Tag: shopping

Metrocentre Call For Food Bank Donations

By on 25th February 2016in In & Around

The North East’s largest shopping centre is urging households to help the hungry by donating to a food bank…

Last year, staff and shoppers at intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, donated more than 200kg of dried and tinned food to Gateshead Foodbank to help those in need, and the aim is to donate even more this year.

In a bid to help as many people as possible, intu Metrocentre is asking shoppers to bring in food products they don’t use or want – or perhaps have given up for Lent.

The initiative, which will last until 20th March, is the brainchild of intu Metrocentre Chaplain Lyn Jamieson, who said: “It is very sad indeed to think that, in this day and age, in this borough, there are still people who do not have enough to eat.

“These may be families whose benefits arrive late or are reduced, people leaving an abusive relationship, with nowhere to go and no money, or students who can’t make ends meet. Sadly, there are many causes and levels of hardship.

“The Gateshead Foodbank has been set up to help those most in need, and as intu Metrocentre is at the very heart of the community, we are committed to gathering as much food and awareness as possible.”

Last year, foodbanks across the UK gave more than 500,000 emergency three-day food supplies to people in crisis. More than a third of the emergency foodbank supplies went to children.

The centre is calling for donations of:

  • Milk (UHT or powdered)
  • Sugar
  • Long life fruit juice
  • Tinned food
  • Pasta sauces
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Tea bags and jars of instant coffee
  • Instant mash
  • 500g rice and pasta
  • Jars of jam
  • Packets or biscuits and snacks

Donations can be handed in at any of the centre’s customer services desks or the Centre Management Offices, 1st floor, next to House of Fraser. For more information, visit www.intumetrocentre.co.uk.

Applications For Metrocentre’s Next ‘Head Of Fun’ Now Open

By on 10th February 2016in Local Biz

The boy with the best job in Britain is preparing to hand over his keys to the board (game) room – and now the hunt is on for a new Head of Fun…

Nine-year-old Mac Toal, from Prudhoe, was the envy of youngsters across the North East when he landed the ‘top’ job at Gateshead’s intu Metrocentre.

In a first for the North East shopping mall, Mac and Deputy Head of Fun, seven-year-old Myah Rose Wilson, from Sunderland, were appointed 12 months ago. The pair were tasked with making sure the centre provided lots of free fun for all the children in the region and to continue to ensure that it is child friendly.

But now their year-long ‘contract’ is coming to an end, and the search has begun to find their replacements.

Mac said: “It’s been the best year ever. We’ve played a really big part in leading intu Metrocentre Kids’ Club and become best friends with the Metrognomes!

“We’ve opened and reviewed new restaurants, and even given our verdicts on fashion and Christmas toys.

“We’ll both be very sad to hand over our jobs, but we know that whoever gets them next will have a brilliant time.”

The centre is looking for a new Head and Deputy Head of Fun, aged between 6 and 10 to provide specialist advice on all its children’s activities. In exchange, they will be paid in gift vouchers, toys, and fun experiences.

The roles will not clash with school, as the pair, who will be first in line to meet any stars and special guests visiting the centre, will only be asked to help out during holidays and half term breaks.

“Our Heads of Fun have been amazing,” said Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre.

“They’ve opened Santa’s grotto, turned on the Christmas lights, and our Head of Fun even had his own magazine column.

“Now, we’re calling on the region’s youngsters to get in touch and see if they have what it takes to land one of the best jobs in the country.”

To apply, children must explain in up to 200 words why they think they should be Head of Fun.

Applications can be in the form of a letter, song or even a video – the more creative the better – and must be accompanied by a recent photograph. They can then be posted in the post box at Exhibition Square during the centre’s half term activities to celebrate the release of Kung Fu Panda 3.

Children can learn the skills of a true Kung Fu master at Kung Fu school, as well as creating headwear, panda masks and Chinese New Year lanterns between Monday 15th and Friday 19th February.

Alternatively, children can email their applications to headoffun@intu.co.uk or post them to intu Metrocentre, Centre Management, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 9YG.

All applications must be received by Sunday 6th March, and interviews will take place on the lead up to the Easter half term break.

For more information, visit www.intu.co.uk/metrocentre/fun or visit the online job application.

Who’s Coming To Sunderland?

By on 8th February 2016in Entertainment

The world’s most famous time travelling police box has taken time off from cruising the galaxies to land in Sunderland’s shopping centre…

A replica of Dr Who’s TARDIS has currently taken up residency at the Bridges, where it will stay until the end of February.

This means that fans of the hit BBC show will get a rare opportunity to visit and take a selfie with one of the most well-known forms of space and time travel.

The city also has a lesser known connection with the box, as the first ever police box in the UK was put in place at  Sunderland’s Kayll Road in 1923.

The replica was commissioned by Sunderland City Council for an event last summer which highlighted the heritage in the west of the city.

“Dr Who is such a massively popular programme with generations of people enjoying it over the years,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director of the Bridges.

“We’re sure fans of the show will love the opportunity to come and get their picture taken with it. It’s great for this iconic piece of tv history to be getting a second outing and we hope that lots of people will come and see it.”

Top 10 Doctor Who Facts:

  • The character of Doctor Who was inspired by Sherlock Holmes.
  • The distinctive TARDIS sound effect was originally created by rubbing the bass strings of a piano with a key.
  • Doctor Who is BBC Worldwide’s best-selling show.
  • There have been 12 doctors.
  • The TARDIS has a broken “Chameleon circuit” which is supposed to enable it to disguise itself to blend into any environment. However in the first ever episode An Unearthly Child, viewers discover that the circuit is broken and the TARDIS is stuck in the shape of a police box.
  • Dr Who is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running sci-fi series in the world.
  • TARDIS stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space. It is bigger on the inside than on the outside.
  • The original Daleks were controlled from the inside by small operators who had to manipulate their eyestalks, domes and arms, as well as flashing the lights on their heads in sync with the actor’s voices.
  • Doctor Who is from the planet Gallifrey.
  • The first episode was broadcast in 1963 – 40 years after the first police box was installed in Sunderland.

Rebel Florist Offers Tips For The Perfect Valentine’s Day

By on 1st February 2016in Lifestyle

A North East florist is helping out northern Romeos with a guide to buying Valentine’s blooms, which are an alternative to roses…

14th February is one of the busiest days of the year for florists, as shoppers splash out on bunches of traditional (and sometimes very expensive) red roses for their loved ones.

However, Susie Griffiths of the Rebel Flower Company at The Village, intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, has devised a number of romantic ways of ‘saying it with flowers’ on Valentine’s Day which offer a contemporary take on the traditional bouquet of roses.

Susie said: “Red roses may have become a firm favourite, but in fact there are many flowers and plants associated with love, whose links with romance go back even further.

“For example, orchids have been linked with love for centuries. Potions made from orchids, once drunk, were said to result in hopeless infatuation and Cymbidium orchids, in particular have an alluring honey fragrance, mythically believed to aid fertility.”

Having managed florists in England and Ireland, Susie started her own floristry business at intu Metrocentre at a stall outside House of Fraser. She was so successful that she was able to move into her very own store in the centre’s Village for independent retailers.

With a wealth of experience and the ambition to help those stuck for inspiration, Susie has come up with five tips for romantics against roses:

  1. Go for fragrance. Pick a bloom that not only looks beautiful, but smells beautiful. Every time your Valentine smells the bouquet, they’ll think of you.
  2. You don’t have to go for the biggest bouquet. Choose three or five flowers (an odd number is always best), and add a few sprigs of lavender or rosemary for fragrance. Tie them with an elastic band and cover the band with a length of ribbon.
  3. As an alternative to a bouquet, try a corsage. It’s a lovely, old-fashioned way to present flowers to your date, and it should be a small spray, consisting of a single flower with maybe some fern or gypsophila that would be attached to clothing or a handbag.
  4. If you’re keen to stick with red, the colour of passion, then opt for a single exotic bloom. Perhaps an amaryllis? Consider a simple bunch of red tulips or spring blooms, tied raffia, and a label asking ‘will you be my Valentine?’
  5. If roses are a must, consider a soft pink, yellow or cream. They’re possibly even more beautiful than the blood red ones, and did you know that pink roses are actually symbolic of elegance and romance, whereas a yellow flower signifies friendship?

“I think the thing to remember is that you can always be creative,” said Susie. “There is so much variety out there, and if you make your blooms stand out then you’ll definitely make the right impression with your Valentine.”

For more information, visit www.rebelflowercompany.co.uk.

Sunderland Car Parking Prices To Rise In February

By on 24th January 2016in Local Biz

Car parking charges at Sunderland’s The Bridges are set to rise next month…

From February 1st, the shopping centre’s roof top and multi storey car park will be £1.30p an hour – an increase of 10p.

Thursday nights will continue to be free from 5.30pm to 9pm, and a flat rate cost will remain in place on Sundays.

Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges, said the decision to make the small increase had not been taken lightly.

“We have had to introduce this slight increase to ensure that we can maintain the level of quality and services in the Bridges’ car parks, while having to also take into account rising staffing and operational costs,” he said.

“However, with a number of new retailers already taking up space in the Bridges, and with hopefully further announcements to come, we believe that we continue to offer great value and great choice to our shoppers.”

Metrocentre Puts The Kettle On For ‘Brew Monday’

By on 15th January 2016in In & Around

Retailers in Europe’s largest shopping centre are helping shoppers beat the January blues – by putting the kettle on…

Monday 18th January, or ‘Blue Monday,’ is widely believed to be one of the most depressing days of the year, as the excitement of Christmas wears off, the temperature plummets, and people return to work.

However, retailers at intu Metrocentre are hoping to sweeten the day by renaming it ‘Brew Monday’ and offering shoppers a range of free hot drinks, special offers and surprises.

Among the treats available at the centre on Monday will be free tea and coffee vouchers for Wetherspoon, while Oh You Pretty Things Champagne Bar is creating special blue cocktails and mocktails.

And, for those who are too blue to leave the house, intu Metrocentre will be running online competitions, including the chance to win a free afternoon tea for four at Lumley Castle Hotel, on Facebook.

The centre will also be giving away Muffin Break vouchers to Twitter users who share selfies having a brew on the day.

“To combat the January Blues, we want our customers to share a cup of tea or coffee with their loved ones, or have a brew on us,” said Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre.

“If we all join together, then there’s no reason why we can’t beat the blues and get the year off to a much happier start.”

For more information, click here.

Voting Opens For Sunderland Retail And Style Awards

By on 7th January 2016in Local Biz

Sunderland’s booming retail sector and the city’s most stylish individuals and outlets are set to be celebrated, with the combining of two major award ceremonies…

For the first time, Sunderland’s Retail and Style Awards are joining forces to honour businesses, events and people who have helped put the city on the map.

The event is being jointly organised by the Bridges shopping centre and radio station Sun FM, with nominations for the 17 categories open today (January 7th).

Sponsored by Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, the awards will give shops, restaurants, bars, hairdressers and beauty salons the opportunity to be recognised.

Categories in the retail section include awards for large, medium and small retailers, best customer service, employee of the year, manager of the year, up and coming business and the Experience It Here award for the best city centre experience.

In the style section, nominations are being sought for the Most Stylish Mackem, along with sections for top bars, restaurants, salons, and individual awards for top bloggers and the city’s most glamorous mam.

Nominations can be made online at www.sun-fm.com/rsawards2016 and will close at the end of March, with the awards evening taking place at the Bridges on April 23rd.

Attendees at the glitzy ceremony – which will include live music, dinner and a fashion show – will also get the opportunity to come away with an award on the night, with a Red Carpet honour being given out to the best dressed.

“2015 was an excellent year for the retail sector in the city, and we welcomed a number of new businesses with some exciting plans going forward,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.

“These awards give retailers of all sizes – from leading high street names to our impressive range of independents – the opportunity to be recognised for the great service they offer.”

Julian Carter, Managing Director of Sun FM, added that the style section of the awards gave both individuals and leisure outlets the opportunity to shine.

“With the current regeneration and positive momentum, there has never been a better time to unite the already successful style awards into an even bigger retail and style event,” said Julian.

“We’ve put together a range of exciting categories which not only gives the city’s leading restaurants, bars and salons a showcase, but also there’s a chance for our most stylish individuals to be publicly acknowledged.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase businesses of all types and sizes, including the city burgeoning restaurant and café scene and to recognise their innovation and hard work,” said Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of main sponsor, Sunderland BID.

A shortlist for each category will be drawn up by a judging panel, which will then be put to a public vote.

A number of sponsorship opportunities are also available for the night, and further information is available by contacting Harry Collinson at harrycollinson@aol.com.

Sunderland Shopping Centre Celebrates Year Of Investment

By on 31st December 2015in Local Biz

Sunderland’s shopping centre is celebrating a year of investment in the Bridges, with new retailers and a number of stores undergoing renovation…

December saw telecoms giant Virgin Media sign up to the Bridges, with plans for a branch which should open in early 2016.

The new announcement follows hot on the heels of the arrival of the Danish chain, Tiger, which offers fun and practical homeware items, in November.

Earlier in the year, the Bridges enhanced its offering when two national clothing brands took up residency at the centre – Pep and Co and Yours.

The fashion ranges available at the Bridges was also increased, thanks to the launch of designer wear store Van Mildert, with a prime space also occupied by gadget shop, Menkind.

Existing shops have undergone refits this year, including JD Sports, Esquires and Schuh.

“There is a great deal of investment taking place in Sunderland, and that is reflected by the retailers interested in coming to the city,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director.

“We are delighted to have welcomed some really important brands to ensure that shoppers can get everything they want in Sunderland, and not have to travel outside of the area.

“The fact that we now have a well-established, late night shopping evening is also helping to attract people to the city centre, and gives them the opportunity to enjoy everything that we have to offer.”

Durham Fashion Shop Wins Retailer Of The Year Award

By on 29th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East designer menswear store is celebrating in style – after being named Retailer of the Decade…

Woven, at The Gates Shopping Centre, Durham, took the accolade at the city’s retail awards along with two other awards on the night –  Independent Retailer of the Year and Retail Person of the Year.

And for owner Chris Hayes, there was an added bonus in the latter award – as it went to his son, Oliver.

This is the latest in a long line of successes for the independent menswear store, which launched in Durham five years ago.

Chris, originally from Teesside, launched Woven after decades in the clothing trade, having launched top designer store Van Mildert in 1995 with two friends.

Struggling initially to get anyone to finance the plan, Chris and his colleagues eventually got a loan from Durham Miners’ Pension Fund for £25,000, and created a business which – at its height – had a £7m turnover.

The company was sold in 2010, and Chris decided to concentrate on opening a dedicated menswear store.

“It’s a fantastic honour to have been given this award,” he said.

“Everyone at Woven is dedicated to providing great levels of service and offering our customers the best in men’s designer wear, and it’s very gratifying to see this recognised in this way.”

Hundreds Gather At Metrocentre For Christmas 1K Elf Run

By on 7th December 2015in In & Around

North East families have dusted off their elf costumes for the second intu Elf Run at intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre…

 

Over 1,000 excitable elves took to the region’s favourite shopping malls to take part in the 1km charity fun run.

Participating elves paid £10 to enter the race and received an elf T-shirt and hat, an ‘official helper’ certificate from Santa and a well deserved runner’s medal for completing the fun run.

Santa’s little helpers also showed their Christmas spirit by fundraising on behalf of The Percy Hedley Foundation, and bringing in unwrapped presents for Santa to distribute to children in the North East.

First off the starting blocks at intu Metrocentre was Lisa Clark, from Hebburn, and her children Owen, Ewan and Freya. Lisa said: “It was a really fun event to take part in. The kids just sprinted ahead when the race began! Can’t wait to do it again.”

Clair Williams, from Kenton, who attended the run with her husband Simon and their sons Thomas and Luke, said: “It was a really fun day for the whole family. The kids love their medals and certificates, and would love to come back again.”

At intu Eldon Square, Maria Bokhari from High Heaton attended the run with her children Zavi, age 6, and Ariana, age 2. Maria said: “We’ve had a great morning at the fun run. Everyone involved was so enthusiastic, and there was a wonderful atmosphere with all the little elves running around!”

Mary Dowson, from Morpeth, completed the run with her children Leo, age 10, Lorenzo, age 7, Lewi, age 6, and Rowon, age 3. Mary said: “This is our second year doing the run. My kids haven’t slept all night as they were so excited about taking part! It’s a fabulous event and a great way to support a local charity. We’ve had a fantastic time, although I’m completely out of breath now!”

Karen Carr, intu regional marketing manager, North, said: “We’re delighted with the response we’ve had to our second intu Elf Run. The atmosphere on the malls has been joyful with lots of new little elves taking part as well as some who ran last year. Christmas may be a time of indulgence, but these unique 1k indoor family fun runs are a great opportunity for our shoppers to get active, get elfy, and get into the festive spirit whilst raising valuable funds for The Percy Hedley Foundation, an organisation recognised nationally and internationally as leading the way in the provision of specialist, high quality, and innovative services for disabled people.”

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