River Island undergoes major refurbishment at Metrocentre

The Metrocentre Partnership has announced that River Island is undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of its 25,500 sq ft store at the Metrocentre in Gateshead, which is the largest River Island location in the North East. The phased renovation, set to elevate the shopping experience, includes new digital fitting rooms and exclusive product collections, all while keeping the store operational.

Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, said: "River Island’s decision to refurbish its Metrocentre store is a significant endorsement of the destination's ability to deliver best-in-class stores from major retailers.

“This investment highlights Metrocentre’s position as the premier destination in the North East for visitors, and our active leasing programme for Red Mall, bringing together the best in high street retail.”

Gemma Scarfe, digital and marketing director at River Island, added: “We’re delighted to be investing in our Metrocentre store. Gateshead is a prime location that aligns perfectly with our brand, and we are excited to unveil the new look to our customers.

“The upgraded store promises to redefine the shopping experience for our customers, enriching their journey through our brand amidst the vibrancy of this thriving city.”

The upgraded store will feature interactive technology, allowing customers to use touchscreens in fitting rooms to request different sizes or receive style advice. The refurbishment follows similar investments from retailers like Zara, Frasers Group, and Mango, helping sustain and reinforce Metrocentre’s standing as a top shopping destination.

As one of the largest shopping centres in the UK, the Metrocentre attracts over 14 million visitors annually and contributes around £900 million to the local economy. The centre is currently undergoing a £70 million capital investment programme, which includes sustainability projects such as installing solar panels and expanding EV charging points. River Island’s revamped store will help to further enhance Metrocentre’s appeal to both shoppers and top-tier retailers.

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