A resurgence in the high street variety retail market is led by innovative brands transforming shopping experiences.
- Flying Tiger Copenhagen, a staple since 2005, continues to invite shoppers into its colourful and exploratory store layouts.
- Søstrene Grene is expanding rapidly, aiming for 100 UK stores by 2030, becoming a social media darling for its engaging shopper experiences.
- Miniso is bringing its global influence to the UK, opening stores that captivate with themed products and convenience-focused offerings.
- Kenji, blending Asian flair with British culture, is redefining its market presence with ambitious store openings and strategic leadership.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen remains a favourite on the British high street since its inception in Basingstoke in 2005. The brand, originally named ‘Tiger’, rebranded to Flying Tiger Copenhagen in 2016 to accommodate international markets. Its stores are renowned for their unique maze-like layout that encourages exploration. Shoppers can find a wide variety of arts and crafts, kitchenware, home decor, toys, and much more, making each visit a vibrant experience.
Søstrene Grene, a Danish retailer, is quickly making a name for itself in the UK. Since opening its first store in 2016, it now targets a network of 100 stores nationwide by 2030 from an existing base of over 20. Known for its aisles filled with bright products against a subtle backdrop, the store offers everything from homewares to toys. Their stores include engaging stories of Anna and Clara – fictional characters that enhance the shopping journey. This approach has significantly boosted the brand’s popularity on social media, further drawing in customers seeking affordable and intriguing finds.
The Chinese retailer Miniso is expanding its bricks-and-mortar presence in the UK, with nine locations in major cities like London and Manchester. Miniso stores are a sensory delight, offering plushies, electronics, makeup, and themed products from popular franchises. Last month, the brand ventured into travel retail by opening Miniso-Go in Paddington Station, offering travel essentials alongside its renowned collections.
Kenji is carving out a unique niche in lifestyle retail by integrating Asian cultural elements with a British twist. Under the leadership of Eddie Shepherd and Suzanne Harlow, the brand is set on expanding its footprint with at least ten new stores planned within the next year. Kenji differentiates itself in a competitive market by remaining innovative and engaging through its product offerings, notably in plushies and stationery.
The dynamism of these emerging retailers underscores the lasting vitality of variety stores.
