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JYSK is a Danish retail chain specializing in affordable home furnishings, bedding, and household goods. Founded in 1979 by Lars Larsen in Aarhus, Denmark, JYSK has grown from a single store into a global brand with over 3,300 locations across 48 countries. Known for its Scandinavian design and budget-friendly prices, JYSK continues to expand, offering a wide range of furniture and home essentials in their stores.
History[]
JYSK was founded on April 2, 1979, by Lars Larsen in Aarhus, Denmark. Larsen opened the first store under the name "Jysk Sengetøjslager," meaning "Jutlandic Bedding Warehouse," reflecting its origins in the Jutland region of Denmark. The store primarily sold bedding, mattresses, and home furnishings at affordable prices.
The business quickly became successful, and within a few years, Larsen expanded across Denmark, opening more stores. By 1984, JYSK had expanded internationally with its first store in Germany.
During the 1990s, JYSK continued expanding into new markets across Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the Baltic countries. The company adopted a franchise model to facilitate rapid growth, allowing local business owners to operate JYSK stores under its brand. In 1996, JYSK opened its first location in Canada.
By the 2000s, JYSK had a strong presence in over 20 countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, and the Netherlands. The company also shortened its name from Jysk Sengetøjslager to simply JYSK in 2001 to create a more international identity.
JYSK expanded beyond Europe into Asia and North America, opening stores in Vietnam, UAE, Thailand, and more. By 2019, the company celebrated its 40th anniversary with over 2,800 stores in more than 50 countries.
JYSK store in Canada
In 2021, JYSK merged its Scandinavian and European divisions into a single global organization, unifying its branding and operations worldwide. The company continued opening new stores and investing in e-commerce.
Lars Larsen, the founder, remained heavily involved in the company until he died in 2019, but his vision for affordable home furnishings continues through JYSK’s ongoing expansion.
Today, JYSK operates over 3,300 stores in 48 countries and employs more than 28,000 people. It remains one of Europe’s largest home retail chains, specializing in furniture, home decor, bedding, and household goods at competitive prices.
Other Facts[]
The word "JYSK" refers to Jutland, the region in Denmark where the company was founded. In Danish culture, being "JYSK" is associated with being down-to-earth, practical, and honest—values reflected in the company’s approach to business.
JYSK distribution centre in Spain.
To efficiently supply its thousands of stores, JYSK operates large automated distribution centers in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and other countries. These centers ensure quick delivery and restocking.
JYSK tries to use sustainable practices, including using FSC-certified wood for its furniture and reducing plastic waste in packaging.
Even after the passing of its founder, JYSK remains part of the Lars Larsen Group, which is still controlled by Larsen’s family. This means that JYSK continues to be a family-owned business.[1]
Store Design[]
JYSK stores are designed with a practical and efficient layout, combining a warehouse-style format with elements of a showroom experience. Most stores range between 950 to 1,400 square meters (10,000–15,000 sq ft), though larger flagship locations can exceed 2,000 square meters (21,500+ sq ft). In smaller towns, JYSK operates compact stores that focus on best-selling products. The layout is structured to make shopping easy, with wide aisles and high shelves that maximize storage space. Products are neatly arranged into sections for bedding, furniture, home decor, and outdoor items, ensuring customers can quickly find what they need.
A modern "JYSK 3.0" in Kyiv, Ukraine.
In recent years, JYSK has introduced a new store design concept called "JYSK 3.0", which enhances the shopping experience with better lighting, wider aisles, and showroom-style displays that showcase furniture in realistic home settings.[2] This updated design also includes digital kiosks for online orders and an improved customer service area. JYSK stores are commonly found in retail parks, shopping centers, and standalone buildings, often featuring large parking areas for customer convenience. With its clean, modern Scandinavian aesthetic, JYSK creates a welcoming atmosphere while maintaining the efficiency of a self-service warehouse model.