A major department store in the Metrocentre has shut down barely two years after it welcomed its first customers.

The Next Beauty & Home Store in the Red Mall was seen earlier this week shuttered as signs were put up informing customers of the closure.

The shop, which had its own beauty hall with kiosks and a furniture range, first opened in October 2020 after it closed as a Debenhams just months before.

Read more: Mike Ashley to open HUGE department store inside former Metrocentre Debenhams

At the time, Next described the opening of the first of a kind for the North East as an "exciting opportunity" and one that will bring a number of jobs.

The shop stocked hundreds of premium brands including Chanel, Elizabeth Arden, Dermalogica, Bare Minerals, Benefit, Clarins and Clinique.

But on Thursday, November 4, signs confirming the closure could be seen, redirecting customers to Next's remaining outlets in the Green Mall and Metro Retail Park.

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

The closure of Next Beauty & Home coincides with the signing of a 15-year lease with Metrocentre bosses and Sports Direct.

In August, it was confirmed that the discount sports brand and high-end retailer, Flannels would both be moving into the 130,000 sq ft site.

Read more: Further details including opening date revealed for brand new Next at Metrocentre

At the time, Graeme Jones, director at Sovereign Centros, said: “These lettings will create a new destination point for the centre’s Red Mall.

"The store sits on one of the main entrances to the centre and therefore important from a visual presentation perspective.

"The transaction completes a major element of our business plan leasing up surplus former department store space.”

Mr Jones added: “Retailer interest in the Centre is strong. We are not only attracting new premium brands, but existing retailers are upsizing into new flagship stores.

"Both JD and H&M upsized earlier this year and are trading really well.”

Earlier this year, Harrods opened its first beauty hall in the North East with its new H Beauty store in the former House of Fraser in the shopping centre.

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