Gekås Ullared
Hallands län
Gekås Ullared, founded in 1963 by Göran Karlsson, is the largest department store in Sweden and Scandinavia, located in the village of Ullared in Halland County. The store has grown to dominate the small village, becoming synonymous with affordable prices and attracting millions of visitors annually. Its continuous expansion includes multi-story parking facilities to accommodate the high number of shoppers. Surrounding Ullared, the village is characterized by retailing, residential areas, and natural features such as lakes and hills. Gekås offers a wide variety of goods at low prices, contributing significantly to the local economy and employment. The store's presence has transformed Ullared into a bustling retail hub with additional shops and services. Visitors can also enjoy nearby amenities like Sweden's largest year-round campground, which offers cabins, tent spaces, and a swimming lake, with shuttle buses connecting campers to the store. The village's infrastructure supports this influx, with well-maintained roads and public transport connections. Gekås Ullared is not only a shopping center but a cultural phenomenon in Sweden, often featured in media and popular culture.
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Tip: The best time to visit Gekås Ullared is during weekdays or outside peak holiday seasons to avoid large crowds. It is advisable to purchase tickets or plan your visit in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, as the store attracts many visitors. Discounts and special offers are often available, particularly for members or during seasonal sales. The large parking facilities and shuttle services from the campground make access convenient. Visitors should also allocate sufficient time to explore the vast store and nearby amenities.
Interesting facts
- •Gekås Ullared is the largest department store in both Sweden and Scandinavia.
- •The village of Ullared is often synonymous with low prices among Swedes due to Gekås' presence.
- •The area behind Gekås' parking is Sweden's largest year-round campground, offering cabins, tent spaces, and RV spots.
- •Two historical railways once served Ullared, boosting its early economic importance before closing around 1960.
- •Gekås was founded by Göran Karlsson in 1963 and has since dominated the village's economy and growth.
History
The village of Ullared gained significance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to two railways, Falkenberg railway and Varberg–Ätran railway, which provided transport advantages until their closure around 1960.
In 1963, Göran Karlsson founded Gekås, which grew to become Scandinavia's largest department store, transforming the local economy and the village's identity.
The 1950s and 1970s saw municipal reforms integrating Ullared into Falkenberg Municipality and planning for residential and retail expansions.
Over the decades, Gekås has continuously expanded, including recent additions like multi-story parking to accommodate growing visitor numbers.
Place Guide
Main Store Area1963
The expansive shopping halls of Gekås Ullared feature a vast range of products across multiple departments, from clothing and home goods to electronics and groceries, all offered at competitive prices.
Multi-Story Parking Facilities2016
Opened in 2016, these new parking structures were built to manage the high volume of visitors, involving significant construction such as the removal of a granite hill to create space.
Year-Round Campground
Located behind Gekås' parking area, this is Sweden's largest all-year-round campground, providing rental cabins, spaces for tents and RVs, and access to a nearby swimming lake, with shuttle buses to the store.
Contact
Phone: 0346-375 00
