Bold, best, and New (est) Look for Metrocentre
The Metrocentre Partnership has announced that New Look will relocate within Metrocentre,unveiling its largest concept store in the UK and introducing its brand-new retail format to the destination. This move represents a significant reinvestment in the centre and underlines Metrocentre’s long-standing commitment to supporting existing retailers and driving growth across its well-established fashion offer.
Having traded at Metrocentre for 20 years, the relocated 11,000 sq ft omni-hub format has been designed to combine an elevated store environment with seamless digital services. Customers will benefit from a dedicated space that integrates digital and physical shopping journeys through “click & collect”, self-service e-commerce drop-offs, order-in-store showroom elevations, and digital browsing displays. Together, these features create a frictionless shopping experience with easy access to extended product ranges to support a wider range of customer needs and missions.
The relocation and new fit-out investment demonstrate New Look’s continued confidence in Metrocentre, following years of success. It also further strengthens the destination’s best-in-class fashion offer in Red Mall, joining existing powerhouse brands Zara, Urban Outfitters, and Stradivarius, as well as Hollister and Bershka, which are set to arrive later this year.
Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Managers of Metrocentre, commented: "It’s great to see another long-term occupier investing in a latest concept store at Metrocentre. While securing new brands is a key focus for us, we are equally committed to supporting our existing retailers in elevating their offer. We’re focused on continually evolving our lineup and ensuring the look & feel is fresh and relevant. This significant investment from New Look is the latest show of confidence in Metrocentre, and the new store will be a fantastic home for them.”
Mark Matthews, Retail Director at New Look, said: “Opening our largest concept store at Metrocentre is an exciting moment for New Look and a strong signal of how we are evolving the role of our physical locations. As our digital platform and Club New Look loyalty programme continue to grow, we are creating spaces that bring those capabilities to life for customers in-store.
“Our omni-hub format is built to integrate our online strengths with an inspiring retail environment. Following the strong response to our Bluewater concept store, we are now accelerating the rollout of this format across our estate as we continue to invest in stores that support a more connected, omnichannel customer journey.”
This announcement follows the news that Bershka has signed at Metrocentre, set to take a 16,000 sq ft unit in Red Mall, joining sister brands Stradivarius and Zara. It will elevate Metrocentre’s already diverse fashion offer, reinforcing its position as a go-to destination in the North-East.