Kenji to open first North East store at Metrocentre this week

KENJI, which blends modern Asian culture with a British twist, will open at the Metrocentre on Friday, February 27.

The 3,589 sq ft store, located in the Lower Green Mall, marks the brand’s first location in the North East.

Gavin Prior, centre director at the Metrocentre, said: “Increasingly, customers are looking for memorable, meaningful retail experiences and KENJI knows how to deliver exactly that: from its quirky product range to its forthcoming fusion of the physical shopping experience with a virtual, interactive game environment.

Kenji is set to open its first North East store on Friday. (Image: Andrew Meredith)

“Combined, it offers shoppers of all ages something truly different – fun, stylish and affordable – further adding to the appeal of a visit to Metrocentre.”

The store will stock fashion, homeware, tech gadgets, stationery and collectibles including plushies, squishy toys, blind boxes and Tiny-K keyrings.

A ‘Snack Station’ will feature Mochi, Hello Panda biscuits, ramen, noodles, sushi-to-go, sodas, kombucha and teas.

KENJI shoppers will soon be able to access the ‘KENJILand’ mobile app in-store, allowing users to personalise characters, complete missions, and connect with other fans.

Eddie Shepherd, managing director at KENJI UK, said: “Opening a new store is always a special moment but particularly so at a location such as Metrocentre, which has rightly earned a reputation for being the go-to retail and leisure destination in the region.

“There’s a real buzz amongst the KENJI team who are ready and raring to go, and looking forward to warmly welcoming our very first North East shoppers through the doors from this Friday.”