Wealth of retail opportunities
- Positive annual growth
- Solid rises in disposable income
- Appetite for new concepts
- Good supply of retail space
Stable and growing economy
The Swedish retail market has enjoyed positive annual growth for more than a decade, fuelled by steady population growth and rising disposable incomes. Total retail sales account for one third of total private consumption. Retail sales growth has been particularly strong in out of town shopping centers, and many such facilities are being upgraded, enlarged or under construction. Crossborder shopping along the national borders with Norway and Finland is booming.
Demand and acceptance for new retail concepts
Trend-sensitive consumers have made Sweden a popular test market for global brands. Swedes travel extensively and are familiar with international store concepts. Sweden is also well suited to be a pilot market for other countries in Northern Europe, including Russia. Real estate owners, shopping center developers and consumers alike welcome new retail concepts.
Some 120 foreign retail chains are already present, the majority from neighboring Denmark and Norway, as well as Germany and the UK. Concepts include both large-store formats and flagship stores. More than 30 percent of the foreign retailers have at least 20 outlets in Sweden.