An 80s-themed awards night has celebrated the best and brightest in retail.
Metrocentre’s 40th Anniversary Retailer Awards, held at Newcastle's Boiler Shop last night (Thursday, October 8), recognised outstanding stores, eateries and teams across the shopping centre, with winners chosen by public vote.
The event featured a retro 1980s theme in honour of Metrocentre’s four-decade milestone, with BBC Radio Newcastle’s Matt Bailey and centre director Gavin Prior co-hosting the ceremony in 'Miami Vice'-inspired outfits.
The evening celebrated 40 years of the Metrocentre (Image: Provided)
Mr Prior said: "What better way to celebrate 40 years of trading, and the brands and staff who have been instrumental to that, than by dedicating this evening to them.
"Our thanks to everyone who voted and congratulations to this year’s winners and runners-up."
"Seeing new and established independents alike share the public vote with some of the biggest brands perfectly sums up what makes Metrocentre the go-to destination in the North East, and we are hugely excited about who’s joining the line-up next."
Winners (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography)
A total of 15 awards were presented, along with three Judges’ Choice honours.
The evening concluded with a live DJ set from 1980s icon Martin Kemp.
Stradivarius won Newcomer of the Year, beating Urban Outfitters and Hollister.
Stradivarius (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography)
Independent retailers also picked up awards.
Café Filto, based at The Crescent, won Café/On the Go Retailer of the Year for its popular matcha, canned iced coffees and signature dishes.
The Newcastle United Foundation Careers Hub took home Specialist and Services Retailer of the Year for its work providing young people with a supportive space to gain skills and explore career options.
Cafe Filto team (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography)
Newcastle United Foundation Careers Hub (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography)
Sports Direct’s David Young won the Judges’ Choice Manager of the Year award.
David Young from Sports Direct (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography)
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He was recognised for leading a refurbishment that helped the store outperform the company average by 20 per cent and become one of the brand’s top-performing locations in the region.
A special group award honoured 23 retailers that have traded at Metrocentre since it first opened 40 years ago.
They include Boots, M&S, Odeon, Pizza Hut and River Island, formerly Chelsea Girl, along with independents Collectables, Paris Dress House and Sweets Galore.