In a first for Northern Ireland, a Scandinavian homeware and interior furnishings retailer is moving into Belfast city centre.
Søstrene Grene, originating in Denmark, already has 120 stores worldwide, with three in the Republic of Ireland and one in Nottingham.
It is targeting expansion of 100 new stores across the next two years globally.
The retailer specialises in home accessories, kitchenware, gifts, stationary and interior furnishings. Variety is the selling point of the brand, with new and different products becoming available regularly.
The chain's 4,512 sq ft Belfast store will be located on Anne Street and is run by joint venture partners Richard and Norma Power.
Richard said: “This will be the first of six stores planned across Northern Ireland, with the retail market here already strong and continuing to grow. #
"We feel there is a gap in the Northern Ireland market for the kind of offering that Søstrene Grene provides and in that, a unique opportunity to push a brand that has already seen great success on a global scale.
“Søstrene Grene has proven itself as a very popular and universal brand and we couldn’t be happier to be running a joint venture with the parent company. The shopping experience in each store is very important to the brand and the way it is perceived and it is unlike anything else in Belfast.”
Luke McClelland of letting agents CBRE said: “To attract a well-established, international brand like Søstrene Grene is further good news for Belfast and Northern Ireland. The sector has already seen strong results this year in the city centre with Stradivarius, The Entertainer and Pandora all opening stores recently.
“We have been seeing a lot of activity since Brexit from locations such as The Quays Newry and the Outlet Banbridge due to an increase in cross-border shoppers, but it is important for Belfast city centre to attract new retailers like Søstrene Grene that keep the offering fresh.”
Mikkel Grene, chief executive and co-owner of Søstrene Grene added: “We are grateful for the interest. We hope the first store in Belfast brings creativity and joy to customers in all of Northern Ireland.”
Mark Thallon of TDK Property Consultants acted on behalf of the landlord.
