LUXURY goods, designer fragrances and cocktails will await shoppers as Harrods is set to make its debut in the North East.
The brand new Harrods H Beauty has taken over the former House of Fraser in the Metrocentre and is hoping to be a big hit with people from far and wide.
And ahead of its grand opening today (June 14), the Hexham Courant's sister paper The Northern Echo had a sneak peek inside to see exactly what you can expect.
Stocking luxury brands such as Tom Ford, Dior, Morphe, Kylie, Chanel and Charlotte Tilbury and La Mer, the shop has been months in the making.
Inside, it features a range of "in store" services such as treatments including minifacials and bespoke skincare consultations, makeup rooms and branded kiosks.
Meanwhile, it is home to what has been one of the most highly-anticipated attractions, The Champagne Bar, which serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mia Collins, Head of Beauty at Harrods, said: "This means that people in the North East now have a place where they can shop so many beauty brands.
"H Beauty is unique and is a store the size of a department store but all it does is sell beauty products, it's dedicated to beauty.
"We're really dedicated to giving people the same space and shop those brands.
"We've have some of the most fabulous make-up artists the North East has to offer, so genuinely we are here to enrich people's lives."
Take a look below
Mia Collins, Head of Beauty, explained why the big name brand had decided to open a store in the North East.
She said: "The North East has got some of the most avid and sophisticed beauty consumers in the world, and at least anywhere in the UK, and we're really proud of what we're delivering with H Beauty.
"For us it was about bringing those two things together, it's the most discerning beauty consumers with what we, in our humble opinion, is the best beauty retail concept in the country, so honestly there wasn't a place more logical or more natural to be."
Ben Cox of Sovereign Centros, senior asset manager for Metrocentre, previously described Harrods coming to the venue as a big moment.
He said: “The regional debut of H beauty is a huge moment for Metrocentre.
"We’re delighted to offer the region a luxury retail experience in partnership with Harrods, providing a new flagship destination for all things beauty and featuring major global cosmetic brands.
“There are many exciting developments in the pipeline, and we are proud to be home to some of the very best in regional and national retail, hospitality, and leisure. This letting is a testament to the strength of Metrocentre and we look forward to welcoming our customers to H beauty.”
Harrods H Beauty in the Metrocentre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm, Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.
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