Urban Outfitters targets UK growth with new Metrocentre flagship

Urban Outfitters is set to launch its first UK store of 2025 at the Metrocentre in Gateshead, as the lifestyle retailer continues to expand its physical footprint amid sales growth.

Opening this summer, the 8,000 sq ft flagship will sit prominently at the destination's upper Red Mall, alongside fashion heavyweights such as ZARA, H&M and New Look.

The new store will offer the brand’s signature blend of menswear, womenswear, accessories and homeware, including third-party labels like Levi’s, Dickies, Carhartt WIP and its own cult-favourite, Iets Frans.

The Metrocentre store will mark Urban Outfitters’ second in the North East, reinforcing the brand’s efforts to deepen its regional presence. Known for its community-centric retail environments, Urban Outfitters locations often double as cultural hubs—with curated music, vintage goods like Polaroid cameras and vinyl, and spaces designed for social connection.

Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE (Asset Managers for Metrocentre), said: "Urban Outfitters is a globally recognised brand with a strong connection to young, style-conscious shoppers, and it is only right that we welcome them to our leading tenant mix. The demand for trend-setting brands such as Urban Outfitters continues to grow, and it’s a strong message to play host to its first UK store opening of the year."

The announcement follows news that Stradivarius, part of the Inditex group, will also open its first North East store at Metrocentre.

The Metrocentre launch comes shortly after parent company URBN reported record quarterly sales of $1.33 billion (£990 million) for the period ending 30 April 2025 - a 10.7% increase year-on-year. Urban Outfitters saw a 2.1% rise in comparable retail segment sales, with group-wide growth driven by both physical and digital channels.

Richard A. Hayne, CEO at URBN, said: "We are excited to announce record first quarter revenues and profits. Our success was driven by positive sales growth and profitability across all brands and segments. We believe these results demonstrate the strength of our brands and the effectiveness of our strategy."

URBN opened 13 new stores globally during the quarter, including two Urban Outfitters locations.