Frozen foods retailer Iceland Foods has announced that it is seeking further sites across Norway, following the opening of its first outlet in the country, in Asker, in the Greater Oslo region.
The 280 square metre store, which opened last Wednesday, is operated by Iceland franchise partner Ice Nordic.
The group said that it already plans to open an second store, in Larvik, Vestfold county, on 7 June, and is 'seeking further store sites across the country'.
'Enthusiastic Response'
“It was great to see the new store receive such a hugely enthusiastic response, with sales on the first day far exceeding expectations," said Iceland Group operations director Ewan McMahon. "It was particularly pleasing to see so many young people in the store, and to experience everyone’s very positive reaction to our iconic Iceland frozen food range."
The group said that pizzas, Indian food and Luxury Raspberry & Pistachio Layered Pavlova were among the top sellers on the opening day.
“This is a particularly exciting development for Iceland International because, although we have operated a successful franchised store model for very many years, most of our existing overseas franchises are in areas with substantial British expatriate communities," McMahon added.
"While we do have a growing following among non-British customers in countries like Spain and Portugal, there is no question that in Norway we are appealing overwhelmingly to Norwegians – and we are really delighted that they have given us such an outstanding welcome."
McMahon said that Ice Nordic has "ambitious plans" and Iceland looks forward to "a long and profitable relationship with them".
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Aidan O'Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
