Artisan Market and seasonal live music performances, in association with Ballymena BID, will take place on Greenvale Street on:

Thursday 9th December – Sunday 12th December

Thursday 16th December – Sunday 19th December

(Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 10am – 6pm / Sundays: 1pm – 6pm)

Santa and his reindeer will also be paying the market a visit on Thursday 9 December between 4.30pm and 6pm.

Larne

Larne’s Artisan Market at Broadway, featuring DJ Mark Dobbin will take place on:

Friday 26th November, 4pm – 8pm (Santa will arrive on his sleigh at 5pm)

Saturday 27th November, 11am – 5pm (walkabout characters and children’s entertainment)

Carrickfergus

Traders and music from Uplift Performing Arts will be at Market Place in Carrickfergus on:

Friday 3rd December, 4pm – 8pm (Santa will arrive on his sleigh at 5pm)

Saturday 4th December, 11am – 5pm (walkabout characters and children’s entertainment)

For more information on all of the festive events in #ASeasonToCelebrate head to www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Christmas

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Local National Autistic Society branch receives over £1,000 from Carrick retailer

Julie Nash — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:40:03 +0000

The Larne and Carrickfergus branch of the National Autistic Society has received a cheque for £1,608 from SPAR Fortfield.

Run entirely by local volunteers, the National Autistic Society will use the money to provide support services for local families – something SPAR Fortfield wanted to honour during Autism Awareness Month in April.

Holly Rogers, Team Leader at SPAR Fortfield commented; “The local branch of the National Autistic Society does so much to support people in our local community with autism, including providing a new hub to host a youth club and many other activities.

“We held a bucket collection in store, and at the end of April, myself and Courtney Clarke, a volunteer from the local branch walked an entire marathon to raise more funds and awareness for this fantastic charity. I’d like to thank all our shoppers for supporting the initiative throughout the month, we are so proud to be donating this money to a local charity that goes above and beyond for our community.”

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A little oasis of independent retailers at Carrick’s Courtyard

Julie Nash — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 11:19:21 +0000

Famous for its castle and coastline, Carrickfergus is also celebrating another jewel in its crown at The Courtyard. An oasis of independent retailers and coffee shops, this not so secret garden really does have something for everyone.

Just on the edge of the medieval town, visitors can pop in to enjoy and explore the tranquil courtyard garden brimming with blooms and bustling with local businesses.

Lockdown may have seen the high street come to a standstill, but for The Courtyard, they seized the opportunity to support traders and bagged six new businesses to add to the offering.

From barbers and beauticians to book shops and bakers, this are of the town is a truly local affair, showcasing the talent the independent retailers here have to offer.

The Courtyard

The Courtyard’s Amanda Mitchell said it’s been a tough time for retailers during Covid-19 but they’re ready to welcome back all shoppers safely: “It’s no secret that retail and hospitality have been hardest hit by lockdown, but we are so proud here to have helped foster young and established businesses on their way to recovery whilst boosting our eclectic offering here.

“The Courtyard not only has an array of businesses here that you can come and explore, but it’s a scenic setting with its gardens and eateries that offers a break from the normal hustle and bustle of the high street and big brand shops. We’ve certainly noticed a growing appetite to support local retailers that can offer a more personal service. We’ve been working with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to ensure all our businesses here are good to go to welcome you back safely, and we can’t wait to see everyone again.

“It’s not just a place for businesses to grow here at The Courtyard, we are a community and a new Talking Shop invites innovative thinking and imagination, while providing an encouraging space for community-orientated ideas and experiments. Set up by Positive Carrickfergus we want to offer a space to discuss and explore the future of Carrickfergus with the people who live here.”

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