Søstrene Grene to open in York
Helmsley Group has secured a deal with the Danish homewares retailer at the Coach House development, after bar group The Alchemist pulled out over a licensing wrangle.
Søstrene Grene, which last week opened its first Yorkshire location in Sheffield’s Cambridge Street, is expanding quickly in the UK and beyond – the 1973-founded group has a pipeline of openings planned that should take it to more than 270 stores across Europe by the autumn.
The retailer will take almost 5,000 sq ft of open-plan floor space at The Coach House, located at the corner of Nessgate and Low Ousegate.
Helmsley had been heading towards a deal with The Alchemist in late 2022, but the well known operator pulled out due to conditions placed on it by City of York Council’s licensing committee, which had pushed the group towards food-only custom.
The developer said that the new deal will also be another positive boost to an area of York being supported by its vision to regenerate neighbouring Coney Street through its Coney Street Riverside masterplan.
Other operators attracted to the area recently include Rosa’s Thai.
Tom Riddolls, development surveyor at Helmsley Group, said: “We’re proud to be bringing such an exciting and growing brand to York for the first time.
“The Coach House’s offer is perfect for a modern retailer of this type and, with its location in a high footfall area, we are extremely confident that Søstrene Grene will quickly establish itself as one of York’s most popular names.
“This is another positive addition to Coney Street and its neighbouring areas and complements our exciting vision to revitalise this part of the city centre, including opening up the riverfront for the enjoyment of all.”
Chief executive and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, Mikkel Grene, said: “We are delighted to be opening our newest store in York, which is a perfect fit for Søstrene Grene.
“We have been wanting to trade in York for a while and we wish to contribute with a completely new shopping experience for the local customers and add some traditional Danish ‘hygge’ to their lives.”
Pudney Shuttleworth and Reesdenton are joint agents at The Coach House.
