Clas Ohlson to close UK stores
Swedish homewares retailer Clas Ohlson is to close its UK stores as part of plans to take a “new direction” for its operations outside of the Nordics region.
After entering the UK ten years ago, the retailer said the UK business has continued to incur significant losses despite measures taken in recent years to optimise the store network.
In addition, the retailer said four pilot stores in Germany had not performed to plan, so the company has taken the decision to also close its German stores as it looks to focus on online shopping in both countries.
Clas Ohlson said:” This direction will allow us to develop a scalable business model for the UK and Germany initially, and then later in other markets.”
The closures in the UK and Germany will affect 150 employees. According to its website, Clas Ohlson operates UK stores in Manchester, Liverpool, St Albans, Ealing, Kingston-upon-Thames and Reading.
