A major Nordic bed retailer is set to close all its stores in Sweden along with its Danish online bed business as a result of sustained market difficulties and intense competition.
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The Seng chain, part of the Lars Larsen Group, announced it will gradually shut its 19 Swedish stores by the end of August 2025 and also close its Danish online subsidiary, Sengetid.dk. The decision follows years of attempts to build a profitable business in a market hit by high inflation, low consumer confidence, and currency challenges.
Hanne Bang Vorre, CEO of Seng and Sengetid.dk, explained that the Swedish retail environment has been particularly hard hit, with fierce competition from numerous online players emerging especially after the pandemic. Despite some growth following rebranding efforts, the business did not achieve a sustainable foundation for profitability.
However, Danish Seng stores will continue to operate as before. Vorre noted the company will leverage valuable experience gained from the Swedish and Danish online operations to enhance their Danish business, where market understanding and stability remain strong.
Approximately 90 employees, mostly store staff in Sweden, will be affected by the closures. The company is reportedly in close dialogue with Swedish trade unions to assist those impacted with the transition.
This development underscores the ongoing challenges Nordic retailers face amid economic volatility and evolving consumer behaviours, particularly in the home furnishing sector.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk