George Best Belfast City Airport has announced the first new retailer (Born and Bred) as part of its £15m ($20.1m) departures refurbishment.

The local lifestyle and gift store is the brainchild of Northern Ireland native Linzi Rooney, best known for her Studio Souk enterprise based on Ann Street in Belfast.

First introduced in 2013, Studio Souk provides a work space for artists to express their creativity and talent, with Born and Bred presenting the opportunity to showcase their work.

Passengers coming through the departure lounge can expect to find authentic 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. As reported, the £15m ($20.1m) project will increase the overall retail space by 30%, including an expanded offering from World Duty Free and WHSmith.

TALENTED COUNTRY

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.”