Plans for the UK

Following continued success in Scandinavia, Clas Ohlson are now making their mark in the UK. We envisage sustained long-term growth in the UK and are planning 6-10 new store openings in 2010/2011. The whole company is preparing for this venture, indeed a considerable amount of time and effort have already been invested in preparing for the UK store openings. The preparations include developing the organisation, adapting the product range, production of catalogues, marketing materials and searching for store locations.

Clas Ohlson opened the doors to its first store in the UK in 2008. The store, located in Croydon in Southeast London holds 1.900 square metres of retail space and is staffed by 40 employees.

“Our first store in London is an important milestone in our establishment in the UK – a significant market that will create growth opportunities for many years to come. Our entry into the market means that UK consumers will gain access to our extensive and competitively priced range and friendly service in centrally located shopping centres,” says Klas Balkow, President and CEO of Clas Ohlson.

Since Croydon, Clas Ohlson has opened 6 more stores throughout the years...

  • Manchester store, opened in April 2009 in the Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester. Retail space is 2.500 square metres.
  • Reading store opened in November 2009 on Broad Street, Reading. Retail space is 1.775 square metres.
  • Watford store opened in November 2009 in the Harlequin Shopping Centre, Watford. Retail space is 1.053 square metres.
  • Kingston store opened in December 2009 on the Market Place, Kingston. Retail space is 1.943 square metres.
  • Liverpool store opened in April 2010 in the Clayton Square Shopping Centre, Liverpool. Retail space is 1.696 square metres.
  • Leeds store opened in April 2010 on the Headrow, Leeds. Retail space is 2.150 square metres.

Over a period of a few weeks, store personnel underwent the customary training in Insjon, Sweden, to learn more about the company's history, corporate culture, product knowledge and approach to customer service.

Clas Ohlson is a very honest place to work, everyone is on the same wavelength and everyone has fun doing their job! - Will 22, Full - Time Customer Advisor - Leeds

Good opportunities for development within the company, its nice to be treated like a valued team member!- - Dom 29, Part - Time Customer Advisor - Croydon (2008)

Since joining as a Part-Time Customer Advisor, I have moved on to a Full-Time role as Supervisor. It's great to feel valued and to have your hard work rewarded- Dom 31, Full-Time Supervisor - Croydon (2010)

The Managers and colleagues are very down to earth and approachable. Everyone is very helpful and tries their best when dealing with customers and various tasks in store. - Colin 24, Part - Time Customer Advisor - Kingston

It is a very friendly and enjoyable company to work for and has great plans for the future! - Tom 27, Part-time Customer Advisor

I had a great opportunity to go and do my training in Sweden. In store it is a busy environment that I love and everyday is different. - Hannah 18, Full-time Customer Advisor

 

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