I guess it depends on the type of shop you want to work in! If it's a clothes shop there are SO many round Newcastle! Topshop, Monsoon, Dorothy Perkins, NEXT...list goes on! If you want a more general job, there is M&S, Primark, BHS, John Lewis, Fenwicks to name a few.
If I were you I'd write a letter including your CV to some places and see if you get a reply. Also there is a University jobshop at Northumbria, they might be able to help!