A frozen yogurt retailer is popping up at Gateshead's intu Metrocentre

Smöoy, an international retailer selling frozen yogurt, has expanded its reach with intu opening its first North East pop-up store in Gateshead.

The company has over 150 stores across the globe, and is expanding in the frozen yogurt industry. Using natural yogurt low in fat and gluten free, it is hoping to offer North East consumers something new.

Sales have been estimated to have reached over £10m between 2011 and 2014, says analysts Mintel.

Fran Hernández Gómez, marketing and communications director of Smöoy, said: “We have more than 150 stores across the world, but opening our first store at intu Metrocentre will allow us to reach a high footfall of customers across the North East for the first time.

“The centre is the perfect place for us to introduce our brand, and we can’t wait to make customers smile as they take a scoop out of our tasty treat.”

The Metrocentre holds over two million sq ft of space, offering various retail and leisure companies to customers.

Kate Grant, intu’s regional managing director, added: “We’re excited to see another international retailer choosing to expand with intu as it launches its first pop-up store in the North East.

“We’re seeing more overseas brands use intu to enter the UK market, and pop-up stores are a great way to give them a chance to raise their brand profile, while customers engage with their brand in an innovative way.”