Superpower Toys and SMR Jewellers are the latest names to open at the new indie hub
Wrestling collectibles retailer Superpower Toys & Collectibles has launched at The Crescent, Metrocentre – one of two new stores to open at indie hub this week – describing it as a ‘real full-circle moment.’
37-year-old owner Jonny Dent grew up during the heyday of wrestling in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a golden era dominated by the likes of The Rock, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior. Back then, he and his brothers would visit Metrocentre, keen to snap up the latest action figures with their pocket money.
Now, he’s opened his own store at the centre’s new indie hub, The Crescent, where he hopes to recreate the magic of those early experiences for fellow WWF/WWE, wrestling and collectibles fans. Everyone from kids chasing the latest trends to adults looking to reconnect with their youth by treating themselves to nostalgic finds they had long wanted as children.
Superpower Toys & Collectibles owner Jonny Dent said: “It’s a real ‘full circle’ moment. What started as a side hustle to supplement my income quickly grew into a thriving online business, followed a few years later by the addition of my first retail store in Bishop Auckland. All of which is testament to the incredible appetite for collectibles, both online and in-store.
“When I spotted The Crescent with its first independents, including trading card games specialist Aqua TCG, I knew I had to go for it. Having a store at Metrocentre was always a dream, now it’s a reality, stocking the newest and hottest releases through to ‘holy grail’ finds and everything in between.”
Visitors to the new store, which opened on Halloween Saturday to rave reviews on social media, can look forward to wrestling collectibles, movie memorabilia, autographed lines and much more. On hand to help customers, alongside Jonny, will be two new full-time colleagues, both collectibles’ enthusiasts themselves.
It won’t be long until Superpower Toys & Collectibles and its neighbours at The Crescent are joined by another new independent, SMR Jewellers, which opens this Saturday 7 November.
The vision of Gateshead businessman Sharaz Manzur, whose long-standing passion for quality jewellery, precious metals and trading has inspired him to establish his own retail business, SMR Jewellers will sell both new and pre-loved items in silver, gold and platinum, along with luxury watches and bullion.
With a focus on making the process of buying, selling, and exchanging precious items as straightforward as possible, SMR Jewellers will also give customers the opportunity to bring in rarely worn jewellery for professional testing and evaluation. This includes specialist precious metal analysing technology that can assess the composition and purity of gold in seconds for an accurate valuation. Customers will then have the option to trade unwanted items towards another purchase in-store or receive payment directly into their bank account.
Alongside its jewellery collections and gold-buying service, SMR Jewellers will offer additional services including watch battery replacements, bracelet link removals, and light jewellery repairs.
SMR Jewellers owner Sharaz Manzur said: “Opening SMR Jewellers at Metrocentre is something I’ve been working towards for a long time. I’ve always had a passion for jewellery, watches, and precious metals, and wanted to create a business that brings all those interests together.
“The aim is to offer more than just a place to buy jewellery. Whether someone is looking for a special gift, treating themselves to something new, or simply wanting to understand the value of jewellery they already own, they can feel comfortable coming through our doors, trusting that they will receive an accurate valuation, great service, and a warm welcome, every time.”
The two latest store openings leave just three of the original 10 units at The Crescent remaining, with two of those currently under discussion.
Ben Cox, Metrocentre Asset Director, said: “Achieving over 50% occupancy within just months of The Crescent opening speaks volumes about the wealth of independent talent in the North East – and what happens when that talent and ambition is given the right support.
“Already, there’s a real sense of community to the new hub, drawing in visitors with everything from collectibles and accessories to styling, grooming and wellness experiences, all brought together by the central gathering spot of Café Filto.”
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