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Entertainment
Barbara Hodgson

JD Sports opens its biggest North East store yet with its own shoe conveyor belt

A 'fun and unique shopping experience' is on offer at a just-opened JD Sports store in Gateshead with a focus on high-tech innovation which includes a conveyor belt to bring customers their shoes.

The aim of new store at the Metrocentre, says the company, is to tap into the brand's role in youth culture. Amongs its attractions for shoppers will no doubt be its scale - this latest addition to the shopping centre is now JD Sports' biggest store in the North East.

It opened its doors in the centre's Platinum Mall on Saturday, showcasing a range of around 40 sports, fashion and outdoor brands including Nike, Adidas and The North Face. And it's fully-automated footwear conveyor belt is a focal point.

Read more: Harrods opens Metrocentre beauty store with Champagne bar

Throughout the rest of the weeked the store is offering shoppers the chance to customise a pair of trainers - bought in-store - for free at its 'customisation station'. Adding to the atmosphere will be an Ibiza-inspired soundtrack with local DJ and producer Jerome Price.

In keeping with the holiday mood there is also a competition, running until July 9: those who spend more than £100 in the shop will be in with a chance of winning a holiday for four to the popular Ibiza Rocks hotel plus tickets to the JD Pool Party.

A spokesperson for JD Sports Fashion plc said: “We pride ourselves on embracing the communities that shop with us and the culture that surrounds us, and this new Metrocentre store embodies that commitment.” Ben Cox, of Metrocentre's senior asset manager Sovereign Centros, said it was "fantastic" to be able to unveil the "flagship" Gateshead shop.

"The store is set to be the largest in the region, providing an upgraded destination for streetwear and sports apparel from leading brands," he said. The new JD Sports is open daily from 9am (11am Sunday) until 9pm weekdays; 7pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.

Its opening follows that of new store H Beauty in Metrocentre's lower Town Square area earlier this month.

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