Asko to open first new store in Lempäälä next week

Asko will open its first new store in Lempäälä’s Ideapark next week, with its online shop launching at the same time, Yle reports.

The furniture retailer plans to open 13 stores across Finland by early next year, including three in the Tampere region. Two more will follow in Tampere, then in the Helsinki area and Lahti.

Asko will return to Lahti’s Kauppakeskus Valo in autumn, reoccupying the same space it held before its bankruptcy. Chain director Mika Rusila said the Lahti store is expected to open in October, though the exact date is still being finalised.

Once all stores are open, the company will directly employ over 100 people and indirectly over 300. Recruitment is ongoing, with some former Asko employees already hired in Pirkanmaa. Rusila said the company aims to hire experienced professionals, including former staff, to meet customer needs.

Asko seeks to re-establish itself as a leading Finnish furniture and interior design retailer, prioritising domestic partners. Its beds, for example, are fully manufactured in Finland. The company has adjusted its operations for profitability, including smaller premises, while its online store will expand its product range.

Rusila acknowledged economic challenges, noting reduced consumer spending and the link between housing sales, construction, and furniture demand. He expressed hope for a market recovery, citing Asko’s strong brand recognition in Finland.