New Metrocentre retailer GO Outdoors Express reveals opening date plans

The Metrocentre has revealed news to make outdoor enthusiasts happy campers - an opening date for the retailer taking on the old Wilko store.

The huge unit at the Gateshead shopping and leisure destination has lain empty since last summer, when hardware retailer Wilko collapsed into administration and brought the shutters down on its shops. The company was eventually snapped up by The Range owners, but its collapse still led to a significant void on the high street.

However, GO Outdoors announced it was planning to stage a UK first at the Metrocentre, by opening its inaugural store within a shopping centre. The leading outdoor clothing and equipment retailer signed up for the large, 20,242 sq ft unit within the Blue Mall, with recruitment for a raft of jobs starting almost immediately – and the opening date has now been revealed.

• Read more: New retailer announced at Metrocentre and two are on the move

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The new GO Outdoors Express store will open in the week starting April 29, stocking its range of brands, such as Rab, OEX and Berghaus, as well as a full range of footwear, camping equipment, outdoor clothing and equipment for every activity. The opening has created 22 new jobs, with staff ready to provide specialist services including boot and rucksack fitting to North East customers.

The store will offer collection and drop-off points for parcels from online orders, for DPD and UPS. Customers can also browse the full GO Outdoors range via in-store ordering, available for home delivery.

Store manager Ross McDonald said: “We are delighted and proud to open our new GO Outdoors Express store in the Metrocentre. We have had a fantastic couple of years at GO, as more and more people are reaping the benefits of the outdoors for their physical and mental well-being, and this new store is the outcome of that success.

“We’re looking forward to offering more customers our unbeatable range of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, whilst also supporting our local community and offering jobs in Tyne and Wear.”

Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, said: “The signing of GO Outdoors is both a direct response to what our visitors want from the destination, and a great example of the importance of Metrocentre to the North East. Late last year we were hit with a significant challenge as Wilko closed, but a proactive approach and the destination’s appeal has put us in a position to introduce a brand that belongs here, in good time. GO Outdoors joins us as we build momentum with major retailers, like Frasers Group, Zara, and Primark, all committing to and investing in Metrocentre.”

The GO Outdoors opening follows news of ProCook's imminent arrival, and the relocation of two other traders, Clarks and Victoria's Secret, as well as Primark expansion and tech giant EE opening a new store.