Inditex-owned fashion brand Stradivarius has signed to open at Newcastle’s Metrocentre, marking the brand’s first location in the North East. And for the centre’s operator, Sovereign Centros/CBRE, its impending arrival further underscores the destination’s “regional dominance in attracting the latest and most sought-after fashion brands”.

Stradivarius will open a near-10,000 sq ft space on its lower Red Mall this summer, just along from sister brand Zara while complementing the area’s already strong line-up of fashion retailers, including Reiss, Mango and the newly refurbished River Island.

The centre’s operator said Metrocentre welcomed 15.8 million visitors in 2024, a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Nearly 300,000 sq ft of deals were also completed in the last 12 months, driving a 9.2% year-on-year footfall uplift so far this year.

The strong growth in visits “reflects the centre’s ongoing success in attracting new brands while supporting the expansion of existing tenants, cementing its dominant position within the North East and contribution to the national retail landscape”, it noted.

Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Manager of the Metrocentre, added: “Stradivarius signing for this regional debut is a huge statement for Metrocentre, confirming its appeal as the premier retail destination in the North East. Inditex’s decision to bring another of its leading brands to Red Mall showcases our ability to deliver the best in fashion experiences to our growing and increasingly loyal customer base.”