Despite the collapse of Woolworths and more recently Wilko there is still life in the variety store as a new wave of lifestyle retailers hit the expansion trail.
Retail Gazette rounds up the next-generation variety retailers.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
Flying Tiger Copenhagen is a long-time firm favourite of the British high street.
The Dutch variety retailer opened its first store in Basingstoke back in 2005 under the name ‘Tiger’ and now has around 100 shops across the UK. It rebranded itself to Flying Tiger Copenhagen in 2016 as the name Tiger could not be used in all markets.
Its colourful shops are formated in a maze layout, encouraging shoppers to explore its ranges of arts and crafts, kitchenware, home decor, toys, candles, personal care, stationery, as well as food, before they reach the checkouts.
Søstrene Grene
Søstrene Grene is retailer that is quickly becoming a fan favourite as it ramps up its store expansion across the UK.
The Danish brand, which opened its first store in 2016, is currently targeting 100 stores nationwide by 2030 as it looks to build on its 20 plus estate.
Its stores are a labyrinth of aisles filled with brightly coloured products across homewares, furniture, crafts, stationery, kitchenwares and children’s toys sat against a dark neutral background.
Dotted around the shops are little stories about Anna and Clara, two fictional personalities that the brand is evolved around.
Søstrene Grene has surged in popularity on social media in recent months thanks to its affordable prices and a treasure trove of its stores.
The Scandi retailer opened its largest and most interactive store on Tottenham Court Road last December, inviting consumers to engage with fun shop displays.
Miniso
Cult Chinese retailer Miniso is currently embarking on an ambitious bricks-and-mortar expansion across the UK.
The retailer, which has over 5,800 stores in more than 100 countries, now has nine stores in the UK in locations including Oxford Street, Manchester’s Trafford Centre, Newcastle’s Eldon Square and Bluewater in Kent.
Miniso’s pink stores are stocked high with plushies, homewares, kitchen accessories, electronics, makeup and fragrances collections, as well as snacks and drinks.
It also opened its first travel store, Miniso-Go, in London’s Paddington station last month, which as well as its signature offer, also caters for travellers and commuters with products such as travel neck pillows, travel mugs, as well as its Sanrio, Disney and Minions themed products.
Kenji
Kenji is another lifestyle retailer that is hitting the expansion trail.
The brand which infuses Asian culture with a British twist, hired ex-Clintons CEO Eddie Shepherd as its managing director, and former Jack Wills chief executive Suzanne Harlow as chair of its newly established board.
The 10 store retailer, which also sells via HMV’s stores nationwide, is eyeing at least 10 new shops over the next 12 months.
Shepherd tells Retail Gazette: “The business has benefited in the last 10 years from being one of the only people in that category and sector.
“However, there are other brands now biting into that a little bit with Miniso and Søstrene Grene expanding. We’re in a market that is competitive so it’s emboldened us to be as innovative and front of house as we can.”
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