Banbridge toy store is set to expand business in Portadown

On the move ... Jonathan Rogers, centre, of DS Rogers, with Girvan Gault, right, and Derick Wilson, left, of Ulster Bank. Picture by Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye. INPT36-007

The 30,000 sq ft property has been bought by DS Rogers, the owners of Rogers Toymaster in Mandeville Street, who are relocating and expanding the store.

The premises had been lying vacant for a number of years following the Post Office’s relocation to High Street Mall.

Owner Jonathan Rogers said a major refurbishment project will now take place to have the newly-acquired premises reading for opening in October.

DS Rogers, who have run a toy store in Banbridge since 1979, expanded to Portadown in 2011.

Said Mr Rogers, “We have been trading from rented premises off the main thoroughfare in Portadown, and are delighted to acquire what is a very central property opposite High Street Mall, with the support of Ulster Bank, to enable us to develop and grow.

“We have been in Portadown for four years and there has been a steady increase in business in that time.

“It is now time to bring it to the next level.

“In addition to being in a much higher-footfall location, the new shop will provide us with considerably more storage capacity, and the potential to further increase our retail space in the years ahead.”

Girvan Gault, head of Business Centre at Ulster Bank, said, “DS Rogers is a long-established family retailer that is investing in Portadown, creating employment and helping rejuvenate an important property in the town centre.

“We are pleased to support the investment and look forward to working with Jonathan and his team towards the opening and the further development of the business.”

The investment has also been welcomed by MP David Simpson who has praised both the Rogers family and also Ulster Bank for their commitment in helping to “rejuvenate” Portadown town centre.

He said, “For too long we have witnessed decreased footfall with big stores relocating or more drastically closing down.

“This is a significant investment for the town and creates a great positivity and encouragement that our town centre is beginning to rebuild and once again become the heart of the community.”