Swedish chain selects region for second UK store

SWEDISH retailer Clas Ohlson defied the retail gloom today as it revealed plans to open its second UK store in the North West.

The company, which made its debut on these shores in Croydon last month, will open its doors in Manchester’s Arndale Centre in April, creating around 60 jobs.

Ohlson, which is on an aggressive expansion drive opening more than 20 stores this financial year,has taken 2,500 sq metres of space in the Arndale, which attracts more than 39 million visitors a year.

Clas Ohlson which sells homewares, is listed on the Swedish stock market and has stores in its homeland and in Norway and Finland too.

The business was founded in 1918 as a mail order company selling technical handbooks and tools.Its product range now includes items as diverse as kettles, computer memory sticks, wrist watches and drills.

The news of the store opening came as it was reported that Whittards of Chelsea, the kitchenwares, tea and coffee chain is on the brink of administration.

Whittards, which is backed  by Landsbanki, the collapsed Icelandic bank, will follow the likes of Woolworths, Roseby and MFI into administration.