Latest news with #MikkelGrene
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Hundreds of shoppers queue at Stirling shopping centre as new Sostrene Grene store opens
The first 100 shoppers received free gifts when the store opened at Stirling's Thistles Shopping Centre on Friday morning. Hundreds of shoppers have been queuing at a Stirling shopping centre since before it opened at 9am this morning ahead of the grand opening of the Danish homeware retailer Søstrene Grene's newest Scottish store. The store at Stirling's Thistles Shopping Centre opened today (Friday) at 10am – with the first 100 customers being handed freebies. That led to queues of shoppers at the centre, eagerly anticipating the opening. The Stirling Observer understands that the first customers in the queue to access the shop were four students from Stirling University. The Danish retailer has brought its 'signature Scandinavian design, ever-changing seasonal collections and calm, curated shopping experience to the heart of Scotland'. The outlet stocks homewares, kitchen accessories, furniture, gifts and craft supplies. To celebrate the launch, the first 100 customers through the doors received a voucher for a free large, tufted rug worth over £60. Visitors also received a canvas tote bag filled with Søstrene Grene goodies. Stirling marks the company's seventh Scottish store. It comes after the opening of the Livingston store late last year. Prior to the store opening, Mikkel Grene, CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, said: 'Opening our seventh store in Scotland, Stirling is a further step towards our expansion goals. We're incredibly proud of and a testament to the strong connection people in Scotland have with our brand. 'Stirling's rich history, with historic landmarks makes it a perfect location to share our Scandi-inspired products and calming shopping experience. We're excited to welcome both new and loyal customers to explore what Søstrene Grene has to offer and continue to grow throughout Scotland.' UK Partners Norma Jacob and Richard Power run Søstrene Grene shops throughout Northern Ireland, Southern England, Scotland and Wales. Norma Jacob said: 'Opening in Stirling means bringing Søstrene Grene's unique blend of simplicity and creativity to a community that truly appreciates both. We're offering more than just products; it's about creating a space where customers can find inspiration and a moment of calm in their busy day. Stirling's character fits perfectly with what we stand for and we're excited to connect with the local community through every visit.' Thistles Centre Director, Gary Turnbull, previously expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the shopping centre, saying: 'Søstrene Grene will be a welcome addition to Thistles. The unique blend of Scandinavian design and affordability will bring a homely feel to our range of offerings, and we're sure shoppers will love discovering its charming, ever-changing selection. Excitement has been building as we approach opening day, and we know our shoppers are just as eager as we are to welcome Søstrene Grene to Stirling.'
Fashion Network
18-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Metrocentre's Superdrug upsizes, Søstrene Grene also signs
The battle of the big beauty retailers continues with Superdrug now announcing a major upsize at the Gateshead Metrocentre with the top-five regional mall becoming home to the retailer's largest store in the North East in September. Superdrug is upsizing by 30% taking its unit on Red Mall to 10,000 sq ft as major rival Boots recently refreshed its existing 40,000 sq ft unit there. The improved Superdrug space will incorporate the brand's latest fit-out, including treatment studios and cosmetic services, with enhanced signage, flooring, ceiling tiles, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Its enlarged presence 'creates a wellness anchor alongside key brands such as Zara, Flannels, River Island, and upcoming arrivals, Stradivarius and Urban Outfitters', mall operator Sovereign Centros said. And to boost the centre's appeal still further, the mall has also signed Danish multi-category retailer Søstrene Grene, set to arrive later this year. To be situated in the Lower Green Mall, Søstrene Grene has signed for a 5,000 sq ft unit opposite Next, 'delivering a new and unique shopping experience to the centre'. Known for its focus on natural materials and curated collections, it 'offers affordable home décor, furniture, craft items and gift ideas', it said. Søstrene Grene co-owner and group CEO Mikkel Grene added: 'Metrocentre is a strategically important centre to be part of further strengthening our presence in the region and making it a natural fit for our growing UK portfolio. This new space will enable us to serve an even broader customer base and expand our presence in the region, whilst complementing the lovely line-up of brands already calling Metrocentre home.' Sovereign Centros from CBRE director Ben Cox added: 'We firmly believe that creating growth opportunities for existing brands is paramount to not just a successful tenant mix, but the overall visitor experience. 'Superdrug will be benefiting from that after years of success, delivering a greater range of services and products in a better and more enhanced environment.' He added: 'The arrival of Søstrene Grene will also elevate the centre, with both retailers highlighting confidence in our destination as we provide even more reasons for people to visit and uphold our position as the go-to destination in the North East.'
Fashion Network
16-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Metrocentre's Superdrug upsizes, Søstrene Grene also signs
The battle of the big beauty retailers continues with Superdrug now announcing a major upsize at the Gateshead Metrocentre with the top-five regional mall becoming home to the retailer's largest store in the North East in September. Superdrug is upsizing by 30% taking its unit on Red Mall to 10,000 sq ft as major rival Boots recently refreshed its existing 40,000 sq ft unit there. The improved Superdrug space will incorporate the brand's latest fit-out, including treatment studios and cosmetic services, with enhanced signage, flooring, ceiling tiles, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Its enlarged presence 'creates a wellness anchor alongside key brands such as Zara, Flannels, River Island, and upcoming arrivals, Stradivarius and Urban Outfitters', mall operator Sovereign Centros said. And to boost the centre's appeal still further, the mall has also signed Danish multi-category retailer Søstrene Grene, set to arrive later this year. To be situated in the Lower Green Mall, Søstrene Grene has signed for a 5,000 sq ft unit opposite Next, 'delivering a new and unique shopping experience to the centre'. Known for its focus on natural materials and curated collections, it 'offers affordable home décor, furniture, craft items and gift ideas', it said. Søstrene Grene co-owner and group CEO Mikkel Grene added: 'Metrocentre is a strategically important centre to be part of further strengthening our presence in the region and making it a natural fit for our growing UK portfolio. This new space will enable us to serve an even broader customer base and expand our presence in the region, whilst complementing the lovely line-up of brands already calling Metrocentre home.' Sovereign Centros from CBRE director Ben Cox added: 'We firmly believe that creating growth opportunities for existing brands is paramount to not just a successful tenant mix, but the overall visitor experience. 'Superdrug will be benefiting from that after years of success, delivering a greater range of services and products in a better and more enhanced environment.' He added: 'The arrival of Søstrene Grene will also elevate the centre, with both retailers highlighting confidence in our destination as we provide even more reasons for people to visit and uphold our position as the go-to destination in the North East.'
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Furniture chain you've never heard of nicknamed ‘little Ikea' to open '50 new stores across the UK'
A FURNITURE chain nicknamed 'Little Ikea' by fans is reportedly opening 50 brand new stores across the UK. The family-owned Danish chain has developed a cult following over the years and hopes to have a 'bring something different' to UK high streets. 2 Søstrene Grene sells a range of furniture for staggeringly low prices 2 The chain is already a major success in Europe Credit: Alamy Søstrene Grene opened its first store in 2016 before expanding across the North of England. The company specialises affordable homeware which includes tables, chairs, candles, planters and even delicious European deserts. Its stores are famed for being laid out in labyrinthian corridors and for having whimsical, traditionally Danish decorations. Søstrene Grene opened a flagship store on Oxford Street in March, as part of its ambitious expansion plan. According to Retail Gazette, as part of the next phase of the expansion plane, Søstrene Grene will open 50 new stores across the UK by 2027 - but many towns won't have to wait long before a store arrives. Stores will be arriving in Harrogate, Canary Wharf and Stirling this summer as the wave of openings begins. Speaking about the ambitious plan, Søstrene Grene's CEO and co-owner Mikkel Grene said: 'Customers in the UK have responded incredibly positively to the Søstrene Grene concept. 'We continue to see strong footfall, high levels of engagement, and real appetite for new locations – even in areas where other retailers are pulling back. 'It gives us confidence not only to expand, but to do so in a way that supports and complements local high streets.' He added: 'We're making long-term investments because we believe in the continued relevance of physical retail – especially when it delivers a meaningful customer experience and emotional connection. Britain's retail apocalypse: why your favourite stores KEEP closing down 'We see an opportunity to bring something different to the UK high street, at a time when fresh thinking is needed.' Søstrene Grene is also planning to open a £36 million distribution centre in the Netherlands which will measure 445,000sqm. The company's expansion comes as many other retailers are putting the shutters down for good. British high streets have been struggling due to soaring rent costs and a cost-of-living crisis which is leading many shoppers to stay home instead of splashing their cash. Even luxury restaurants are feeling the pinch, with Michelin-starred eateries closing up for good. La Goccia, owned by the illustrious Petersham Group, said that it faced 'significant cost challenges' caused by 'Covid and Brexit'. Major department stores and supermarkets, including Morrisons, have closed their shops as part of a major change in their retail strategy.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Furniture chain you've never heard of nicknamed ‘little Ikea' to open '50 new stores across the UK'
A FURNITURE chain nicknamed 'Little Ikea' by fans is reportedly opening 50 brand new stores across the UK. The family-owned Danish chain has developed a cult following over the years and hopes to have a 'bring something different' to UK high streets. 2 2 Søstrene Grene opened its first store in 2016 before expanding across the North of England. The company specialises affordable homeware which includes tables, chairs, candles, planters and even delicious European deserts. Its stores are famed for being laid out in labyrinthian corridors and for having whimsical, traditionally Danish decorations. Søstrene Grene opened a flagship store on Oxford Street in March, as part of its ambitious expansion plan. According to Retail Gazette, as part of the next phase of the expansion plane, Søstrene Grene will open 50 new stores across the UK by 2027 - but many towns won't have to wait long before a store arrives. Stores will be arriving in Harrogate, Canary Wharf and Stirling this summer as the wave of openings begins. Speaking about the ambitious plan, Søstrene Grene's CEO and co-owner Mikkel Grene said: 'Customers in the UK have responded incredibly positively to the Søstrene Grene concept. 'We continue to see strong footfall, high levels of engagement, and real appetite for new locations – even in areas where other retailers are pulling back. 'It gives us confidence not only to expand, but to do so in a way that supports and complements local high streets.' He added: 'We're making long-term investments because we believe in the continued relevance of physical retail – especially when it delivers a meaningful customer experience and emotional connection. 'We see an opportunity to bring something different to the UK high street, at a time when fresh thinking is needed.' Søstrene Grene is also planning to open a £36 million distribution centre in the Netherlands which will measure 445,000sqm. The company's expansion comes as many other retailers are putting the shutters down for good. British high streets have been struggling due to soaring rent costs and a cost-of-living crisis which is leading many shoppers to stay home instead of splashing their cash. Even luxury restaurants are feeling the pinch, with Michelin-starred eateries closing up for good. La Goccia, owned by the illustrious Petersham Group, said that it faced 'significant cost challenges' caused by 'Covid and Brexit'. Major department stores and supermarkets, including Morrisons, have closed their shops as part of a major change in their retail strategy.
