Shopping and retail options in Sweden: Major supermarkets: ICA, Coop, Lidl. IKEA for affordable home furnishings. Systembolaget: government-run alcohol retailer. Swedish design brands: H&M, Acne Studios. Popular malls: Mall of Scandinavia, Nordstan. Local markets: Ostermalm Saluhall, Hotorgshallen. Online shopping: Klarna payment popular. Second-hand shops: Myrorna, Beyond Retro. Seasonal sales: Rea events post-Christmas, midsummer. Tax-free shopping for non-EU residents.
Major supermarkets: ICA, Coop, Lidl.
In Sweden, major supermarkets include ICA, the leading grocery retailer with approximately 1,300 stores and a 33% market share, offering a wide range of products through various store formats like ICA Nara, ICA Supermarket, and MAXI ICA Stormarknad. Coop is another significant player, focusing on ecological and healthy products with around 800 stores, while Lidl, a German discount retailer, has entered the market with its own-label products and competitive pricing, although it initially faced challenges in sourcing Swedish milk products.
IKEA for affordable home furnishings.
In Sweden, Ikea provides a diverse selection of affordable home furnishings, creating a unique shopping experience that highlights low prices alongside a wide range of products. Shoppers can enjoy a convenient shopping environment whether they choose to visit the store in person or browse the extensive offerings online. Discover more about their innovative approach on the IKEA website, where affordable and stylish design go hand in hand.
Systembolaget: government-run alcohol retailer.
Systembolaget is a Government-Owned Chain of liquor stores in Sweden, holding a monopoly on the retail sale of alcoholic beverages above 3.5% ABV. It operates over 450 stores and an online shop, strictly regulating sales to enforce age limits, limit marketing, and reduce alcohol-related issues, with a focus on public health rather than profit maximization. For more details about its operations and mission, you can visit the Systembolaget Wikipedia page.
Swedish design brands: H&M, Acne Studios.
H&M and Acne Studios are prominent Swedish fashion brands. H&M, founded in 1947, is known for its wide selection of affordable and trendy clothing, with a strong presence in Stockholm and a commitment to sustainability through collections like H&M Conscious. Acne Studios, originating as a creative collective in Stockholm, is renowned for its contemporary Scandinavian style, combining minimalism with avant-garde elements, and offers luxury clothing, footwear, and accessories.
Popular malls: Mall of Scandinavia, Nordstan.
Westfield Mall of Scandinavia, located in Solna, Stockholm, stands as the fourth largest mall in the Nordic countries, hosting 224 stores and restaurants, alongside a 15-screen multiplex that includes an IMAX theatre. As an integral part of the Arenastaden project, this mall provides a substantial retail and entertainment experience. Meanwhile, Nordstan in Gothenburg emerges as another of Sweden's largest shopping malls, featuring over 200 stores and an assortment of dining options within a modern and welcoming atmosphere. It's a favored destination for both locals and tourists, offering a spectrum of brands from high-street fashion to unique local boutiques, ensuring a comfortable and diverse shopping environment.
Local markets: Östermalm Saluhall, Hötorgshallen.
Ostermalm Saluhall, a historic market hall in Stockholm, offers a variety of delicatessen, restaurants, and vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood. Known for its upscale atmosphere and high-quality products, it stands as a must-visit destination in the city. While Ostermalm Saluhall showcases its charm and exclusivity, Hotorgshallen, another major market hall, is larger and includes a liquor store and an outdoor fruit market, providing a more diverse shopping experience with both indoor and outdoor options.
Online shopping: Klarna payment popular.
Klarna is a widely used payment service in Sweden for online shopping, offering options such as "Pay over time" which allows customers to split purchases into three interest-free payments, and "Pay in 30 days" which enables customers to pay for their purchase up to 30 days later without interest or fees. To learn more about how this payment option works, you can visit their FAQ page. Klarna provides flexible solutions that cater to the diverse needs of online shoppers, ensuring convenience and ease of payment.
Second-hand shops: Myrorna, Beyond Retro.
Myrorna and Beyond Retro are prominent players in Sweden's second-hand shopping scene. Myrorna, dating back to 1896 and run by The Salvation Army, offers a wide range of preloved items, including clothing, accessories, and homeware. Beyond Retro, known for its vibrant mix of vintage clothing, has multiple stores in larger cities like Stockholm, Malmo, and Gothenburg, selling items from every era of the 20th century, with a focus on sustainability by sourcing from charities and recycling companies.
Seasonal sales: Rea events post-Christmas, midsummer.
In Sweden, winter sales ("Mellandagsrea") typically start on December 25th and continue until the end of January. Summer sales usually begin the week before Midsummer (around late June) and last until the first half of July, though exact dates can vary by sector and region.
Tax-free shopping for non-EU residents.
Tax-free shopping in Sweden is available to non-EU residents, including tourists, who can claim a refund on the 25% VAT paid on eligible goods. To qualify, shoppers must spend a minimum amount, obtain a Tax-Free Shopping Cheque, and have it validated by customs before leaving the EU. Refunds are available through companies like Global Blue and Premier Tax Free. For more detailed information, refer to the VAT Refund Calculator that outlines the process and requirements for claiming these refunds effectively.