Metrocentre has announced that East-Asian inspired lifestyle brand KENJI will make its regional debut at Metrocentre in March 2026, bringing its playful fusion of culture, design, and lifestyle to Lower Green Mall.

The 3,589 sq ft store will be adjacent to Søstrene Grene, set to open in November. The new store will introduce visitors to KENJI’s character-led universe, offering a curated range of plushies and toys, stationery, fashion, homeware, and East-Asian inspired snacks, designed to bring moments of joy, creativity, and self-expression. With Music, Books & Games sales up 8.5% year-to-date at Metrocentre vs 2024, KENJI’s arrival further boosts its position as a top destination for trend-led, experience-driven retail. It showcases its significant pull for families across the North East, with the likes of Activate and the upcoming arrival of Peppa Pig: Surprise Party, set to elevate its family-friendly offer.

Lower Green Mall continues to attract leading retailers as it moves to full occupancy, with a recent flurry of investment from both existing and new tenants. Alongside KENJI, Swatch is relocating from a kiosk to an 846 sq ft unit, while Accessorize has committed to refurbishing its 2,781 sq ft store. The recently announced signing of Danish brand Søstrene Grene has also hit a milestone moment at the destination, as fit-out begins on its new 5,000 sq ft space, set to open in November.

Gavin Prior, Centre Director at Metrocentre, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome KENJI to Metrocentre for its first store in the North East. Their unique blend of creativity, culture and playfulness will really resonate with our visitors and it’s a fantastic milestone in the ongoing transformation of Lower Green Mall. The signing reflects not only the strength of our retail mix but also the centre’s ability to attract exciting, experience-led brands that can’t be found anywhere else in the region.”

Eddie Shepherd, Managing Director of KENJI, added: “We are celebrating our tenth anniversary, and the new store in Metrocentre will be our first in the North East. We see expanding our retail portfolio nationwide as the most significant growth opportunity for our brand, and as part of that, having stores in the UK’s best shopping centres is vital. Metrocentre has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, which perfectly complements our aspirations and the immersive nature of our stores.”

The signing of KENJI follows the recent openings of Urban Outfitters and Stradivarius, which have further strengthened Metrocentre’s fashion offer and expanded its mix of leading brands. In addition to the strong performance in Music, Books & Games, womenswear has experienced notable growth, with sales up 13.1% in July and 13% in August.