JYSK will acquire its franchise operations across Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, bringing 25 stores and their local teams under direct ownership as it targets further growth in the three markets.
Danish home furnishing retailer JYSK has agreed to acquire its franchise operations in Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, bringing the three markets into its own organisation as it looks to accelerate expansion across the region.
The agreement covers 25 JYSK stores and the existing local organisations and employees in the three countries. Subject to regulatory approvals, the takeover is expected to be completed on 1 January 2027. The business will continue operating as usual during the transition.
JYSK has operated in the three markets through its franchise model for several years. The brand entered Kosovo in 2004, followed by North Macedonia in 2008 and Albania in 2015. The current network comprises 12 stores in Kosovo, seven in North Macedonia and six in Albania.
The acquisition will shift these markets from franchise operations to JYSK-owned country organisations. JYSK said the move will allow it to invest directly in future store expansion, existing locations and employees while building on the local organisation already established by its franchise partner, Fatmir Zymberi.
“Expansion is part of JYSK’s DNA,” said Rami Jensen, President and CEO of JYSK, adding that the company sees significant potential to grow the brand further by bringing the three countries into its own organisation. He also thanked Zymberi and the employees for developing the markets and establishing JYSK as a recognised home furnishing retailer in the region.
The transaction is particularly notable within JYSK’s franchise strategy. While the retailer operates the majority of its network directly, it also uses franchise partnerships to enter and develop selected international markets. JYSK currently has more than 3,700 stores and webshops across 49 countries, with 29 countries operated directly and 20 through franchise partners.
JYSK’s franchise network includes markets such as Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Kuwait, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Montenegro, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Uruguay, among others. The company says its franchise concept gives local business partners the opportunity to operate under the JYSK brand and expand it in their markets.
The latest deal therefore represents a shift from a successful franchise partnership to direct ownership rather than a withdrawal from the three markets. JYSK plans to use the established infrastructure as a platform for further growth, with more stores expected across Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia.
The move also comes as JYSK is pursuing an aggressive international expansion strategy. In its 2025/26 financial year, the retailer recorded DKK 52.3 billion (€7 billion) in turnover, up 12.9%, and opened a record 168 new stores. It also completed 226 store projects involving relocations, expansions and upgrades. More than 14 million new customers visited JYSK stores during the year.
Founded in 1979 by Lars Larsen in Denmark, JYSK has grown from a Scandinavian home-furnishing retailer into an international chain selling furniture, mattresses, bedding, home accessories and outdoor products. The company is part of the family-owned Lars Larsen Group and currently employs around 34,000 people globally.
