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. 

Søstrene Grene sells a range of furniture for staggeringly low prices The chain is already a major success in EuropeAlamy

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.