Hei From Bergen: Our First Store Is Open!
On May 9th, a line had already formed outside before we'd opened the doors. Bergen's traditional youth brigades marched, former mayor Trude Drevland cut the ribbon, and our first brand store was officially open.
A Proper Bergen Welcome
Our shop sits on Strandkaien, right on Bergen's harbor, close enough to the water that the fjord air drifts in. Food influencer Kaayne (@kaaynelagermat) was set up inside, serving his own creation: potato chips topped with sardines, mayo, lemon, and dill. Mayor Drevland tried it and came back for more. So did a five-year-old.
By midday, it was wall-to-wall, and the line still curled out the door.
Inside
Our red is on full display. Tins climb the shelves from floor to ceiling, against a backdrop of King Oscar's portrait and photography of the Norwegian landscape.
But there's more here than tins. Branded t-shirts, tote bags, and tea towels hang along the racks. A photo booth lets visitors take the King's place on a King Oscar tin (His Majesty has graciously agreed to step aside). And at the tasting bar, the team pours glasses and recommends pairings for any mood.
There's even a treasure here you won't find at any grocery store: our vintage sardines, selected from the very best of the catch, and wrapped in a special printed paper. Worth the visit on their own.
After 125 years of King Oscar, this is something new for us. It's our first place to share it all in person.
Beyond Bergen
Bergen was just the beginning. Pop-ups have since opened in Ålesund and Svolvær, both natural stops for a brand born of the cold North.
Next time you're in Norway, stop in and say hei. Our friends at @kingoscarnorge will be glad you did.
