4 stores coming to Metrocentre ‘indy village’ The Crescent

The Crescent is a 10,000 sq ft hub in the Upper Green Mall dedicated to independent and emerging retailers.

It officially launched this weekend with the opening of Café Filto, the first brand to sign on.

Filto. (Image: FILTO)

Noah Knapton, asset manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, said: “As these latest signings prove, the North East can lay claim to a wealth of small businesses, start-ups and scale-ups.

“What better platform to showcase their creativity and to support their further growth than The Crescent – our new, dedicated space for independent and emerging brands.

“For the retailers themselves, it offers a prime location with high footfall and unrivalled visibility in the region.

“For our customers, it delivers an even richer mix of stores, services and experiences, with more great additions still to be announced.”

A further three independent retailers are set to join The Crescent in the coming weeks.

Thatype

Thatype. (Image: THATYPE)

It is a bespoke jewellery boutique relocating from Newcastle city centre.

The store will offer custom-made rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Mia Fang, owner of Thatype, said: “What appealed most about The Crescent is its vision of creating a space where established brands and independent businesses can thrive alongside one another.

“It provides small businesses like ours with the opportunity to reach new customers, grow our brand, and share our passion and craftsmanship with a much wider audience.”

Webster & Carr

An award-winning men’s barber and hairdresser will open its second location at The Crescent, following the success of its Gosforth branch.

The store will offer styling, grooming, cuts and shaves, along with carefully curated fragrances.

Darren Carr, co-owner of Webster & Carr, said: “We searched for more than 18 months before we found The Crescent at Metrocentre.

“The moment we walked in, we knew our brand had found its next home.

“Not simply because of the location but because the people believed in our vision as much as we do.

“Their enthusiasm was genuine.

“Their support was obvious. We could feel it.”

Aqua TCG

Aqua TCG. (Image: AQUA TCG)

A specialist in Pokémon and trading card games, will open its first ever store at The Crescent.

The company has built a following at card shows in and around the North East region and wider UK.

James Leather, co-founder of Aqua TCG, said: “Being from Gateshead, we knew Metrocentre to be a prime location for footfall.

“Thinking of our customers, we also knew it to be easily accessible, whether travelling by car, bus or train, which was important to us.”

Space at The Crescent is in high demand, with just a few of the 10 units still available, a Metrocentre spokesperson said.