UK. Local lifestyle and gift store Born and Bred is set to open an outlet at George Best Belfast City Airport’s newly refurbished departures area. As reported, the £15 million work is expected to be completed by October 2018.
Born and Bred is the brainchild of Northern Ireland native Linzi Rooney, best known for her enterprise Studio Souk, based on Ann Street in Belfast. Studio Souk, first introduced in 2013, provides a work space for artists to express their creativity and talent. Born and Bred presents them the opportunity to showcase their work.
Studio Souk received high praise in The New York Times’ list of five places to shop in Belfast. It was also named the Top Choice for Arts and Crafts in Belfast by Lonely Planet.
The store at Belfast City Airport will offer homeware, textiles, mugs and gifts produced exclusively by the resident artists of Studio Souk. Shop and collect will be also be available through Belfast City Airport.
Born and Bred Owner Linzi Rooney said: “Northern Ireland is a talented country filled with creative minds and innovative products. Our skills go beyond a packet of Tayto crisps. It is my goal to showcase our country’s talented makers and designers in Belfast City Airport.
“I have built a brand that has become synonymous with local talent, forward thinking and alternative consumerism and proof that shopping local does not compromise quality or a competitive price.
“Born and Bred is the little sister of Studio Souk and I can’t wait to welcome our first customer through the doors.”
Belfast City Airport Commercial Manager Joanne Deighan added: “The airport places major importance on supporting Northern Irish suppliers in the economy, with homegrown produce already available in our excellent shops and restaurants.
“Bringing Born and Bred to the departures lounge will give our passengers a true reminder of their time in Northern Ireland, allowing them to browse through the cultural yet modern range of gifts and souvenirs while waiting for a flight.
“We strive to constantly exceed passengers expectations and put them at the heart of what we do. Our passengers have been asking for a larger range of local products that are available through the shop and collect service and we have been able to deliver.”
