The town centre has 4 shopping centres, The Mall, Hillstreet Shopping Centre, Captain Cook Square and Dundas Shopping Mall, which are all centrally located within a minute's walk of each other. The pedestrianised Linthorpe Road and Newport Road are at the retail heart of the town with Debenhams and House of Fraser gracing the refurbished pedestrian space. New additions to the town include Monsoon, Costa Coffee, H&M, Starbucks and Zumo. Zumo has been so successful that they have opened a second premises in the Hillstreet Shopping Centre. TopShop have recently relocated to a much larger unit in The Mall and New Look have opened a second town centre also in The Mall. Plans are in place for a food court and improved customer facilities which have included the purchase of the previously Council owned car park.
The town has also developed a designer shopping area, namely Linthorpe Road Central which is dominated by the impressive Psyche building. Psyche is designer shopping heaven offering labels such as Rock and Republic, Armani, Paul Smith, French Connection and Dolce & Gabbana plus many more. This area has been transformed by the Psyche development and has attracted many independent names such as Triads, Yakusa, Deep and Red Square as well as Sassari's Continental Cafe and Esquires Coffee House who all add diversity to the town centre offer. The Linthorpe Road Central area sits neatly alongside the University of Teesside campus which is also near to the buzzing heart of the student night scene.
Designers Marketplace. A travelling market showcasing some of the best creative talent in the region. On sale is a diverse collection of quality bespoke merchandise such as fashion garments, accessories, art, graphics, illustration, jewellery, textiles, photography, ceramics, and interior products.
With a live DJ playing music all day and the occasional food stall, the market offers a great day out to all sexes and ages alike.
The next market will be taking place on Sunday 29th November 2009 at Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt. Entry is free, and doors open at 10.30am to press and trade, and from 11am to 4.30pm to the public.