Online homeware and interior retailer Rowen Homes has announced the opening of its first ever store in Metrocentre Gateshead after the phenomenal growth of its online homeware business.
The new store opened on Friday 28 April 2023, moving into the former Laura Ashley unit located in the Upper Platinum Mall. The store showcases the brand’s luxury furniture and homeware, including their recently launched collection with TV star Rylan.
Rowen has big plans for their new store, including ticketed masterclasses, available from June, which will be hosted by local businesses and industry pros. From learning how to make a floral arrangement for your home, to how to elevate your business social media game, or even getting a masterclass in Interior Design by the incredibly talented team of designers at Rowen, customers will be encouraged to try something new in their gorgeous store setting.
Other in store experiences include personal shopping appointments with their design consultants and a chill out cinema room.
Up until now, Rowen has traded purely through e-commerce, offering the interior-designed look for less. Rowen sees expanding into bricks and mortar as the next step in growth for the brand, to support the region’s retail offering and to meet the huge demand from Rowen’s customers.
Co-founded in August 2020 by Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, Alice Hall and her husband Andrew, Rowen Homes has continued to grow with a social media following of over 1.5 million.
Alice Hall, Creative Director and Co-founder, said: “We are so excited to be opening our first Rowen retail store, which has been highly requested by our amazingly loyal customers ever since Rowen was founded in 2020. Having a physical retail location is a huge game-changer for us as a brand, allowing us to bring the magic of Rowen to our customers in person for the very first time.
“Having our first ever store be in Metrocentre is a total ‘pinch me’ moment and really close to my heart, as some of my first jobs were at retail stores in the Metrocentre. It was also important to us that this huge milestone for the brand happened in our home of the North East, as the region has been so supportive and welcoming to us. Our store will support in driving additional retail footfall to the Metrocentre and the region, which we feel very strongly about.
“More than just a shopping destination, we are excited to host masterclasses in store, where customers can learn new skills in interior design and other fun classes, and offer a unique room moodboarding service where our dedicated team are ready to help customers find their ‘dream scheme’.
“We can’t wait to welcome people from far and wide into our amazing new location, and offer exceptional and friendly service. We want every single person who walks through our doors to feel welcome and at home, as they’re the reason we’re able to bring this dream to life.”
