Barker and Stonehouse opened its new £5m flagship store in Gateshead on Good Friday (7th April).
Actress Joanna Lumley performed the opening ceremony, and took part in a discussion about her life and work.
The new store – the retailer's 12th – has been two years in the making, and boasts a number of innovative features in line with the retailer’s eco-friendly approach.
As well as the latest furnishings, the store features an events and co-working space called The Nook, where designers and makers, along with interior and design influencers, will deliver an ongoing programme of special events and activities.
The top floor has an indoor/outdoor cafe bistro run by North East restaurateur Daryl Chadwick.
MD James Barker says: “Whilst Barker and Stonehouse is a national brand with stores across the country, the North East is very much still our home so we are thrilled to be investing in the region and to be bringing our latest ideas and products to its people.
“The Gateshead store opens a new chapter in the company's 77-year history and has some fantastic unique design features that I’m hoping our customers will really enjoy and make use of, such as our co-working lounge and our bistro.
“The store has been designed to be a really restful, organic space, and showcases some truly exceptional furniture. It will be great seeing how customers respond to what we’ve done with the store and the mix of furniture, lighting and accessories we’ve sourced.”
The store – located on the site of the former Snow + Rock outlet - has a dedicated car park with electric vehicle charging points.
Since its foundation in 1946, the Barker and Stonehouse business has grown to employ over 440 people, and enjoys an annual turnover of nearly £100m.
Alongside its 12 main stores, Barker and Stonehouse also operates online and through two concept stores, two outlet stores and four warehousing distribution centres.
