JYSK takes over 25 Balkan stores: franchise model ends in 2027
JYSK is taking over its 25 stores and employees in Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia from its franchise partner: 12 stores in Kosovo, 7 in North Macedonia and 6 in Albania. The takeover is expected to take effect on 1 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval; the company aims to open more stores in the region.
Danish home furnishing retailer JYSK announced on 6 October 2026 that it has reached an agreement to take over its stores and employees in Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia from its current franchise partner. The three countries have 25 JYSK stores in total today: 12 in Kosovo, 7 in North Macedonia and 6 in Albania. The takeover is expected to take effect on 1 January 2027, subject to relevant regulatory approvals.
Key facts
- Franchise history: JYSK has been present through a franchise partnership in Kosovo since 2004, North Macedonia since 2008 and Albania since 2015. The company describes all three as successful markets.
- Plan: JYSK intends to build on the existing local organisation, open more stores and strengthen its presence in the region. The company says it will invest directly in future expansion, its stores and its employees.
- Transition: The business continues to operate as usual and customers can keep shopping at their local JYSK stores.
- Management: Rami Jensen, President and CEO of JYSK, said the company sees significant potential to grow the brand further by bringing the countries into its own organisation.
- Scale: JYSK operates more than 3,700 stores and webshops in 49 countries, employs 34,000 people and is part of the family-owned Lars Larsen Group.
Why it matters
In a franchise model a local partner runs the stores; after the takeover the 25 Western Balkan stores will report directly into JYSK's own organisation. JYSK presents the move as part of its ambition to grow in existing markets and get closer to customers. A chain focused on “Scandinavian sleeping and living” targeting new stores in the region points to potentially more shelf space for bedding and home textile products in these three markets. The timetable is clear: if regulators approve, the new structure starts on the first day of 2027.
What members can do
- Bed linen, towel, duvet and pillow manufacturers: Add Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia to your Western Balkans retail watch list and keep delivery times and logistics costs to these markets ready in your offer file.
- Curtain and decorative textile suppliers: Track new store openings by chains that plan to expand in the region and build the 2027 timetable into your sales plan.
- Dealers and retailers in the region: Review your price and range positioning in a market where a chain active in 49 countries plans to grow through direct investment.
Sources: JYSK press release, 6 October 2026 · Big Furniture Group, 7 October 2026
