Danish retailer to meet with landlords
A Danish homewares store has said it is “very difficult” to open new stores in Ireland as it plans to open one in Youghal in the next few months.
JYSK, pronounced yusk, is calling on Irish landlords to get in touch about available retail properties across Ireland to meet its rapid expansion plans.
Earlier this year, JYSK announced plans to open 15 Irish stores within two years, but it now has its sights set even higher. JYSK is now aiming to open 40 stores over the next three to five years, with a forecasted turnover of €70 million, creating hundreds of new jobs.
However, Poul Erik Larsen, Expansion Director at JYSK, has highlighted a number of issues that could hinder the company’s growth here, saying: “It has been very difficult, time consuming, and expensive to open new stores in Ireland. We have noted that in other parts of Europe we can issue and sign a lease contract within two-four weeks, whereas in Ireland, this is taking up to 16 weeks in some cases. To achieve the volume of stores we want in the Irish market within two-three years, we need to secure a steady flow of new locations and that is something we’re actively pursuing right now.”
A spokesperson for JYSK also confirmed to the Cork Independent: “The first Cork store will be in Youghal and they plan to open pre-Christmas, aiming for November. Long-term, they believe there is scope for more than one store in Cork if they find can the right properties.”
Roni Tuominen, Head of Retail at JYSK Ireland, said: “The appetite for JYSK’s offering is there amongst Irish consumers, and we have seen this in our revision of forecasted figures for 2019, which have been increased by almost 50 per cent. Unlike some other large retail brands, we want new JYSK locations in towns and cities all over Ireland, so we can contribute to the local economy, especially in smaller communities where our job creation will be extremely valuable.”
Founded in Denmark in 1979 by Lars Larsen, JYSK’s Scandinavian design ethic and stylish approach to interiors has made the brand known and loved across the world. Over the past four decades, JYSK has expanded to 52 countries, with more than 2,800 stores worldwide employing 23,000 people.
The interiors range at JYSK includes of-the-moment trends, and Nordic design pieces such as end tables and dining tables in wild oak. JYSK also enjoys a reputation for expertise and knowledge in sleeping culture, and offers everything from mattresses to frames and bases.
The brand will host a meet and greet with potential landlords in the Red Cow Moran Hotel, 22 Naas Road, Dublin 22, on Monday 16 September, from 9am. Landlords from across the country are invited to come along, meet with the JYSK team and present their available properties on the day. Register to attend by contacting Jenny Johnston at jjoh@jysk.com.