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Is There a Chill in the Air? The Scandinavians are Invading Retail

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Image via Paulandwilliams/Flickr

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Last year's big retail invasion came by way of the French, but now it seems that the Scandinavians could be usurping the island (of Manhattan). While the Nords have been on our radar for awhile, the news of two designers opening boutiques this month really tipped the scale. Gudrun Sjoden, of Sweden, opened on Greene Street last week while Han Kjobenhav, of Denmark, opens tomorrow on Prince Street.

These newcomers join Acne, who arrived in 2008, and five other Northerners for what we're calling the Scandinavian Invasion. We've mapped them all after the jump.


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Georg Jensen Boutique

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This Danish lifestyle brand opened their luxurious shop during the downturn of 2008. The UES-ers must be eating up the jewelry, watches, and home goods on offer because they survived the hard times are still slinging their sleek wares.

Marimekko Flagship Store

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Founded in Helsinki in 1951, Marimekko has become practically synonymous with mid-century prints. Universally appealing patterns appear on clothing, home furnishings, and by the yard at the Flatiron flagship, which opened in 2011.

Fjällräven

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The backpacks you can spot on just about every hip undergrad citywide have a mothership and it's on Mott Street. The endlessly mispronounced brand name actually translates to "arctic fox," and as such the store offers up outdoorsy gear like utilitarian jackets and tents. Open since 2009, think of this as your stylish REI.

Ivana Helsinki Concept Store

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Highly graphic and boldly patterened dresses and coats are your best bet at this Finnish designer's shop. Open since early 2012, silhouettes somehow balance girliness—plenty of Peter Pan collars—with a goth-y Northern coolness.

Han Kjøbenhavn

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Rooted in Copenhagen, this menswear brand works classic, utilitarian styles with a smattering of offbeat details and prints. They also do optical and sunglasses, which Madewell has been stocking for the ladies. The store opens March 2013.

Henrik Vibskov

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This Central St. Martin's trained Dane opened his Soho store in April 2011. Shop here for playful color and pattern in smartly-designed apparel for men and women as well as quirky, cute accessories.

Gudrun Sjoden

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The Swedish designer landed in New York in March 2013 (after 50 years in the biz!), bringing boldly printed apparel and home goods with. Clothes are form-hiding but attention grabbing; home goods are cheery and patterned.

Acne Studios

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These Swedes opened on Greene Street in 2008 and moved down the block to a bigger location in 2012. Known for their denim, the brand's insatiable cult-following also lusts after understated but unusual apparel and shoes for both men and women. A full-fleged "lifestyle brand," Acne produces videos and a twice-yearly art mag.

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Georg Jensen Boutique

This Danish lifestyle brand opened their luxurious shop during the downturn of 2008. The UES-ers must be eating up the jewelry, watches, and home goods on offer because they survived the hard times are still slinging their sleek wares.

Marimekko Flagship Store

Founded in Helsinki in 1951, Marimekko has become practically synonymous with mid-century prints. Universally appealing patterns appear on clothing, home furnishings, and by the yard at the Flatiron flagship, which opened in 2011.

Fjällräven

The backpacks you can spot on just about every hip undergrad citywide have a mothership and it's on Mott Street. The endlessly mispronounced brand name actually translates to "arctic fox," and as such the store offers up outdoorsy gear like utilitarian jackets and tents. Open since 2009, think of this as your stylish REI.

Ivana Helsinki Concept Store

Highly graphic and boldly patterened dresses and coats are your best bet at this Finnish designer's shop. Open since early 2012, silhouettes somehow balance girliness—plenty of Peter Pan collars—with a goth-y Northern coolness.

Han Kjøbenhavn

Rooted in Copenhagen, this menswear brand works classic, utilitarian styles with a smattering of offbeat details and prints. They also do optical and sunglasses, which Madewell has been stocking for the ladies. The store opens March 2013.

Henrik Vibskov

This Central St. Martin's trained Dane opened his Soho store in April 2011. Shop here for playful color and pattern in smartly-designed apparel for men and women as well as quirky, cute accessories.

Gudrun Sjoden

The Swedish designer landed in New York in March 2013 (after 50 years in the biz!), bringing boldly printed apparel and home goods with. Clothes are form-hiding but attention grabbing; home goods are cheery and patterned.

Acne Studios

These Swedes opened on Greene Street in 2008 and moved down the block to a bigger location in 2012. Known for their denim, the brand's insatiable cult-following also lusts after understated but unusual apparel and shoes for both men and women. A full-fleged "lifestyle brand," Acne produces videos and a twice-yearly art mag.