Jysk returns to Polo Park area with third Winnipeg store

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This article was published 23/12/2024 (295 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Santa Claus came early — and he’s on display at Jysk’s newest, largest Winnipeg location.

The Scandinavian discount home wares retailer has recently opened a Polo Park hub, some two years after closing one in the area.

“When they left the first time, I was very disappointed,” said Linda Egdell, standing mere feet from rows of miniature Santa Clauses for sale.

She visited 1030 Empress St. ahead of Dec. 25, resuming her long-time holiday tradition: scouring Jysk for decorations.

The 25,000-square-foot shop held its grand opening earlier this month. It came many months later than anticipated, according to Stefen Langford, Jysk Canada’s marketing analyst.

“It was not intended that there would be this two-year gap,” he stated.

Jysk closed its previous location nearby with the plan of opening at 1030 Empress St., which was a better fit for the company, Langford said.

He didn’t have specifics to share about the move. Often, Jysk shifts sites for bigger spaces, better leases and overall improved locations, Langford explained.

Permitting, strikes and supply chain backlogs were among the reasons for delay, he continued. Jysk is “very pleased” it could open amid this holiday season.

“We think (Winnipeg) is a city that can easily handle three Jysks,” Langford said. “We expect it to be a great location for us.”

Michele Ducharme stopped in after noticing Jysk’s sign during a drive. She’d never visited the retailer before; its other Winnipeg locations are in Garden City and near the University of Manitoba.

“It’s a nice place to come if you need that little bit of everything,” she said, somewhere between an aisle of throw pillows and an array of bed frames.

Jysk may have been under-stored in Winnipeg; it makes sense to enter the “strong retail zone” of Polo Park, said John Graham, Retail Council of Canada director of government relations for the Prairies.

Jysk reported increased earnings and customers in its latest annual report. It joins discount chains like Walmart, Dollarama and Costco in faring better than traditional retailers, Graham noted.

“Many households are trying to stretch their budgets and deal with inflationary pricing on goods,” he said. “They turn to discount providers.”

Jysk is on an expansion path across Canada, Langford relayed. The Denmark-based corporation opened six new Canadian stores this year and plans for further growth.

Though no new Manitoba shops are on the docket, the door isn’t closed, Langford said.

Internationally, Jysk counted 11.9 million new customers in its 2024 fiscal year, its annual report revealed. It tracked a 12 per cent year-over-year increase in its earnings before interest and taxes.

The Empress Street location has upwards of 20 employees.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com