Duo of debuts at Metrocentre
Fashion brands Hollister and Timberland have moved into the shopping centre, with the former taking 6,000 sq ft to create its largest regional offering, and the latter opening its first North East store.
Located in Lower Red Mall, Holister’s offerings include a range of clothing, accessories, and fragrances.
Occupying 2,567 sq ft, Timberland’s North East debut is located in Metrocentre’s Upper Red Mall.
The unit will house outerwear and the brand’s signature footwear.
Hollister and Timberland will soon be joined by Inditex brands Bershka and Lefties, as well as New Look’s latest concept store, all within Metrocentre’s fashion hub.
Knight Frank has been appointed to oversee the sale of the 2m sq ft Gateshead shopping centre, with retail group Frasers widely rumoured to be the frontrunner to acquire the asset.
Metrocentre is the largest UK shopping destination outside London, attracting around 16m visitors last year, and is managed by CBRE through its Sovereign Centros division.
On top of that, 52 acres of brownfield land surrounding the centre are set to be developed into a 4,500-home neighbourhood.
The government is currently considering the MetroGreen Area Action Plan, which proposes 990 homes around the Metrocentre by 2030 as part of the wider scheme. Supported by Mott MacDonald, Gillespies, and LDA Design, it will be delivered by Metrocentre in partnership with Gateshead Council.
Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, said: “Hollister and Timberland are two iconic brands within the fashion sector. Both have established customer bases and continue to drive growth through a focus on strengthening their presence in key locations, which is exactly what we are.
“Timberland launching its North East debut at Metrocentre is a clear vote of confidence in the vitality of our fashion offer, with both brands joining the scheme at a fundamental stage in our leasing strategy, where we are continually securing prime, global fashion and retail brands that want to make a home in the region.”
Scott Clarke-Bryan, managing director EMEA at Abercrombie & Fitch Co, added: ‘This opening represents another exciting investment in bringing the Hollister brand closer to our customers – meeting them where they love to shop in strategic, high-footfall destinations.
“Metrocentre is a natural fit as we continue to build our presence in the North East and strengthen our footprint across the UK.
“Our Hollister House store design brings our best brand experience to life, combining a fresh, engaging retail environment with seamless omnichannel capabilities. We’re delighted to welcome customers into the space and invite them to experience the brand in a new way.”
