A popular home decor chain, known as ‘little Ikea’ among customers, is aiming to expand its presence in the UK by doubling the number of its stores. Søstrene Grene, a family-owned brand that entered the UK market in 2016 and has gained a devoted following, offers a range of Scandinavian design-focused homeware, kitchen essentials, gifts, and stationery.
The store layout of Søstrene Grene resembles a maze, similar to Ikea and Flying Tiger in Copenhagen, encouraging customers to leisurely explore before reaching the checkouts. With successful openings at 47 new locations this year, primarily in the UK and Germany, the retailer plans to open an additional 20 stores by 2025, aiming to have nearly 100 stores in the UK by 2027.
The company reported remarkable growth in the UK market, with revenues surging by 130% year-on-year. Additionally, Søstrene Grene will establish a £36 million distribution center in the Netherlands spanning 445,000sqm. The group’s CEO, Mikkel Grene, expressed pride in the brand’s performance and highlighted the UK’s significant contribution to their success.
While many high street retailers are facing closures, Søstrene Grene’s expansion plans signal a positive trend. In contrast, other brands like Poundland are shutting down outlets. JD Sports, a major player in the retail landscape, reported a decline in sales but remains optimistic about their strategic approach and financial outlook amidst challenging market conditions.