#scandispotlight Søstrene Grene
Join Nicola Capper as she chats with Mikkel Grene, CEO and co-owner of Scandi high street favourite, Søstrene Grene
Almost 50 years since Mikkel Grene’s parents opened their first store in Aarhus, Søstrene Grene has become a household name, not just in Denmark but across Europe. Now with more than 250 stores, including ten here in the UK, we wanted to find out more about this much-loved Scandi retailer (so we sent our Scandi-brand fan Nicola to find out more from Mikkel (below left with his brother Cresten Grene)…
Can you start by telling us about the history of Søstrene Grene?
It was back in 1973 that my mother and father set out to create a store experience like no other, a place where creative and inquisitive minds could feel right at home. Travelling the world, they carefully selected products based on aesthetics, quality and reasonable prices, and it is these same values that are still at the heart of everything we do today.
What do you think makes Søstrene Grene different to other stores?
It has to be our hosts Anna and Clara, two fictional sisters initiated by my father. Polite and traditional, they regularly share their recommendations on how to bring more joy into your daily life. Anna is creative and inquisitive; Clara is practical and organised, and together they represent all that Søstrene Grene is and has to offer.
What unique experience are you looking to give to your customers?
With their atmospheric lighting, classical music and woody smell, all Søstrene Grene stores are designed to appeal to the senses, providing a unique shopping experience whenever you visit.
What for you makes a Søstrene Grene product?
With an ever-growing assortment of homewares and furniture, hobby and party items, as well as kitchen supplies, children’s toys and specialty foods, our products never cost more than they have to. With new items arriving weekly, there is always something great to discover.
What’s next for Søstrene Grene?
In the coming years, my brother and our Creative Director, Cresten Grene, and I will continue to invest in our stores, our shopping experience and our green agenda. We have been warmly welcomed by customers in the UK and look forward to expanding Anna and Clara’s wonderful, aesthetic world to even more people.
Tre finds Nicola loves
Velvet chair, £39, sostrenegrene.com
“Wonderful as a dining table chair or as an eye-catching element in a living room or bedroom,” says Nicola.
Wool blanket, £33, sostrenegrene.com
“Get yourself in the hygge mood with this wonderfully soft wintry blanket,” says Nicola.
Stoneware cup, £3, sostrenegrene.com
“Perfect for everyday use as well as impressing guests when they come over,” says Nicola.