The new openings come in the week that Metrocentre bosses announced plans for a huge Peppa Pig immersive attraction
Two major retailers are launching new stores at a prime North East shopping and leisure destination. The Metrocentre is gearing up for crowds outside of one of the two stores this weekend, which is reopening after a significant makeover – with gifts for the first 250 customers.
Greeting card and gift retailer Clintons is inviting customers to the grand reopening of its refurbished store, which has a new store layout promising an enhanced shopping experience.
As well as updated fixtures and expanded gifting zones, packed with cards, presents and party essentials, the new concept store now has a new card-writing station, where shoppers can personalise purchases in-store. Special offers include WoodWick candles at half price, as well as a Stitch figurine competition.
To celebrate the reopening, the first 250 customers who spend just £1 will receive a goody bag of surprises including a Clintons tote bag, greeting cards, and a cuddly Popling plush toy from the brand’s Poppy & Duckling range. Customers spending over £10 will also be treated to a VIP goody bag with items worth £30 or more.
Clintons trading director James Taylor said: “We’re incredibly excited to unveil the first Clintons 2.0 store at Metrocentre. This new store design marks an exciting step forward for Clintons, creating a modern and interactive shopping experience for our customers. With a complete overhaul and relaunch of greeting cards, an expanded gifting range, and exclusive product offerings, we believe our customers will love the refreshed store. We’re also thrilled to celebrate the launch with our goody bags, featuring the much-loved Popling plush toy from our new Poppy & Duckling range.”
Meanwhile, Danish homeware retailer Søstrene Grene is expanding further into the region after confirming plans to open a store in the lower Green Mall at the Metrocentre.
Following its opening last year in Newcastle’s Eldon Square, the global business is bringing its Scandi-inspired soft furnishings, kitchen products, confectionery, gifts, crafts and children’s toys to the Gateshead complex this autumn, as part of its plans to launch 100 UK stores in the UK by 2030.
Mikkel Grene, co-owner and group CEO of Søstrene Grene said: “We are delighted to be opening a store at the Metrocentre and further solidifying our presence in Newcastle. We opened a store in Newcastle last year and have been warmly welcomed by the local customers who have shown great interest in our products which are inspired by Danish design tradition – at affordable prices. So, we are very much looking forward to being able to invite even more customers to explore the wonderful world of Søstrene Grene.”
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Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Søstrene Grene to Metrocentre. Securing this exciting and much-loved international brand reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing our home and lifestyle retailers. We believe the distinctive aesthetic and high-quality affordable product offering will resonate strongly with our shoppers. We’re confident that Søstrene Grene will quickly become a firm favourite among our shoppers and look forward to seeing it thrive at Metrocentre.”
The new openings come as Metrocentre announced plans for a new Peppa Pig themed-attraction.
Latest footfall figures for the centre show it has seen a 2.4 million increase in footfall across the last three years post lockdown, on the back of numerous lettings last year including Sephora, Mango, and Reiss, alongside regional debuts for Sosandar and GO Outdoors.
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