Reports emerged over the weekend that one of Sweden’s foremost retailers is mulling an expansion in the UK. Clas Ohlson, the third biggest retailer in Sweden, is keen on establishing around 200 stores in Britain, a move that will create an impressive 7000 jobs. Clas Ohlson comes third to Ikea and H&M, Swedish clothing chain in Sweden.

However, Clas Ohlson boasts 115 outlets in Sweden, Norway and Finland and sells hardware, electrical products, and kitchen and bathroom products. Clas Ohlson plans to establish another store, the eighth in the UK, sometime later this year and another nine more will be opened as well. Clas Ohlson reiterated that the other nine stores will be set up in the firm’s current financial calendar.

According to the firm, the UK stores will pick up pace once the planned expansion of its stores in Scandinavia hits 150. From thence, the firm plans to shift its focus to the UK and will accelerate the number of its new stores to the 200, said the firm. Klas Balkow, Clas Ohlson’s chief executive officer reiterated that the firm sees a future when it will have 200 or more stores in the UK. According to him, the firm’s experience in the Nordic nations is testament that its model of business growth and expansion is successful.

In that regard, the company will be keen on repeating its model of business in the UK, noting the fact that the UK as well has the same need for consumers to solve many of the small practical problems they face, he said. The UK is currently experiencing a gap in its market and Clas Ohlson is keen on taking advantage of the opportunity, said Klas.

Clas Ohlson AB is a Swedish chain store that sells, amongst other things, hardware, electrical, multimedia, and home and leisure products. It is the largest hardware chain in Scandinavia. Clas Ohlson’s expansion has been rapid ever since it’s founding close to a century ago. There are now stores throughout Sweden, as well as in Norway and Finland.

In 2008, the company opened its first store in the United Kingdom, in Croydon, south London. There are now stores at the Arndale Centre in Manchester, on The Headrow in Leeds and at The Harlequin in Watford, and in Kingston upon Thames, Reading, and Clayton Square Shopping Centre in Liverpool. The total number of Clas Ohlson stores is 121 as of July 2010.

30 Aug 2010