Photos as Asian lifestyle brand prepares for opening day at Gateshead's Metrocentre
The newest shop set to open at Gateshead’s Metrocentre has teased what is on offer ahead of its first day.
Asian lifestyle brand Kenji is due to open its doors to shoppers on Friday, February 27.
A grand opening event will follow in March.
First announced in September 2025, the new store – spanning 3,589 square feet in Metrocentre’s Lower Green Mall – marks the brand’s debut in the North East.
Shelves will be stocked with designer fashion, homeware, tech gadgets and stationery alongside collectibles including plushies, squishy toys and blind boxes.
The shop will also include a dedicated ‘snack station’.
Gavin Prior, Centre Director at Metrocentre, said: “Increasingly, customers are looking for memorable, meaningful retail experiences and Kenji knows how to deliver exactly that.
“Combined, it offers shoppers of all ages something truly different – fun, stylish and affordable – further adding to the appeal of a visit to Metrocentre.”
Eddie Shepherd, Managing Director at KENJI UK, added: “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.”
In addition to the opening day, a grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, March 14.
The first 50 customers to spend £10 or more at the event will receive a free goodie bag worth £40, with additional complimentary gifts for the next 100 customers to spend over £10. DJs and brand mascots will continue the festivities throughout the day next month.