First Fjӓllrӓven store in Manchester opens

Country wear clothing retailer The Sporting Lodge has co-launched the UK’s first Fjӓllrӓven store in Manchester with support from a funding package from HSBC.

The Cheshire-based business, in partnership with Fjӓllrӓven, opened its new Old Bank Street store.

The new store gives consumers the opportunity to step inside a fully-branded shop where an extensive product range will be presented within a Scandinavian-manufactured wooden, internal layout.

The store will create up to eight new jobs in the next 12 months and is the UK’s first and only fully-branded Fjӓllrӓven store, says The Sporting Lodge.

The Scandinavian brand has become an industry leader in bridging the gap between outdoor products and high-street fashion, with the now iconic Kånken backpack widely recognised as a contemporary classic.

Cheshire-based The Sporting Lodge bring years of valuable retail experience to the venture, currently operating as one of the UK’s largest country wear retailers of clothing and accessories. The company, established in 1952, has adapted over the years to remain a prominent figure in retail.

Tim Gardiner, director of The Sporting Lodge, said: “To bring an internationally growing brand like Fjӓllrӓven to the UK is a huge privilege for us at The Sporting Lodge. We’ve had the privilege of working with the company for a number of years now and are incredibly excited about what opportunities a central Manchester store can bring to our business partnership.”

Darren Martin, HSBC’s relationship director for Greater Manchester, said: “With the help of our funding package, we’re proud to support The Sporting Lodge in bringing Fjӓllrӓven to the high street.

“The Swedish brand has increasingly become synonymous with quality and cutting-edge design in the world of outdoor retail.

“Matched with the experience of The Sporting Lodge, we believe that the new store and its unique Scandinavian products will be a great success.”