There are Sostrene Grene stores all over the UK (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Shopping can be a strain on our wallets these days – with furniture and homewares among some of the priciest items to purchase. Everyday items like kitchen utensils, crockery, pots, and pans often feel like a dull, and expensive, necessity. So for many, the go-to solution is to jump in the car and head to IKEA.
Everything you could ever want or need is housed under one roof; a labyrinth-like department store that somehow convinces you to load up your trolley with heaps of items you never knew you wanted – or needed. However, it can be big and overwhelming, so one Danish store which has been nicknamed ‘little IKEA’ is the place to be instead.
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Sostrene Grene is like a much more condensed version of IKEA (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Sostrene Grene, a cute homeware store that also sells arts and crafts supplies, toys, furniture and even snacks, has 21 branches all over the UK. Manchester Evening News writer James Holt decided to check out his local shop, and was very impressed.
He immediately noticed one similarity to IKEA – the store is laid out so that shoppers have a clockwise path to follow around every section.
Impressed by the atmosphere, he noted: “Delicious smells of scented candles and oils greeted me upon entering, with calming music playing in the background. It already instantly felt like it was going to be a serene shopping experience.”
Sostrene Grene first opened its doors in 2018 (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The store, which first opened its doors in 2018, is a treasure trove of tasteful gifts, trinkets, and assorted items, as well as home goods, craft materials, and furniture.
After stepping through the glass door, James was met with shelves adorned with pastel-coloured vases, ceramic pots, notebooks, and tea towels. Below these were small egg cups and Easter-themed gift boxes, all priced under £10.
The shop floor then guides you to an array of kitchen products, including chic jugs, bowls, and plates, followed by cloths, towels, placemats, and glass jars. Rows of dishes, oven trays, and various baking trays are available at just a few pounds each.
The store offers everything you could possibly need for your home kitchen.
Next, James’ personal favourite section – a wall dedicated to flavoured loose-leaf teas. DIY paper bags provide a pick-n-mix of incredible flavours at £1.78 a bag, including Twilight Glow (apple, lemongrass, and liquorice) and Forest Breeze (wild berries), along with metal tea strainers.
Sostrene Grene is also the ideal place to purchase all those small items you never know where to find – like napkin rings, nail clippers, children’s craft kits, and egg cups. It’s a convenient one-stop shop that’s perfect for small gift ideas.
The labyrinthine layout of the store leads customers to a variety of coloured wax candles, with prices starting at a mere 80p. The next section is dedicated to arts and crafts, featuring items such as paper bags, wrapping paper, cards, and an assortment of pens and pencils.
The Sostrene Grene tea selection is second to none (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The shop resembles an adult’s sweet shop, with products meticulously and attractively arranged on shelves in colour-coordinated displays next to mini chalkboards displaying handwritten prices. Large blank canvases, paint brushes, and other craft supplies fill the wooden shelves from top to bottom.
Just when you think you’ve reached the end of the surprisingly large shop, another turn reveals more shelves brimming with goods, ranging from furniture to picture frames and other small home decor items.
James said: “There are stylish chairs in various colours, priced affordably between £50 and £100, bean bags, rugs, and tables along with cushions, footstools and mirrors.
“Now, of course, there isn’t as much variety as its large department store counterparts, and it probably wouldn’t be anyone’s first stop for furniture shopping, but with a selection of colours and styles, there are affordable pieces that would suit anybody’s home.”
Even items that are typically quite expensive, such as picture frames, canvases, and mirrors, are surprisingly affordable – prices start from just £3.38 for small photo frames and go up to around £25 for a large mirror.
The store is brimming with an array of items, from cute trinket boxes, candle holders, mirrors and lamps to more unusual finds like back scratchers, egg cups, ceramic toilet brushes and rubber ice cube trays.
A colourful display of plastic flowers and plants leads customers towards a range of bathroom products, all conveniently located near the checkout area. Here, shoppers can indulge in retro sweets, snacks and chocolates while they wait in line.
Everything in Sostrene Grene is very reasonably priced (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The store also boasts regular product drops and seasonal collections, featuring contemporary interiors, hobby items, children’s toys, soft furnishings, kitchen accessories and more for occasions such as Easter and Christmas.
This shop could prove dangerous for those who enjoy a leisurely browse without a specific shopping list – you may find yourself needing help with your bags.
Much like Aldi’s middle aisle or B&M’s towering shelves, this shop seems to tell you what you need rather than the other way around.
James raved: “It’s an extremely calming and pleasant shopping experience that doesn’t burn a hole in the wallet.”
