Since its inception in 1972 near Gothenburg, Sweden, Globen Lighting has illuminated homes, offices, and public spaces with its Scandinavian designs. What began as a creative solution to a quirky challenge has evolved into one of Scandinavia's fastest-growing lighting companies, with a presence in over 30 markets worldwide. We talk to Alexander Hall, CEO and son of Globen Lighting's founder, Anders Hall, who has played a pivotal role in steering the company into a new era of growth and innovation. In this exclusive interview, Alexander reflects on the challenges and achievements of 2024, and discusses the trends shaping the lighting industry. He also provides a glimpse into the company's ambitious plans for 2025, where Scandinavian design and sustainability continue to take centre stage.
Alexander Hall.
Can you tell us more about the history of Globen Lighting and how it was founded?
'Our journey started in 1972, close to Gothenburg in the South of Sweden. Globen Lighting's founder and my father, Anders Hall, received an unusual project. A client of his uncle had ordered colourful cheese domes but went bankrupt just before delivery. The engineer Anders Hall drilled a hole on the top of the dome, mounted a turned wooden suspension on it, added an anti-glare inside and a textile fringe around the bottom edge. The lamp Stina was born and 5000 pendants sold out in the blink of an eye. Stina was followed by a table lamp constructed of two cheese domes facing each other, with a cone-shaped metal base. This lamp, called Bullen, was also an immediate success – and the passion for lighting was lit.
Today, together with my co-owners, we have brought the company and brand to over 30 markets, being one of the fastest growing lighting companies in Scandinavia the last year.'
In what markets is the brand most active?
'Globen Lighting's active in 30-35 markets worldwide. The biggest markets would be found in Northern/Mid Europe, where our home market Sweden still is the biggest, but where Germany, France and Benelux also are major markets.'
How is the market in Sweden right now?
'The consumer market in Scandinavia (especially Sweden and Norway) has been relatively tough the last years due to very high interest rates that affect a broad part of the population (since Scandinavians tend to have short loans) and consumption has gone down. Globen Lighting however has not had the same sales drop as many of our competitors and I believe that's due to the fact that we've continued investing in product development, our marketing and in long-term investments in our brand. We are also growing rapidly on the contract market where we're seen as a very flexible and competitive option to the traditional actors. For example, we also offer modified and customised items, even at very low quantities - something that an increasing amount of buyers and architects have become aware of.'
As we're nearing the end of the year, how do you look back on 2024? What were some of the hurdles and highlights?
'The biggest happening during 2024, besides that we've had the possibility of welcoming several new clients (found in example through MOM Paris), would be that we've moved the whole company – office and warehouse – to a brand new, top-modern and bigger facilities. We've been in this project for 2 years and finally in May we moved in! It's an amazing new crib, where our team can flourish, really be inspired and creative and besides new modern logistic possibilities we also have a new showroom which is open for our clients, we have a "playroom" for the team with table tennis, dart, fussball, etc. and amazing team areas where we can be creative.'
What were some of the trends in lighting this year, and do you expect them to continue into the new year? Or are you seeing new trends developing?
'Sustainability continues to be a strong trend, especially considering the non-focus from the growing Asian websites. The sustainability comes in several different focuses, material, transport and CSR-perspectives would be one, another would be the focus on sustainable design. Products that will last, both material-wise, and also trend-wise over time.
When it comes to lifestyle we continue to see interest around portable solutions, where we broaden the use of our products (also sustainable). When it comes to slightly more trend-related focus, colour is something that we really see is trending. The reason, we need it! We need to be inspired, feel more joyful and a setting with grey, breige, brown, black does not always provide that. The geopolitical and macro-economical situation creates a need for more colour, joy and LIGHT!'
And what are your plans for 2025?
'For 2025 we're continuing to invest in our brand and we have a very strong focus on bringing Globen Lighting to the export markets in Europe. We see not only a strong potential of growth, but also a big demand for our Scandinavian style and positioning. We also have a really big order stock on the contract market and my aspiration is to visit some of these hotels, restaurants and offices around Europe where we've been the main lighting partner.'
More information:
Globen Lighting
[email protected]
www.globenlighting.com
Sweden