RIKA Premium Stores open new dimensions

2019 saw the opening of the first RIKA Premium Store in Linz, Upper Austria, marking the launch of the new store concept, which offers its customers an exclusive shopping experience similar to a flagship store. The Premium Stores are characterised by their elegant, rustic interior, spacious exhibition areas of up to 450 m² and extraordinary feel-good atmosphere thanks to the numerous stove models that are also lit in-store. The complete range of RIKA wood-burning, pellet and combination stoves, modular stoves, designer fireplaces and heating inserts as well as exclusive offers and additional services round off the numerous benefits. Due to the great success of the Linz store, eight further RIKA Premium Stores were opened in German-speaking countries in Amstetten, Ybbs, Graz, Villach, Innsbruck and Wörgl, as well as in Niedernberg (Germany) and Spiez (Switzerland).

"Our RIKA Premium Store concept has proven to be a success, our customers particularly appreciate the large selection, expert advice and all-round customer service."
Karl Riener, RIKA Managing Director

International expansion of new store concept

The first two Premium Stores recently celebrated their official opening in Stockholm and Verona, rolling out the store concept at a European level.

"RIKA has been strongly established throughout Europe as a quality brand for years. With the launch of the RIKA Premium Stores in Stockholm and Verona, we now want to expand our presence and market leadership even further."
Stefan Riener, Head of Export at RIKA

RIKA has been represented in Italy with its own branch for several decades and is also home to some 100 retailers. With the opening of its RIKA Premium Store, RIKA wants to focus even more strongly on the market.

"In Italy, heating with wood and pellets is very popular – for historical, cultural, economic and ecological reasons. The quality and design of RIKA stoves in particular meet the high demands of Italian customers, which is why RIKA has been able to build up a very good reputation."
Fabio Forte, Managing Director RIKA Italy

In Sweden, heating with wood is traditionally widespread. Pellets are gaining ground as a fuel for private households. As the European market leader in the pellet stove segment, this development offers RIKA the opportunity to gain a stronger foothold with a RIKA Premium Store.

"We are focussing particularly strongly on our pellet technology, whether in the form of pellet stoves, combi stoves or heating inserts. Heating with pellets fits in with modern living, it offers convenience, efficiency and is extremely environmentally friendly."
Karl Philipp Riener, RIKA Managing Director

"In Sweden, people have long favoured wood-burning stoves, which were originally developed in and exported to the world from Sweden. The name ‘Swedish stove’ – synonymous with fireplace or wood-burning stove in German-speaking countries – bears witness to the stoves' Swedish roots. I am delighted to be able to support the establishment of the RIKA brand in Sweden!"
Annika Rutegard, RIKA Country Manager Sweden

Concept for the future

The establishment of RIKA Premium Stores is being accelerated both nationally and internationally. In cooperation with the RIKA importers RIKA France and Stroomop, the shop concept is currently also being established in France and Belgium.

"We have gained valuable experience at the national level in recent years. This will make the planning and realisation easier and faster in the future. The appreciative cooperation with our local partners and, of course, the enthusiastic customers not only make the RIKA Premium Store concept a success, but also a project that's close to our hearts."
Karl Riener, RIKA Managing Director