Danish homewares retailer hopes to revive Britain's high streets

The family-owned homewares-to-crafting retailer Søstrene Grene is joining a number of Nordic retail invaders hoping to revive the British high street, jumping into retail space emptied by the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

- Sarah Butler

The Danish retailer, which has 47 of its market-like shops in the UK and is targeting 100 by 2027, will neighbour the bigger Nordic homewares retailer Ikea in central London, with a spot opening yesterday just yards from Ikea's new Oxford Street store, which is due to open in May.

Ikea and Søstrene Grene's arrival in central locations could help to rebuild trade on some of the UK's premier high streets and beyond. The Swedish retailer has already stated its intention to open more city-centre stores, after opening one in Hammersmith, west London, in 2022 and buying a Brighton shopping mall where it plans to open later this year. Flying Tiger Copenhagen came to the UK in 2005 and now has more than 100 stores across the country.

Søstrene Grene is owned and run by two brothers, Mikkel and Cresten Grene, whose parents set up the business in Aarhus in 1973. It is named after their mother's aunts - Anna and Clara - who still inspire some of the displays and products.