![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/8498fe70-db19-44e3-b369-bde425e44284.jpg\")
More than 1,000 shoppers queued for the reopening of the Primark store in Belfast three months after a major fire destroyed the original flagship store in the city.<\/p>\nMore than 1,000 shoppers queued for the reopening of the Primark store in Belfast three months after a major fire destroyed the original flagship store in the city.<\/p>\n
Belfast city center was left devastated following the blaze at the historic Bank Buildings which resulted in a safety cordon around the remaining shell.<\/p>\n
Nearby shops were forced to close while other businesses struggled due to lower footfall as a result of the cordon dividing the main shopping street.<\/p>\n
It was estimated that footfall in the city center fell by up to 60% in the area.<\/p>\n
Castle Street was among the worst streets affected.<\/p>\n
However, from early this morning, shoppers thronged the street ahead of the opening of the new Primark store.<\/p>\n
Many traveled from across Northern Ireland for a chance to be first through the doors.<\/p>\n
At the top of the queue was Jeanette Robb, from Craigavon, Co Armagh, and Danielle Wright, from Comber, Co Down, who arrived at 6.30am.<\/p>\n
Ms Robb said she was up at 4.45am to make sure she was front of the queue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t actually been to Belfast for shopping since the fire at the Primark store, it is not Belfast without Primark, I really missed it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Wright said a trip to Primark in Belfast was their Christmas tradition every year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do this every year for our Christmas shopping, but this is it\u2019s for the opening of Primark too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Further along the queue were Mary Craig and Tracey Sharvin, from Killough, Co Down.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the best Primark store there is, it\u2019s worth waiting for,\u201d Tracey said.<\/p>\n
The queue swelled as it got closer to 9am, with Primark estimating around 1,100 had been waiting based on the numbers of bags of freebies their staff had handed out.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Primark said the store opening delivered on its commitment to resume trading in Belfast city centre as quickly as possible following the fire at the end of August.<\/p>\n
It also plans to open a second store in the city center on Donegall Place next spring.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the opening, Ben Mansfield, director of Primark Stores Ltd, said they are delighted to open the new store.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday marks a significant milestone for our people, our neighbors and the wider community, as we take the first step to get back to business following the fire at Bank Buildings,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are confident that our store and the newly-built walkway will help restore footfall in the Castle Street and surrounding area at this critical time, just before Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey was among those attending the opening.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a great day for the city of Belfast particularly just before Christmas,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could see the atmosphere with all the customers queuing up, but also the atmosphere among the staff inside, it was an emotional morning but also one of excitement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will really help with footfall so I am really happy with this day, it shows the city\u2019s resilience, we are bouncing back as a city, there is more work to be done, but this is great not just for Primark and its staff, but also for the surrounding traders particularly here in Castle Street.\u201d<\/p>\n