Today we’d like to introduce you to Louise Hanson.
Hi Louise, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was young I was inspired by art and design. My semester in Copenhagen magnified
my interest in quality industrial art as well as fine art. Our Danish professor took us to all the
iconic design houses such as Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen, Birger Christiansen, and
Holmegaard Crystal. We also visited home based designers: weavers, ceramic studios, glass
blowers and jewelry makers. I learned about quality, function and timeless design. When we
opened the shop telling these stories was important to our success.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our business has evolved and stayed relevant. It became noticeable to me that we were
ahead of the trends and adapted many times over. Large commercial factories making quality
porcelain and crystal were suffering. We found a market for these products as they were
phased out. As factories were unable to pivot and as our customers’ lifestyles changed we
found products that would become new favorites. The Nordic Shop that featured the finest
Scandinavian porcelain, glass and silver in 1974 pivoted. We still sell Scandinavian products
that are well designed, sustainable and authentic. Our products today match the wants and
needs of the marketplace: Dale of Norway Sweaters, Hestra Gloves, Fjallraven Backpacks,
Helly Hansen Jackets, and many other niche designers that answer the trends.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Nordic Shop?
Our work is sometimes our play. You will find us in art museums, high end design shops,
interesting shopping and dining streets in USA and abroad. I want to see what people wear,
what are they buying, how is restaurant food presented? I like to read about fashion, food and
trends. I also like to work in the store and see how the customer reacts to certain products
and do they buy it or do they have opinions I have not thought of? I also listen to my
employees. We are good at picking out merchandise . Several of our suppliers have listened
to our ideas and have put our design concepts into their lines. I am honored that two design
concepts have stayed in one line for several years
Louise’s Future Plans Notes:
I am ready to put my art and communication degree to work. In the last two years I have
designed an annual Holiday ornament with a Scandinavian theme. The ornament is blue and
white porcelain and is boxed with a story. Each design has been created to inspire love of the
Northern European culture. Last years’ nisse (gnome) pair with a heart sold out.
This summer I am working on a silver jewelry line. I am inspired by customers who tell me
what they like and need. This line will answer some of those elements, yet be true to our
Nordic authenticity. I am happy to have the support of my husband, partner in the business,
our employees, our customers and our vendors. We will continue to grow and evolve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheNordicShop.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nordicshoprochester/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nordicshoprochester
- Twitter: https://x.com/TheNordicShop
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/thenordicshop/
