talking shop


‘It’s all about remaining relevant’ B


ahne is a family company founded in 1965 which operates 20 stores across Denmark.


The business is focused not only on offering


products but also on creating an experience for shoppers.


Owner Jacob Sorensen explains: “My father visited many stores in the country, and saw an opportunity to do something different. The idea was to present more gift and decoration articles and less hardware, while also adopting the motto: ‘Take a walk in Bahne.’ He wanted to encourage customers to browse and experience the store. Back in those days, this was an entirely new, innovative concept, because in most stores, customers were expected to go to the counter, ask for something specific, and buy it.” Fast forward 54 years, and Bahne has a new mission statement of ‘Let us pamper you’. Regular events include skincare-focused evenings run by a famous TV host, and ‘girls’ nights’ with special offers and treats. However, the retailer still aims to focus on


offering ‘an exceptional experience rather than simply selling a range of exceptional products’. And part of that experience is the creation of an environment where the décor and architecture


July/August 2019


have a wow factor. Take Bahne’s latest store, which opened last year in Copenhagen. Measuring 1,300sq m with an 18 metre high ceiling, it features a 130sq m wall painting by Danish artist Rene Holm. Bahne also embraces technology with a


centrally located internet browsing and online purchase and click + collect facility. “When the basics of running a retail operation are all in order (especially having a good presence on mobile devices, as everyone uses them now), it’s all about being on top of the website 365 days a year, 24 hours a day,” says Jacob. “And just like in the physical store, it’s essential that we show the right products at the right time, at the right price. “Retail is a tough business, and you must make sure that you have something different to offer when you create a concept.” He concludes. “We don’t


believe in ‘correct demographics’. We believe in being something special for a number of people,


• HousewaresLive.net • twitter.com/Housewaresnews housewareslive.net | 41 • www.bahne.dk


Bahne of Denmark aims to provide exceptional products – and exceptional experiences


while acknowledging that we cannot be something special for everyone. It’s all about remaining relevant.”


• The judges said: “Bahne is a company with a high image and a strong reputation of uniqueness. The store offers new exciting experiences around each corner and is made with the heart, not a spreadsheet!”


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