Press Release | Metrocentre Launches Living Map to Boost Shopper Experience
Recent studies show that nearly 70% of consumers still value the in-store shopping experience, with a strong emphasis on ease. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, enhancing the physical shopping experience remains a priority for both shoppers and retailers.
Metrocentre is one of the UK’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations, with an intricate layout that can overwhelm visitors and pose operational challenges. Living Map has simplified navigation at the centre by implementing a digital mapping solution accessible via the centre’s website and 13 interactive kiosks, located throughout the site. The solution also improves accessibility with stair-free routing options, optimises foot traffic, and supports staff, while also using data analytics to drive smarter decisions for the retail space. This drives continuous improvements at the centre which align with visitor preferences and elevate overall shopper experience.
Gavin Prior, Centre Director at Metrocentre shared his thoughts on this exciting development:
“Metrocentre is a huge site occupying over 2,000,000 sq ft of space and is home to over 270 stores, restaurants and leisure attractions. Due to this size and scale, it is important that we make navigating the centre as easy as possible for our visitors, to enable them to make the most out of their visit. The introduction of the Living Map technology, and the ability for shoppers to use their own phones for navigation, has made a huge difference and greatly improved the experience for visitors enabling them to discover more of what the centre has to offer.”
Peter Asman, CRO at Living Map added:
"We’re proud to bring digital innovation to the Metrocentre, opening the door to unforgettable shopper experiences and exciting new retail opportunities.”
Together, Living Map and Metrocentre are driving digital transformation, setting a high standard for retail and leisure experiences.
-ENDS-
About Living Map
Living Map is a market leading dynamic, digital mapping platform, transforming the world’s most complex indoor and outdoor spaces by improving overall visitor experience and driving operational efficiency. Living Map’s product suite is built up of routing and wayfinding, asset tracking, the analytics dashboard and the map manager system.
Living Map has earned the trust of global clients in retail, healthcare, culture, transportation and smart spaces, including notable names like the NHS, Canary Wharf, St. Pancras International, Trafford Centre, King’s Cross and the Met Museum.
About Metrocentre
One of the most extensive multi-use destinations in Europe, Metrocentre welcomes 15.8 million visitors a year, drawn to its 270 retail brands which includes over 60 places to east and an array of leisure facilities.
Situated on the bank of the River Tyne, Metrocentre is a powerhouse of the Northeast, contributing around £900 million each year to the local and national economy and providing employment for nearly 11,000 people. A hub of the Gateshead community and of the wider region, the centre generates over £10 billion of retail spend online and in-store every year.
Supported by its financial stakeholders, a capital programme of £78 million is being spent on the centre by the end of 2025. This includes investing in ambitious plans to ensure a more sustainable future, with a £3.1 million investment in a solar panel scheme, representing the largest installation in a UK shopping centre. Major funding into EV charging points has also been made, with a plan to install up to 174 in total by the end of Q2 2025..
The centre plays an active role in the local area and is a dedicated supporter of community funds, events, and charities. Last year Metrocentre worked with 12 charities to raise over £50,000 from various collections, raffles and fundraising initiatives, including the Poppy Appeal, Feeding Families, Great North Children’s Hospital and Marie Curie.
One of only eight super-regional out-of-town shopping centres in the UK, Metrocentre is an irreplaceable asset and a significant contributor to the UK economy.
For more information, go to www. themetrocentre.co.uk
Node, I. (2024) The 2024 consumer behavior trends : 40 stats for retail success, Blog. Available at: www.intelligencenode.com/blog/consumer-behavior-buying-trends-2024/ (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
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