Søstrene Grene to open store in Exeter

NooKo is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with the beloved Danish retail chain, Søstrene Grene, which will soon occupy the ground-floor retail space at Paternoster House in Exeter city centre. This collaboration marks a substantial investment in the heart of Exeter, promising to inject new vitality, prosperity, and job opportunities into the area.

Søstrene Grene, known for its unique blend of Scandinavian design, homeware, and creative essentials, has signed a multi-year lease for the prime location within Paternoster House. The agreement takes effect today, with an anticipated 8 to 10 weeks of fit-out work before the doors officially open to the public.

This partnership aligns perfectly with both companies’ values. Søstrene Grene has a well-documented appreciation for historic buildings and a commitment to establishing its presence in vibrant city centres. NooKo’s investment in Paternoster House, a building with significant historical charm, complements Søstrene Grene’s ethos, creating a truly harmonious retail environment.

NooKo, a locally founded property development company, is committed to combining craftsmanship and sustainability with social impact. With years of expertise in restoring historic buildings across central Exeter, NooKo’s ethos is centred on preserving heritage while meeting modern standards. Their approach involves renovating historic structures to create contemporary, safe, and energy-efficient spaces, as successfully demonstrated with local properties like Paternoster House and Concord House. They aim to balance the complexities of working on historical sites with modern compliance. NooKo also invests in the community by collaborating with skilled local craftspeople, providing significant employment opportunities, and partnering with local colleges to train the next generation of artisans.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Søstrene Grene to Paternoster House,” says Max Sayers, Director at NooKo.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in our vision for Exeter city centre. Søstrene Grene’s dedication to quality, design, and community aligns well with our values, and their presence will undoubtedly be a huge draw for residents and visitors. This long-term commitment will bring significant economic benefits and create new jobs, contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of the city.

"We’d also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Vicky and Damian from Stratton Creber Commercial Chartered Surveyors. Their hard work, dedication, and professionalism throughout the entire process were instrumental in bringing this exciting partnership to life. Their expertise and commitment were invaluable, and we truly appreciate their efforts.”

Søstrene Grene’s Group CEO and co-owner, Mikkel Grene says: “We are delighted to be opening a store in beautiful Exeter. The city’s historic charm fits well with our focus on offering our visitors wonderful and extraordinary experiences. Søstrene Grene has been very well-received across the UK, and we are happy to be able to offer our affordable product range of home interior, small furniture, hobby and much more to the citizens of Exeter.

The store will feature our sensory store concept ‘Retail for the Senses’, which is designed to evoke the senses and offer our customers a serene moment to explore the store and product range. We always say that visiting a Søstrene Grene should feel like taking a break from an often-hectic everyday life and we cannot wait to open the store and present this experience for visitors from near and far.”

Nicola Wheeler, CEO of InExeter, commented on the news, stating, “Søstrene Grene’s arrival is a fantastic addition to Exeter’s High Street. As Exeter’s Business Improvement District, we are committed to supporting local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of our city. We are delighted to welcome this much-loved Danish homeware brand to the South West. Its new store, set within a beautifully restored historic building, promises to be a major draw for visitors and a strong anchor in our retail offer.”

Søstrene Grene’s arrival is expected to further enhance Exeter’s retail landscape, offering a diverse range of products that will appeal to a wide customer base. Both NooKo and Søstrene Grene are deeply committed to honouring the city’s rich history while fostering a thriving future.

For more information about NooKo and their projects, please visit their news section: NooKo News

For details on Søstrene Grene, visit: Søstrene Grene UK

For more information about Exeter BID, visit: InExeter