Despite challenges faced by legacy retailers, emerging lifestyle variety stores show resilience and innovation.
- Flying Tiger Copenhagen captivates UK shoppers with colorful, maze-like outlets offering diverse household items.
- Søstrene Grene expands rapidly, providing vibrant, affordable products garnished with engaging brand stories.
- Miniso embarks on UK expansion, featuring plush, practical products and thematic collaborations.
- Kenji blends Asian influences with a British perspective, aiming for growth amid increasing competition.
Despite the decline of traditional retailers, a new generation of lifestyle stores is emerging with innovative strategies and fresh appeal. Flying Tiger Copenhagen, a standout on the British high street since 2005, now operates around 100 stores across the UK. It offers a unique shopping experience with a maze-like layout that encourages exploration of a wide range of products from arts and crafts to kitchenware and toys.
Søstrene Grene, a Danish retailer making waves, aims to grow its UK presence to 100 stores by 2030. Launched in 2016, its stores are a sensory delight, filled with brightly colored homewares and crafts set against a dark, neutral backdrop. The brand’s creative storytelling and affordable pricing have earned it significant social media traction and customer loyalty.
The Chinese brand Miniso is pursuing an ambitious expansion in the UK with nine current locations, including high-profile spots like Oxford Street and the Trafford Centre. Its stores are renowned for an eclectic mix ranging from plush toys to electronics, along with travel conveniences, drawing in a diverse clientele.
Kenji is embracing expansion through the fusion of Asian cultural elements with British influences. Under new leadership, the retailer aspires to double its store count in the coming year. With growing competition from brands like Miniso and Søstrene Grene, Kenji is committed to staying inventive and customer-focused. Retail leaders express optimism and determination: “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.”
These next-generation variety retailers demonstrate a dynamic shift in retail, combining creativity with customer engagement to forge new market paths.
