Latest news with #SøstreneGrene
Metro
15-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
High-street shop dubbed 'little Ikea' with 40p homeware to open 60 new UK stores
If you love nothing more than heading to Primark, IKEA, or Flying Tiger to browse (and buy) cute homeware items, then you're going to want to keep reading. That's because there's a new, little-known, high street retailer that's giving some of these big name brands a run for its money with similarly priced items, and shoppers are going wild over the products. Danish homeware chain Søstrene Grene has around 17 stores across the UK already, with it's new flagship shop in London's Oxford Circus opening on March 28 this year. But the Argyll street store isn't the only expansion the chain has planned. Retail Gazette confirmed the company is planning 60 new store openings in 2025 alone, hoping to reach 100 UK sites by 2027. Several of these will be opening up shop very soon, with new locations being confirmed in Peterborough, Guildford, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Telford, and Basingstoke. As well as homeware such as candles, plates, mugs, bowls, cabinets, chairs, and bedding, the shops also sell stationery, accessories such as jewellery, bags, and glasses, children's toys and costumes, plus beauty products and food. And perhaps the best part of the whole thing is that it's incredibly affordable. Prices for candles start from 40p, with kitchenware from £1, and furniture from £10. To put that into context, Primark also sells kitchenware from £1 and has candles starting from 80p. On social media, people are loving the brand, with TikTok user sharing videos of the aesthetic stores and the sweet new spring collection, that features lots of pastel hues and fruit-themed items. One user, @ described the store's range as 'beautiful and so affordable'. She added: 'It was very difficult to not just put everything into my basket. I did end up get a few bits though. It's one of those places I can't go too often just because I know I won't be able to control myself. This is a must-visit.' Similarly @em1ly.030 said she was 'in love' with the retailer, as @stephaniekaluza hailed it as her 'new favourite shop'. There's also a consensus among fans that the store is like a 'little Ikea'. And TV presenter Iwan Carrington is also a fan, he recently shared a clip of his visit to the Manchester store, saying they had 'loads of nice homeware', a 'fantastic craft section', and everything was 'reasonably priced'. As well as being able to visit one of the various bricks and mortar stores, those who may not live near one can also shop all the products online. It's a win-win! While many Brits are just discovering the brand, it's not actually new and has been around for years. The first Søstrene Grene opened in Aarhus, Denmark's second biggest city, in 1973. It was launched by husband and wife Inger Grene and Knud Cresten Vaupell Olsen and the brand is based around two fictional sisters, Anna and Clara, who feature on the shop's logo. More Trending Anna and Clara are said to be inspired by two of Grene's aunts. The company's website explains: 'Anna is a creative aesthete, while her sister Clara is practical and organised – together, they represent all that Søstrene Grene is and has to offer. 'Polite and traditional, the sisters share their recommendations on how you can bring more creativity, joy and aesthetics into your daily life. 'The sisters feature in all written narratives about Søstrene Grene. Anna and Clara are the ones crafting and creating – and generally spreading the message about the creativity, aesthetics and joy which are at the heart of Søstrene Grene.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I visited the brand new Oxford Street IKEA before it opened — there's just one problem MORE: London's new £450,000,000 flagship Ikea store opens today MORE: Manhunt after girl, 14, dragged to the floor and kicked in head in Primark
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
‘Little Ikea' homeware store opening more UK shops - with '50 locations planned'
The Danish retailer is aiming to have 100 stores on the UK high street, with the stores opening in Harrogate, Canary Wharf and Stirling over the next few weeks The Danish home furnishings chain Søstrene Grene - which has been coined "little Ikea" because of its low prices - is continuing its high street expansion across the UK. According a report from Retail Gazette, the family-owned retailer is set to open a further 50 UK sites over the next two years, with the first of these new stores opening this summer. The retailer is aiming to have 100 stores on the UK high street, with the stores opening in Harrogate, Canary Wharf and Stirling over the next few weeks. Søstrene Grene has built a reputation - as well as a cult following - for selling affordable homeware bits and bobs in the Danish "hygge" aesthetic, which means a "special state of contentment, warmth and belonging to the present". Fans have coined the retailer "little Ikea" because of its low prices. Bits sold by the retailer include furniture such as chairs, rugs, side tables and bookshelves, stationery, hobby items, children's toys, and kitchen and garden accessories. Sign up to Mirror Money's newsletter for the latest advice and news Søstrene Grene opened its first store in the UK in 2016 and opened its Oxford Circus flagship site in March this year. This opening marked the retailer's fifth London location. Founded by the husband and wife team Inger Grene and Knud Cresten Vaupell Olsen in Denmark in 1973, Søstrene Grene currently has over 330 stores across 17 European markets. The majority of its high street stores are located in major cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, Dublin, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen. The UK openings are part of a wider growth plan for Europe, which will see 60 new store openings this year. The brand is also expecting to grow its e-commerce presence from 15 to 17 markets by the end of the year. 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.'
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.
Irish Examiner
05-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Examiner
Jennifer Sheahan: I've a tiny garden. Here's how I make the most of every millimetre
Summer has arrived, and as always, I want to make the most of every precious sunny moment. My house is over a hundred years old and comes with what estate agents might optimistically call "a compact courtyard garden". In reality, it's a tiny 2m x 2m outdoor space that I've been determined to maximise since buying the house. And I'm not alone — many of us in Ireland are dealing with balconies, patios and small gardens that challenge our creativity when it comes to outdoor living. We also need to think practically about materials that can either withstand our damp environment without growing mould, or that can be quickly brought indoors and stored easily. It doesn't mean we can't create something special — it just means we need to be a bit more creative with our approach. Define your priorities Before you spend a single euro, be crystal clear about how you want to use your space. Don't invest in a dining set if you never eat outdoors! Create a list of your actual needs and stick to it. When I planned my own tiny courtyard, I had three requirements: a large dining table for entertaining, a comfortable lounge spot for sunny days, and the ability to clear everything away quickly when needed. Many of us in Ireland are dealing with balconies, patios and small gardens that challenge our creativity. File picture Your priorities might be different — perhaps you want a cosy reading nook, a small herb garden, or a space to enjoy your morning coffee. Whatever it is, start with function before you think about form. Foldaway revolution The absolute game-changer for small outdoor spaces is furniture that folds away. In my own garden, I had a fold-down table built from leftover cedar cladding that hinges on one wall and can be completely folded flat when not in use. This was a custom solution, but there are plenty of ready-made options available now, too. The Tärnö dining set from Ikea remains a budget-friendly classic that folds away neatly, and you can easily customise it with paint to match your style. For balconies where space is especially tight, Søstrene Grene, Kave Home, and Sklum all have affordable wall-mounted folding tables built to withstand our climate — and they're stylish enough to double as a design feature even when folded up. Jennifer's garden with folding dining furniture, tiled bench seating, and vertical garden wall. Picture: Moya Nolan For something more upmarket, the Bistro collection from Fermob is utterly gorgeous and comes in a range of beautiful pastel shades that instantly elevate any space. Made from steel, these pieces are perfect for surviving our Irish climate year-round. Isimar's range of folding furniture deserves a special mention too — their powder-coated metal pieces come in vibrant colours that can transform a dull space into something special, and they're specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Vertical solutions When floor space is limited, think vertically! One of the best decisions I made in my own garden was installing a vertical garden wall. My friend Jonny Gannon (an exceptional landscaper — find him at installed my beautiful garden wall using felt pockets nailed to a plywood board, which is then screwed onto the back wall. The pockets function as plant pots, though they do dry out quicker, so they require more frequent watering. For balconies, railing planters can add greenery without sacrificing precious floor space. Hammock happiness If you love lounging in the sun but lack storage space, hammocks are a brilliant solution. I love the soporific sway of my hammock and use it regularly in summer. All you need are two sturdy hooks (I have one on each of my courtyard walls), and when not in use, hammocks fold down to practically nothing. If you love lounging in the sun but lack storage space, hammocks are a brilliant solution. File picture Just measure your space carefully before purchasing and make sure your mounting points are secure. Søstrene Grene has a gorgeous striped range in stock at the moment. Light the way The right lighting can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a magical evening retreat, plus it looks great when you're indoors too. Solar-powered options have come a long way in recent years, making them perfect for Irish balconies and patios where running electrical cables might be impractical. The right lighting can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a magical evening retreat. File picture I have solar festoon lights zigzagging my little garden and solar fairy lights entwined in the plants in my garden wall, which create an instant atmosphere. For a more subtle glow, solar-powered stake lights tucked among plants create lovely shadows and highlights. Just make sure to position your solar panel where it can catch maximum daylight. For balconies that don't get direct sunlight, look for solar lights with detachable panels that can be placed in sunnier spots. The Solar Centre offers a range of beautiful solar-powered outdoor lights that will charge during the day and automatically illuminate as evening falls. Keep bugs at bay Nothing ruins a perfect summer evening faster than being eaten alive by midges. Citronella candles remain popular for good reason — they work! I've found that positioning these strategically around the edges of your space creates a protective perimeter that most flying pests won't cross. For a natural approach, certain plants act as excellent insect repellents. Lavender, rosemary, mint, and lemongrass all help keep bugs away while adding beautiful scents and greenery to your space. Jennifer's hammock is perfect for lying out on sunny days and folds away for easy storage. Maximise every millimetre When space is truly at a premium, combining functions becomes essential. Built-in benches with storage underneath provide seating and a place to stow cushions and smaller items. I recommend having at least one built-in bench along a wall — it's by far the best use of space for fitting people around a table. We need to think practically about materials that can either withstand our damp environment without growing mould, or that can be quickly brought indoors and stored easily. File picture Materials like treated wood or outdoor-rated tiles work best here — mine is made from the same tiles used in my downstairs bathroom, creating visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Don't forget about awnings and canopies for weather protection. Retractable versions are ideal for unpredictable Irish weather and allow you to maximise your outdoor space even on cloudy days. Options range from affordable manual systems to electronic versions with integrated lighting and heating. Munster Awnings have a fantastic range — they're based in Cork but supply across Ireland.
