Written by Brooke
16 Aug 2021
Have you ever wondered what stores to go to in Sweden to get what you need? Perhaps random items like toothpaste, pens, laundry soap, or cleaning supplies? This blog post will give you the tips and tricks of where to shop in Sweden to get everything you need!
Stores To Consider…
There are thousands of different stores in Sweden and while they won’t all be covered here, I will give you a list of stores that I found helpful when I first moved here and stores that have been helpful for me as I have adjusted to life here in Sweden. There is a chance that you might find a store that better suits your needs…..
- IKEA: This store I’m sure doesn’t need much introduction as it is famous not only in Sweden but around the world. But in case you’re not familiar, IKEA just has about everything you could need as an incoming student. IKEA has everything from bedding, bathroom supplies, candles, plants, picture frames, kitchen gear, and more! If you need to furnish your room, this would be a great place to purchase a bed, desk, chair, or night stand. Make sure to hit the food court while you’re there ;). https://www.ikea.com/se/sv/
- Biltema: Biltema is a warehouse of everything from car accessories to bike gear to home needs like plates, pots and pans, toasters, blankets, laundry baskets, ironing boards, thermoses, hair dryers, and more! I would describe it as another version of IKEA (they have a food court as well) due to the size and range of items available. If you don’t have an IKEA nearby, this is a great option! https://www.biltema.se/en-se/.
- Rusta: I love Rusta so much! On this list it is probably the cheapest place to get toiletries (shampoo, body wash, razors, toothpaste, etc) and household items like beddings, pillows, kitchen appliances (coffee makers) and utensils, along with towels and bath mats for your bathroom. The store also has a great selection of laundry items and cleaning supplies. If you’re like me and like a rolling grocery cart to go to the store, they sell these here! https://www.rusta.com/se/sv/.
- Clas Ohlson: Clas Ohlson is a great store for all your kitchen and household needs. The store labels itself as a hardware store but you can find so much more than that. I mainly go there to buy containers for my lunch to bring to campus. But the store has great kitchen appliances, gear, cleaning supplies, and supplies for school as well! https://www.clasohlson.com/se/.
- Jysk: Jysk is a retail chain company that has everything from mattresses, duvet covers, curtains, outdoor furniture, along with living room and office decor/furniture. Jysk is on the pricier side and it is good for all things bedding! https://jysk.se/.
- Media Markt: This massive store has just about any electronics you can think of. Coffee machines, hair dryer, vaccums, laptops for school, tvs, and more. The prices aren’t cheap but if you’re in need for a specific electronic, this might be the place to look! https://www.mediamarkt.se/.
- Stadium and XXL: These two stores sell all kinds of sporting equipment. If you forgot to pack some workout gear or are planning on joining a gym, this is where you should go. https://www.stadium.se/ and https://www.xxl.se/.
- Åhlens/Åhlens Outlet: While Åhlens mainly sells fancy clothes and makeup, it is a great place to buy toiletries such as nice shampoo, conditioner, and other pampering essentials. Try Åhlens outlet if you’re wanting to save a pretty penny. https://www.ahlens.se/ and https://ahlensoutlet.se/.
- Lagerhaus: This is probably one of my favorite stores here in Sweden. I would consider this one the least essential store because they mainly just sell pretty stuff I don’t need to spend money on. But if you’re looking for nice plant holders, candles, pillow covers, and mugs to spruce up your student living area, give this store a try. https://www.lagerhaus.se/.
- Elgiganten: Elgiganten is another electronics company to try if you need electronics for school or personal use. Like Media Markt it won’t be cheap but if you’re in need this is the store to go to. https://www.elgiganten.se/.
- Kicks: IF you’re like me and don’t like to stray too far from the makeup you know, Kicks has all the major makeup brands that might be in your home country. So if you forgot your favorite mascara or blush, you can definitely find it at Kicks. https://www.kicks.se/.
- Second Hand Shops: While most towns and cities across Sweden have their own local second hand shops, some popular ones across Sweden are Myrorna and Stads Emissions Second Hand. Here you can find literally anything from cups/glasses, plates, clothes, books, lamps, picture frames, sporting equipment, and sometimes if you’re lucky, bikes. I recently bought my bike second hand and it was an amazing decision! https://www.myrorna.se/ and https://www.stadsmissionen.org/second-hand/.
Some Tips and Tricks
Some stores including IKEA and Biltema offer click and collect or pay and collect where you can buy your items online and pick them up directly in store. This is a great option if you want to go to the store just for the items you need or if you want to save time browsing through the store. You can also of course have the items delivered to your home although your order might need to go to a pick up center instead of your front door especially if you live in an apartment and the items can’t go into your mailbox.
Most stores mentioned above have opportunities to become a member. By becoming a member you can get special discounts and sometimes build up points to get rewards. The cashier will most likely ask you “Är du medlem?” to which you can respond “nej” and get signed up. It’s usually free and all it takes is your Swedish ID and phone number.
If you don’t have any ID or phone number just yet you can see if the store has discounts through Mecenat, a student discount app that you can download for free. Just create an account and upload a certificate or your studies/proof of registration and you’re eligible to get student discounts all over Sweden!
