Varner-Gruppen
 | |
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder(s) | Frank Varner |
| Headquarters | Oslo, Norway |
| Area served | Northern Europe |
| Revenue | NOK 7,609 million (2006) |
| Operating income | NOK 895 million (2006) |
| Net income | NOK 648 million (2006) |
| Owner(s) |
Turid Varner Marius Varner Petter Varner Joakim Varner |
| Employees | 7,442 |
| Website | www.varner.no |
Varner-Gruppen AS is the largest actor in the textile retailing trade in Norway with approximately 500 stores around the country, including Bik Bok, Carlings, Volt, Cubus, Dressmann, Solo, Urban, Vivikes, Wearhouse, Levi's Store and WOW. The stores are located throughout Scandinavia, the Baltic Countries, Germany and Poland. The group has more than 1,100 stores in total.
History
Varner-Gruppen was founded by Frank Varner in 1962 when he opened his first store. Five years later he launched the Dressmann chain. In 1985 the group entered women's clothing, with the launch of Carlings. This was followed by the purchase of Cubus (1989), Bik Bok (1991) and Vivikes (1994). During the later part of the 2000s Varner has had an average store growth of about 80 outlets. The company has since been taken over by Frank Varner's children Marius Varner, Petter Varner and Joakim Varner. The company is privately held and unlisted.