Anyone who has spent time in Belfast city centre in recent weeks will have felt it immediately; the hum of activity, the queues outside flagship stores, restaurants bustling with people, and a genuine sense of momentum.
This festive season, Belfast’s retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are not just surviving, they are thriving. And that matters for the entire city economy.
At Belfast Chamber, almost a third of our membership operates across retail, hospitality and leisure. That figure reflects the reality of Belfast’s economic make-up. These sectors are fundamental to how the city functions, how it feels and how it is perceived. When they perform well, they support hundreds of jobs, attract visitors and create the vibrancy that encourages further investment.
While we can never rest on our laurels and must always be looking to improve the city further, the evidence of success is clear. Footfall and consumer spend are up year on year, reinforcing Belfast’s position as the region’s dominant retail destination. Donegall Place reaching full retail occupancy this year also marked a significant milestone for the city centre.
Research has indicated that Northern Ireland’s retail market performed strongly throughout 2025, delivering a year of stability despite persistent inflationary pressures. Belfast has led the way, with the arrival of international flagship brands such as Victoria’s Secret, LEGO and Bershka, alongside expansions by Stradivarius, Mango, and Space NK injecting fresh energy and confidence into the high street and demonstrating clear occupier confidence.
Hospitality and leisure are also enjoying a welcome uplift. Venues such as the Clover Group’s Margot and late-night bar Rudi have seen strong demand in recent weeks, while recent additions such as the Ringland Group’s Amelia Hall continue to build momentum.
This is particularly significant given the sustained pressures the hospitality sector has faced. Rising costs, staffing challenges and this year’s increase in National Insurance Contributions and minimum wage hikes have all tested businesses.
To see people turning out in such numbers to support local venues is both encouraging and essential, helping employers sustain jobs and reward their teams during a critical trading period.
Increased activity inevitably brings increased movement and, while traffic volumes are higher, this again reflects success as it is clear that more people are choosing to come into Belfast.
Importantly, congestion levels are noticeably improved compared to 2024. The earlier pause on roadworks, the reopening of Durham Street and constructive engagement with the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) which Belfast Chamber has actively supported have all made a difference. Through our active role in DfI’s Task and Finish Group, Belfast Chamber continues to advocate for a city that is clean, safe and welcoming, supported by better data to monitor and respond to traffic flows more effectively.
Accessibility has been further strengthened by Translink’s festive late-night bus, coach and train services, which operate every Friday and Saturday. Combined with the year-long late-night bus pilot, this provides practical support for the evening economy, improves safety and makes it easier for people to enjoy the city without relying on cars.
All of this points to one clear message – Belfast is open for business. The city is busy, confident and delivering for consumers and employers alike. However, success should never breed complacency. Momentum can be quickly lost if it is not actively protected and built upon, particularly in a competitive and fast-changing economic environment. Ongoing attention to infrastructure, accessibility and the overall visitor experience will be critical to sustaining progress. Continued investment and collaboration are essential to ensure Belfast remains welcoming, safe and attractive for everyone.
If we sustain that commitment, the festive buzz we are seeing today can become a lasting feature of Belfast’s future.