A popular home goods chain, known as the ‘little Ikea,’ is set to expand its presence in the UK by doubling the number of stores. Søstrene Grene, a family-owned brand with a strong following since its UK debut in 2016, offers a range of Scandinavian-designed homeware, kitchen essentials, gifts, and stationery to its growing customer base.
With a layout reminiscent of Ikea and Flying Tiger in Copenhagen, each Søstrene Grene store encourages leisurely exploration before reaching the checkouts. The Danish retailer has recently opened 47 new locations this year, primarily in the UK and Germany, with plans to open an additional 20 stores by 2025 and reach around 100 stores in the UK by 2027.
The company reported exceptional growth in the UK, with revenues increasing by 130% year-on-year. In addition, Søstrene Grene is investing in a £36 million distribution center in the Netherlands spanning 445,000 square meters.
Mikkel Grene, CEO of Søstrene Grene, expressed pride in the brand’s performance, citing the UK as a significant growth driver with a positive response from British customers. The successful Christmas season further solidified customer loyalty.
While many high street shops are facing closures, Søstrene Grene’s expansion plans signify a contrasting trend. Poundland has been closing outlets, and other brands like JD Sports and Starbucks are also reducing their presence across the UK. JD Sports reported a decline in sales but remains focused on cost management and maintaining financial discipline.
Despite challenges in the retail environment, JD Sports expects to meet profit expectations for the year and anticipates minimal impact from US tariffs. The company remains cautious about the trading environment but is committed to controlling costs and maintaining financial stability.