Strong Boxing Day wraps up successful festive period at Metrocentre
Metrocentre in Gateshead has recorded a strong festive trading period, with increases in both footfall and sales.
Boxing Day in particular delivered a standout performance, with footfall up by 7.6% year-on-year, outperforming the national average of 4.4% for shopping centres and high streets in the UK.
Throughout December, over 16 million shoppers visited Metrocentre, an increase of 1.5% against the same period in 2024.
These increased figures come after a number of new additions to the scheme in 2025, as Metrocentre looks to diversify its tenant mix with a combination of retail, F&B, and alternative uses.
Over the course of the year, Metrocentre welcomed regional debuts for brands such as Stradivarius and Activate, as well as openings for Urban Outfitters, Søstrene Grene, Diamond Factory and Maki & Ramen. The destination also announced a UK exclusive for Peppa Pig: Surprise Party, set to open in the coming months, as well as stationery and homeware retailer KENJI.
Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, said: “We have ended 2025 on such a high, with strong leasing activity and continued investment across the scheme from the owners and brands. This work done in the last 12 months will really take hold in 2026, with several openings on the horizon and a continuation of our strategy to diversify uses, maintaining Metrocentre’s position as the leading destination in the region by providing even more reasons to visit.
“That strategy is one that is rooted in longevity; we want the best brands, the best experience, and we want this to continue for years to come. These festive results speak volumes about the progress we have made and will continue to make, as we uphold our reputation in and importance to the North East.”
Alongside new openings, 2025 also saw brand and landlord investment at Metrocentre, including a series of upsizes, relocations, and refurbishments. Highlights included Boots’ refurbished 40,000 sq ft store in the scheme’s Green Mall, as well as Superdrug’s relocation to a new 10,000 sq ft unit in the Red Mall, boasting its new store format.