Danish footwear and accessories company ECCO is to open its first shop in the North East after agreeing terms at intu Metrocentre.
The global shoemaker is heading to the Gateshead retail and leisure destination as it seeks to continue its expansion into the UK market.
UK Managing Director, David Butler 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.”
ECCO has taken a 1,750 sq ft unit on a ten year lease and will join an occupier line-up featuring leading clothing brands such as Phase 8, H&M Kids, independent fashion brand Tessuti and an Oh You Pretty Things champagne bar.
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 provides two million sq ft of retail, catering and leisure space, attracting over 21 million visitors each year.
It is ranked as one of the top five shopping centres in the UK by CACI, and was recently crowned the overall winner in the British Council of Shopping Centres Purple Apple Marketing awards for a cause related marketing initiative which included the massive ‘Heart of a Thousand Crystals’ chandelier (pictured) at the Platinum Mall.