Metrocentre has announced the signing of global fashion brand Bershka, which will open its first store in the North East at the Gateshead shopping centre.
The retailer will occupy a 16,000 sq ft unit in Red Mall, joining fellow Inditex brands Stradivarius and Zara and bringing the Spanish retail group’s total footprint at Metrocentre to more than 65,000 sq ft.
The new store will offer Bershka’s full product range, including womenswear, menswear, teen clothing and accessories. The brand is known for its trend-led, accessible fashion proposition.
The addition of Bershka further strengthens Metrocentre’s fashion mix, which has expanded over the past year with the arrival of brands such as Urban Outfitters and Stradivarius. They join established operators including River Island, Mango, H&M and Flannels.
According to the centre, the category is already delivering strong performance in 2026. Fashion sales increased by 7.4% in January compared with the same period in 2025, while womenswear recorded growth of 9.8%. Hollister is also scheduled to open at the scheme this summer.
“The addition of Bershka to Metrocentre underlines the strength of our relationship with Inditex, as well as the success of our fashion proposition, category performance, and the momentum across the scheme. Securing another Inditex brand in such quick succession further highlights Metrocentre as a fashion-forward, best-in-class retail destination, and it’s clear the confidence global brands have in our long-term vision. Red Mall has been shaped as that accessible premium fashion hub, and we are driving consistent sales growth there, increasing footfall and broadening its appeal, while ensuring that consumers across the North East have access to some of the most in-demand, exciting brands on the high street.”
Ben Cox
Director, Sovereign Centros from CBRE
The signing follows the recent start of construction on The Crescent, a new 10,000 sq ft hub for independent and emerging brands at Metrocentre. Scheduled to launch in the second quarter of this year, The Crescent will occupy part of the Upper Green Mall and is intended to provide opportunities for smaller retailers to trade alongside national and international brands already present at the centre.
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