ECCO to open first store in North East at intu Metrocentre

Footwear and accessories company ECCO has chosen intu Metrocentre in Gateshead as the ideal place to launch its first ever store in the North East.

The global shoemaker, which combines great quality with great comfort, will add intu Metrocentre to its growing number of retail locations as it looks to continue to grow its UK market.

David Butler, UK managing director of ECCO Shoes, said: “Over the past three years, we’ve doubled our number of shops in the UK to more than 40. We’re delighted now to be opening our first store in the North East. intu Metrocentre is one of the top shopping centres in the country and a great place for ECCO. The design of the new shop will capture our Scandinavian attributes and fit perfectly into the high end surroundings of the Platinum Mall.”

The company has taken 1,750 sq ft on a 10 year lease and will join top clothing brands such as Phase 8, H&M Kids, independent designer fashion brand Tessuti and an Oh You Pretty Things champagne bar in the Platinum Mall.

intu regional director Kate Grant said: “We’re delighted to welcome ECCO to intu Metrocentre and to the North East. Platinum Mall is a place where we want customers to feel special. Whether that’s from the welcoming atmosphere or the boutique feel we’ve created, our customers are able to shop, relax, meet friends and ultimately go home happy having spent a great day with us.”

intu Metrocentre is one of the top five shopping centres in the UK, according to CACI, with two million sq ft of retail, catering and leisure space. Anchored by Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser and Debenhams, the centre has over 21 million customer visitors each year. It was crowned overall winner at the British Council of Shopping Centres Purple Apple Marketing awards recently for a cause-related marketing initiative that included the massive ‘Heart of a Thousand Crystals’ chandelier in the Platinum Mall.

intu’s agent for Platinum Mall is Lunson Mitchenall; ECCO was represented by CWM.