Zara to more than double store presence at Gateshead’s Metrocentre

Fashion giant Zara is upsizing to a 42,000 sq ft store – more than double its existing space – at the Metrocentre in Gateshead, set to open in late 2023.

Work on the new store has already commenced, and the upgraded space will feature an expanded product offering across womenswear, menswear and kidswear.

The large scale upsize is part of Metrocentre owner Sovereign Centros’ strategy to bring the biggest and best flagship stores to the North East shopping centre.

Ben Cox of Sovereign Centros, said: “An investment of this scale from one of the globe’s leading brands is a major demonstration of the strength of Metrocentre. Zara’s expansion over two levels completes the re-anchoring of Red Mall alongside the arrival of Flannels and Sports Direct into the former Debenhams.

“Given Zara’s current popularity with Metrocentre’s customers, and the truly impressive quality of their most recent flagship openings, we’re certain the new store will be a huge success.

“As well as an extended space and product offering, the development of the Zara store will bring with it more job opportunities for the local community.”

Zara’s new store will add to Metrocentre’s already impressive portfolio of occupier giants such as JD Sports, H&M, Harrods Beauty, River Island and NEXT.

Last week saw Zara open an upsized store at the Blanchardstown Centre in Dublin, going from a 14,000 sq ft unit to a 52,000 sq ft space – it’s largest in Ireland to date.

The expansive new store is fully tech-enabled with a range of services integrated with the retailer’s app, including ‘Store Mode’ for online searches of items in store, available stock queries, a fitting room reservation service and the collection of online orders within two hours. Other key store features include self-checkout and dedicated returns areas. No doubt the new Metrocentre store will follow suit.