Openings help shopping centre bag footfall rise

Shopping centre bosses have toasted the impact of new stores and retailer investments after a bumper festive period.

Metrocentre officials say the Gateshead-based arcade racked up annual footfall of more than 16 million shoppers after a strong December.

The figure was 1.5 per cent higher than 2024, with Boxing Day footfall 7.6 per cent ahead of the same day in 2024 and higher than the 4.4 per cent national average.

Bosses say the numbers were fuelled by openings from brands such as Søstrene Grene and refurbishments and relocations from operators including Boots and Superdrug.

Gavin Prior, centre director, said: “These results are a strong endorsement of Metrocentre’s position as a prime retail and leisure destination for the North East.

“They reflect the continued confidence of both new brands choosing to open here and long-standing partners who are investing further and evolving their offer.

“We look forward to creating even more reasons to visit with further big announcements planned for 2026.”

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