Danish homewares store agrees move to city centre location
Retailer Søstrene Grene is to open its first York store at Helmsley Group’s Coach House development.
The property investment and development specialist has agreed a letting to the family-owned Danish homewares business at the building, which is on the corner of Nessgate and Low Ousegate.
Søstrene Grene is expanding quickly in the UK, offering contemporary interiors, hobby items, children’s toys and soft furnishings.
Founded in 1973, and with a further pipeline of openings planned, the business is due to have more than 270 stores across Europe by the autumn.
The retailer, which will take almost 5,000 sq ft of floor space at The Coach House, recently opened a store in Sheffield, with other branches in cities including Manchester, Chester, Derby and London.
Søstrene Grene’s arrival will support Helmsley’s vision to regenerate neighbouring Coney Street through its Coney Street Riverside masterplan.
Tom Riddolls, development surveyor at Helmsley Group, said: “We’re proud to be bringing such an exciting and growing brand to York for the first time.
“The Coach House’s offer is perfect for a modern retailer of this type and, with its location in a high footfall area, we are extremely confident that Søstrene Grene will quickly establish itself as one of York’s most popular names.
“This is another positive addition to Coney Street and its neighbouring areas and complements our exciting vision to revitalise this part of the city centre, including opening up the riverfront for the enjoyment of all.”
Chief executive and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, Mikkel Grene, said: “We are happy to be opening our newest store in York, which is a perfect fit for us.
“We have been wanting to trade in York for a while and we wish to contribute with a completely new shopping experience for the local customers and add some traditional Danish ‘hygge’ to their lives.”
Jonathan Cooper, UK joint venture partner at Søstrene Grene, added: “We’re so excited to be opening our first store in York.
“The Coach House is the perfect location for our brand to introduce its affordable price points, aesthetic designs and unique shopping experience to the people of York.”
Pudney Shuttleworth and Reesdenton are joint agents at The Coach House.
