Excitement mounts as new stores are set to open at Forestside shopping centre

Hotel Chocolat is due to open in a matter of days, with Sostrene Grene expected to open in the near future.

Hotel Chocolat, the luxury cacao grower and chocolatier will open at Forestside on January 24, 2026.

The newest location will be home to the Velvetiser Café, serving bespoke bakes and cakes inspired by Hotel Chocolat’s most-loved chocolates - all designed to pair perfectly with the drinks on the menu.

The space occupies a prominent 1,965 sq ft unit and offers a welcoming space for 30 guests, allowing the community to sit in, relax and enjoy their time while browsing a select range of Hotel Chocolat’s renowned selection of premium chocolates.

Commenting on the new store and café location, Hotel Chocolat’s, Omnichannel Director, Frankie Haynes, said: "We’re thrilled to bring the Hotel Chocolat experience to Forestside.

"The new store marks another step in our expansion, and we’re excited to continue offering more of these delightful experiences across the country in the coming years."

Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene is continuing its expansion across Northern Ireland with the opening of its new store in Belfast.

Launching in the Forestside Shopping Centre, this marks the brand’s first Northern Irish opening of the year and second location in Belfast, furthering the brand’s presence within the city.

Customers can expect a thoughtfully curated selection of homewares, kitchen accessories, craft supplies, soft furnishings and seasonal décor – each reflecting the Scandinavian simplicity and charm, which is at the heart of Søstrene Grene.

Mikkel Grene, Group CEO and Co-owner of Søstrene Grene, commented: “We’re delighted to be opening our second store in Belfast and to continue sharing the Søstrene Grene experience with the local community.

"The wonderful response to our existing stores shows how much people enjoy our Scandinavian design and the calm, cosy feeling of hygge that runs through everything we do.

"We can’t wait to welcome visitors into the new space and invite them to discover the small moments of joy that Søstrene Grene is all about.”

Søstrene Grene now operates over 380 stores across 17 countries and is continuing its rapid expansion, with plans to open 100 new stores across the UK by the end of 2027.

Norma Jacob and Richard Power, who operate Søstrene Grene stores across Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the South of England, are looking forward to this Belfast expansion.

Norma Jacob commented: “Belfast is a vibrant, ever-evolving city and Forestside Shopping Centre felt like the perfect place for our next store.

"We’re excited to bring something a little different to the local shopping scene - a space that feels calm, welcoming and full of small discoveries.”

Richard Power added: “We’ve been so encouraged by the support from shoppers at our Ann Street store, which has made the opening of our second Belfast location even more exciting.

"Once again, we’re delighted to bring Søstrene Grene’s Scandinavian design to the local community, offering thoughtfully designed homewares at accessible prices, making it easy for everyone to add a little style and inspiration to their homes.”