Eight new retailers branch out into the North East including Pro-Skin, Smiggle and Skechers
The North East of England is a prime retail location in the UK offering two of the nation’s favourite shopping centers intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square. Leading British brand Cath Kidston will soon be adding its signature floral twist to intu Metrocentre and Thomas Sabo will be opening its first store in the region at intu Eldon Square.
Earlier this year Lloyds Bank PMI Regional Business Activity report highlighted the North East as one of the fastest growing regions in the country, making it a great place for retailers to flourish.
Kate Grant, regional director of intu, said: “We own and manage two of the region’s most popular shopping destinations; intu Eldon Square provides a fashionable city centre shopping experience and over at intu Metrocentre you’ve got the complete retail, dining and leisure experience for the ultimate family day out. Combined, they attract close to 60 million customer visits every year and over half of those customers are profiled in the ABC1 demographic categories.”
Following the recent opening of children’s stationery brand Smiggle, Skechers the casual footwear retailer will also open a 2,900 sq ft store at intu Eldon Square. Premium jeweller, Thomas Sabo will also join the city centre destination to open a 1,000 sq ft store this Autumn as they expand into the North East.
“We have stores all over the country but this is our first standalone shop in the region. intu Eldon Square is one of the largest city centre shopping centres in the country and we’re really excited to be opening a store where we can showcase our full range,” said Jon Crossick, UK & Ireland managing director of Thomas Sabo
intu Metrocentre will also be receiving a burst of new retail as Cath Kidston adds a touch of English countryside to the centre. The new 3,150 sq ft store will be located in the Red Mall close to Apple, Zara and River Island, located on the lower mall.
Sue Carvell, Cath Kidston’s Commercial Director, said: “intu Metrocentre remains one of the UK’s favourite shopping centres, it has a huge appeal to people living in and visiting the area. Having traded our Christmas pop up shop successfully last year, we’re looking forward to launching our second permanent store in the North East later this year.”
Cath Kidston is not the only retailer to recognise the appeal of intu Metrocentre’s 21 million annual footfall. Europe’s largest covered shopping centre will soon see an influx of new brands including, Smiggle, Game, Schuh Kids, and Pro-Skin which are all set to open over the coming months as the centre’s tenant mix continues to evolve.