Inditex owned Spanish fashion and lifestyle retailer Lefties makes North East debut with Metrocentre store

Lefties, Inditex’s new to the UK brand, has signed to join Metrocentre, marking one of the Spanish retailer's first three UK stores.

Set to occupy a central unit at the interchange between Red and Green Mall on Town Square, Lefties will serve as a key anchor within Metrocentre’s dedicated fashion hub. This will be its first location in the North East.

Lefties was founded in 1999 and has its headquarters outside Barcelona, including commercial and design teams, who aim to bring accessible quality fashion to its customers. 

Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Managers of Metrocentre, comments: “We’re proud to confirm that Lefties are the latest exciting new entrant to commit to Metrocentre. As one of the first Lefties stores in the UK, this is another major endorsement of Metrocentre as a key location for international brands investing in UK retail.”

“Its trend savvy offer will be a compelling addition to our retail mix, and this signing, once again, reflects the dominance and appeal of our scheme to both national and international retailers. With our consistent footfall, extensive catchment, and quality retail offer, we continue to stand out as the leadingdestination in the region.”

Lefties will bolster Metrocentre’s fashion line-up, alongside other brands in the Inditex Group such as Stradivarius and Zara, and names like Urban Outfitters, Hollister and Mango. It will also join other key anchors across the scheme, such as Flannels, Primark, and M&S.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.