Häagen-Dazs 'plotting huge UK comeback with plans to open 25 stores'

22 January 2024 , 14:45

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Häagen-Dazs is reportedly coming back to the UK (Image: Capture Communications)

Häagen-Dazs is reportedly set to make a huge comeback in the UK, with plans to open at least 25 stores in the UK over the next five years.

The ice cream chain closed its last permanent branch in 2015 but has returned every now and then in the form of pop-up shops, including one within John Lewis’ flagship on Oxford Street. Franchise World reports that Häagen-Dazs, which was established in 1960, will focus on Greater London as one of its first locations for new stores.

Häagen-Dazs shops offer a selection of 24 flavours, as well as signature creations, drinks, pastries and cakes. Globally, the ice cream brand has 850 shops across 40 countries.

Häagen-Dazs is looking for franchise partners to run its stores, and said they should be passionate about these three things: "Continuing to empower its reputation of excellence. Providing its customers with the highest quality ice cream in the world. And providing its franchisees with exceptional support and successful opportunities."

But Häagen-Dazs is not the only much-missed brand that could be making a comeback. The German CEO who now runs Woolworths says the high street chain could also return to the UK.

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Roman Heini is leading an expansion of Woolworth Germany in Europe and says new UK shops are on his “bucket list”. Once famed for their pick and mix sweet counters, the stores vanished from town centres when it collapsed into administration in 2009.

Mr Heini said: “I don’t know of any brands where the recognition will be as high as it is in Britain, without having any stores. We have secured all the trademarks for the brand for the whole of Europe, so we could operate if we make the decision. It may be in the mix for the mid or long-term future.”

Woolworth Germany also collapsed into insolvency in 2009 but made a comeback, expanding into Austria and Poland. It has over 600 shops, does not sell online and specialises in own-brand household goods and clothing, including underwear.

Mr Heini, previously boss of Aldi and Lidl, told trade mag Retail Week: “There are over 300 million potential consumers in Europe and no dominating player. The market is still there to be divided between the potential players for the future.”

Levi Winchester