Lefties signs for third UK store at Gateshead’s Metrocentre
Inditex’s budget fashion and lifestyle brand Lefties has signed for a third UK store at Gateshead’s Metrocentre, adding to the first two UK stores it will open later this year, with Liverpool ONE believed to be the first – shortly followed by Lakeside in Kent.
Zara’s sister brand with Primark prices will bring its trend-led collections for women, men, teen girls, kids, baby and home, as well as accessories and footwear, to all three locations, with the Metrocentre store due to open in winter 2026.
The new store will occupy a central unit at the interchange between Red and Green Mall on Town Square, directly above H Beauty, and Lefties will serve as “a key anchor” within Metrocentre’s dedicated fashion offer.
Lefties was founded in 1999 and launched its own-brand collections over a decade ago. It has its own headquarters just outside Barcelona, including commercial and design teams, who “aim to bring accessible quality fashion to its customers”.
The latest signing builds on continued leasing momentum within Metrocentre’s fashion category, following the upcoming arrivals of Bershka, also owned by Inditex (Stradivarius and Zara already have stores there), and Hollister.
Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Managers of Metrocentre, said: “We’re proud to confirm that Lefties are the latest exciting new entrant to commit to Metrocentre. As one of the first Lefties stores in the UK, this is another major endorsement of Metrocentre as a key location for international brands investing in UK retail.
“Lefties’ trend-savvy offer will be a compelling addition to our retail mix, and this signing, once again, reflects the dominance and appeal of our scheme to both national and international retailers.
“With our consistent footfall, extensive catchment, and quality retail offer, we continue to stand out as the leading destination in the (North-East) region.”
Sales across Metrocentre’s fashion category in Q1 were up 4.8% versus the same period in 2025, and womenswear, in particular, was up 9.2%.
