The Metrocentre, one of Europe's largest shopping and leisure complexes, has announced 16 new store openings so far in 2026, with several more expected. The centre, which attracts 16 million visitors annually and employs nearly 11,000 people, is also on the market with a reported £500 million price tag. Frasers Group, led by former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, is rumoured to be among the bidders alongside property giant Landsec.
Bershka Opens Large Store in Red Mall
Spanish fashion brand Bershka signed a lease in March for a 16,000 sq ft store in the red mall. The store will showcase three signature collections: Bershka, Man, and BSK for teens. The brand is popular among holidaymakers, with locations in Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, and Ibiza.
KENJI Draws Queues with Plushies and Stationery
KENJI opened in February to long queues. The store offers plushies, stationery, and a Snack Station, which has gained traction on TikTok and Instagram. Its official opening on March 14 included goody bags for the first customers.
Boni Brings Italian Pastries and Pizzas
Independent business Boni opened in March, offering Italian pastries and pizzas 'baked with love'. The store has been popular for its cannoli, adding to the Qube's food and drink offerings alongside Frankies & Benny's, Wagamama, TGI Fridays, and Nando's.
Lovisa Opens Jewellery Store with 15,000 Pieces
Jewellery retailer Lovisa opened in April in the Lower Red Mall, stocking over 15,000 different pieces of jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, bangles, and hair accessories. The store receives more than 150 new arrivals each week.
Sprinkle Studio Offers Cake Decorating Experience
Sprinkle Studio opened in March, allowing customers to decorate bento cakes with a variety of frostings, fondants, stamps, stencils, and over 40 sprinkle types, including unicorns and Disney characters.
Peppa Pig's Surprise Party Immersive Adventure Opens
Peppa Pig's Surprise Party, an immersive family attraction, opened at the Metrocentre. Visitors board the Big Train to PeppaTown, where they explore places, complete missions, and find hidden treasures.
Lefties to Open with 'Primark Prices'
Lefties, the sister brand of Zara, is set to open soon, promising 'Primark prices'. The store will be located between the Red and Green Malls on Town Square, above H Beauty in the former top floor of House of Fraser.
Cafe Filto Opens in The Crescent
Cafe Filto has opened in The Crescent, a new shopping zone transforming The Forum area. The cafe is already popular on the North East food scene, with locations in Sandyford, Fenwick Newcastle, and Durham city centre.
Hollister Opens in Red Mall
Hollister opened in June in the Red Mall, offering apparel, accessories, and fragrances. The store stocks denim, hoodies, sweats, tees, swimwear, activewear, sleepwear, and signature fragrance lines.
Timberland Opens First Regional Standalone Store
Timberland opened its first standalone store in the North East, featuring the Original Yellow Boot, waterproof jackets, walking boots, backpacks, denims, chinos, and joggers. The store has a contemporary design with oak, leather, and concrete detailing.
The Crescent Welcomes Three Independent Retailers
The Crescent, a 10,000 sq ft hub in Upper Green Mall, announced its first three tenants: bespoke jewellery boutique Thatype, men's barber Webster & Carr, and Pokémon trading card specialist Aqua TCG, joining Cafe Filto.
New Look Relocates to UK's Biggest Concept Store
New Look celebrated 20 years at the centre by relocating to an 11,000 sq ft concept store in the Red Mall. The opening featured a DJ, free matcha drinks, and goody bags for the first 200 customers. The store offers expanded womenswear, accessories, and a 915 teen range, plus Click & Collect and self-service returns.
