River Island 'completely revamps' largest store in North East
River Island is undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of its 25,500 sq ft store at Metrocentre to create a "best-in-class shop fit and refreshed shopping experience", at the largest River Island store in the North East.
The revamped store, located in the Red Mall, will feature a brand new interior. It will offer "an elevated shopping experience" with curated collections, a digital fitting room and exclusive product edits.
Customers will be invited to interact with new technology that enhances convenience. For example, shoppers will be able to use touchscreen interfaces in fitting rooms to request different sizes, explore alternative styles or receive style advice. River Island's aim? To cater to the evolving preferences of modern shoppers.
Gemma Scarfe, Digital & Marketing Director at River Island, said: "We're delighted to be investing in our Metrocentre store. Gateshead is a prime location that aligns perfectly with our brand, and we are excited to unveil the new look to our customers. The upgraded store promises to redefine the shopping experience for our customers, enriching their journey through our brand amidst the vibrancy of this thriving city."
The extensive refurbishment will be carried out in phases to ensure the store remains open and operational throughout, allowing customers to continue shopping without interruption.
Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, added: "River Island’s decision to refurbish its Metrocentre store is a significant endorsement of the destination's ability to deliver best-in-class stores from major retailers. This investment highlights Metrocentre’s position as the premier destination in the North East for visitors, and our active leasing programme for Red Mall, bringing together the best in high street retail."
This follows River Island's new five-year lease at Manchester Arndale shopping centre, where it is upsizing by 3,686 sq ft to occupy a 22,415 sq ft unit, as it "commits to in-store investments to enhance the customer experience further".