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Introducing the latest fashion for over 200 years, Steen & Strøm brings together exclusive high- end brands and quality service in an inviting atmosphere.
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With over 2 million annual visitors and a long tradition of being Oslo's main meeting point, Steen & Strøm seeks to maintain its position at the intersection of tradition and forward-looking fashion and lifestyle
Steen & Strøm history goes back to 1797, a time where
Norway’s capital, Oslo, only had 9,000 inhabitants.
1797: Steen & Strøm's story starts when Samuel Strøm establishes a store on the corner of Prinsens gate and Kongens gate. The two-story store provides groceries, wine, wool, cotton, and English hardware to the growing city of only 9,000 inhabitants. While the city is expanding, so does the store, and it brings in more clothes and fashion to strengthen its position.
1829: During the 19th century, Norway prospers both financially and in population growth. The store follows the country's development, and a new era begins. Norway gets its first department store where visitors can shop the latest from continental Europe.
1856: Emil Steen and Samuel Strøm take over the company, and the department store is named "Steen & Strøm." The department store plays a central role in the city's life as a place to keep track of trends, meet friends or get inspired.
1888: With a new generation of owners, Steen & Strøm has now become a fully-fledged department store featuring the latest fashions from Paris. The new building, made by renowned architect Paul Due, is the first modern business project in Kristiania, signaling a step change for the city.
1929: The great fire left Steen & Strøm in ashes. Only a year and a half later, the department store was finalized. The new building by architect Ole Sverre has become one of Norway's prime examples of the art deco movement. Steen & Strøm is now a fully-fledged department store covering nine floors and a footprint of 12,000 sqm.
1930: As part of the new 12,000 sqm department store, Steen & Strøm opens Norway's first escalator. It becomes an attraction in itself.
WW2: During the Second World War, the Nazis demanded the Steen & Strøm staff to work for them under "Nasjonal Arbeidsinnsats". When the leadership team refused to obey, Steen & Strøm was closed and all the leaders sent to prison.
1947: Late 1940s represent a new era for the people of Oslo. This era is about creating Norwegian traditions. This forward-thinking mindset results in Oslo's very own national costume designed by Steen & Strøm for the store's 150th anniversary. It is an essential contribution to promoting the city's identity. Oslo Bunaden is still worn with pride today and adorns the city streets on National Day and other solemn occasions.
1950: Norway is being rebuilt and with the internationalization and free trade, the country prospers. So does steen & Strøm and during the 1950s you could see daily visitor numbers surpassing 30,000.
1957: In the 1930s, Steen & Strøm expands into new business areas and establishes factories in addition to the department store. Among them is the "Stalking Chair" by Norwegian furniture designer Fredrik A. Kayser produced in 1957. Steen & Strøm has premises in Lillehammer until 1971 and has approximately one hundred workers producing furniture.
1969: Christmas at Steen & Strøm was in a category on its own and a must for everyone young and old residing in Oslo. The holiday windows were of world class featuring everything from moving trolls and trains to a collaboration with Disney.
1970: Spending increased, and trade become more commercialized, and you saw the establishment of low price products and chains. Steen & Strøm is adapting to the trend and start adapting a different structure of trading.
1993: After the 1980s shopping bonanza, Steen & Strøm went bankrupt in 1992. With Petter Stordalen as owner introduces "Elleville Dager" and Steen & Strøm is now a shopping center rather than a department store.
2014: With new owners, Steen & Strøm is upgraded to include a Food Hall, two new escalators and a more exciting brand mix. Finally, the store is starting on the path to achieve new greatness.
2022: During the last 20 years, Steen & Strøm has strengthened its position as Norway's leading department store. With the opening of Scandinavia's largest Beauty Hall and the entrance from Oslo's main shopping street, Karl Johan, Steen & Strøm is ready to take on the future.
Inclusive and aspirational, it is a destination that mixes inspiration with the ease of a one-stop shop. The destination for what's new and next since 1797.
Steen & Strøm offers an exclusive selection with
hands-on approach to customer service for a refined shopping
experience in-store and online. Representing the idea of
contemporary luxury: timeless, smart, different.