The Metrocentre has revealed the full list of winners from its 40th Anniversary Retailer Awards 2026, where major brands competed with independent traders for the title of Top of the Shops 2026. The annual awards, voted for by the public, took place at Newcastle's Boiler Shop with a 1980s theme to mark the centre's four decades since its official opening in October 2026.
Big Brands and Independents Celebrated
Co-hosts Matt Bailey of BBC Radio Newcastle and Gavin Prior, centre director, presented 15 awards alongside three Judges' Choice accolades. Special guest Martin Kemp delivered a live DJ set after the winners were announced.
In the Newcomer of the Year category, Stradivarius won the public vote, beating rivals Urban Outfitters and Hollister. Independent Café Filto took Café/On the Go Retailer of the Year just three years after opening at The Crescent, known for its speciality matcha, canned iced coffees and signature dishes.
Judges' Choice and Long-Serving Retailers
The Specialist and Services Retailer of the Year award went to the Newcastle United Foundation Careers Hub, recognised for helping youngsters develop practical skills and explore employment opportunities. In the Judges' Choice awards, David Young of Sports Direct was named Manager of the Year for leading a refurbishment that saw the store outperform the company average by 20%.
A special group award honoured representatives from the 23 retailers who have traded at Metrocentre across its four decades, including Boots, M&S, Odeon, Pizza Hut, River Island (formerly Chelsea Girl), and independents Collectables, Paris Dress House and Sweets Galore.
Full List of 2026 Winners and Runners-Up
Specialist and Services Retailer of the Year: Winner – Newcastle United Foundation Careers Hub; Runners-up – Build a Bear, Apple
Footwear and Accessories Retailer of the Year: Winner – JD; Runners-up – Sports Direct, Schuh
Jewellery & Watches Retailer of the Year: Winner – Lovisa; Runners-up – H Samuel, Pandora (Blue Mall)
Leisure Attraction of the Year: Winner – Odeon; Runners-up – Everlast Gyms, Namco Funscape
Restaurant of the Year: Winner – Maki & Ramen; Runners-up – Acropolis, Wagamama
Café/On the Go Retailer of the Year: Winner – Café Filto; Runners-up – Acropolis, Greggs Red Mall
Independent Retailer of the Year: Winner – Acropolis; Runners-up – Be More Geek, Demanded Streetwear
Homeware & Variety Retailer of the Year: Winner – TK Maxx / Homesense; Runners-up – B&M Bargains, M&S
Small to Medium Retailer of the Year: Winner – Demanded Streetwear; Runners-up – Paris Dress House, Newcastle United Foundation Careers Hub
Large Retailer of the Year: Winner – M&S; Runners-up – TK Maxx / Homesense, Primark
Newcomer of the Year: Winner – Stradivarius; Runners-up – Urban Outfitters & Hollister
Health & Beauty Retailer of the Year: Winner – Boots; Runners-up – Sephora, H Beauty
Childrenswear Retailer of the Year: Winner – Primark; Runners-up – Next, H&M
Womenswear Retailer of the Year: Winner – Primark; Runners-up – Zara, Sports Direct
Menswear Retailer of the Year: Winner – Flannels; Runners-up – Demanded Streetwear, Sports Direct
Manager of the Year: David Young – Sports Direct
Shooting Star: Dominick Bewick – New Look
Centre director Gavin Prior said: “What better way to celebrate forty years of trading, and the brands and staff who have been instrumental to that, than by dedicating this evening to them. Our thanks to everyone who voted and congratulations to this year’s winners and runners-up.”
The awards event highlighted the mix of established and new independents sharing the public vote with major brands, reflecting the centre's role as a key North East shopping destination.
