Metrocentre has better Boxing Day than rest of country
Metrocentre in Gateshead recorded a 7.6 per cent rise in footfall on Boxing Day compared to 2024, outperforming the UK average of 4.4 per cent.
Overall, the centre welcomed more than 16 million visitors in 2025, marking an increase on the previous year. Improvements were also recorded in key performance indicators including dwell time, spend, and conversion rates.
Gavin Prior, centre director at Metrocentre, said: “These results are a strong endorsement of Metrocentreβs position as a prime retail and leisure destination for the North East.
“They reflect the continued confidence of both new brands choosing to open here and long-standing partners who are investing further and evolving their offer.”
The growth has been attributed to a refreshed tenant mix, targeted investment, and new openings throughout 2025.
Brands making their regional debut included Stradivarius and Activate, while other notable launches came from Urban Outfitters, SΓΈstrene Grene, Diamond Factory, and Maki & Ramen.
The centre also secured a UK exclusive with Peppa Pig: Surprise Party and announced the arrival of ‘KENJI’.
Mr Prior said: “Giving customers easy access to the best brands, in the best surroundings, is at the very heart of our retail and leisure strategy, and these latest figures are testament to the hard work, investment and advances being made.
“We look forward to creating even more reasons to visit with further big announcements planned throughout 2026.”