Hollister and Timberland move into Metrocentre with Bershka and Lefties set to follow them there
The Metrocentre Partnership has announced the openings of Hollister’s largest regional store and Timberland’s first North East location at Metrocentre. Hollister has launched its 6,000 sq ft store in Lower Red Mall, bringing its signature range of apparel, accessories, and fragrances to the scheme. It joins brands including Stradivarius, Zara and Mango.
Occupying 2,567 sq ft, Timberland has gone live in Upper Red Mall. The new space showcases the brand’s premium heritage collections, including outerwear and its signature footwear.
Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, says: “Hollister and Timberland are two iconic brands within the fashion sector. Both have established customer bases and continue to drive growth through a focus on strengthening their presence in key locations, which is exactly what we are. Timberland launching its North East debut at Metrocentre is a clear vote of confidence in the vitality of our fashion offer, with both brands joining the scheme at a fundamental stage in our leasing strategy, where we are continually securing prime, global fashion and retail brands that want to make a home in the region.”
Scott Clarke-Bryan, Managing Director EMEA at Abercrombie & Fitch Co, says: 'This opening represents another exciting investment in bringing the Hollister brand closer to our customers - meeting them where they love to shop in strategic, high-footfall destinations. Metrocentre is a natural fit as we continue to build our presence in the North East and strengthen our footprint across the UK. Our Hollister House store design brings our best brand experience to life, combining a fresh, engaging retail environment with seamless omnichannel capabilities. We’re delighted to welcome customers into the space and invite them to experience the brand in a new way.'
Hollister and Timberland will soon be joined by Inditex brands Bershka and Lefties, as well as New Look’s latest concept store, within Metrocentre’s dedicated fashion hub.
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.
