Commerce & Services Sweden

In Sweden, there is a wide variety of supermarkets and hypermarkets that provide various goods and services for everyday life. Here are the main networks encountered by residents and immigrants:

ICA is the largest supermarket chain in Sweden. The network includes several store formats:

   - ICA Nära — small stores for quick purchases of everyday goods.

   - ICA Supermarket — standard supermarkets with a wide range of products.

   - ICA Kvantum and ICA Maxi — large hypermarkets offering not only groceries but also household goods, electronics, and much more. ICA places a strong emphasis on fresh produce and private labels.

Coop is a major chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets; promotes eco-friendly and organic products.

Willys is a discount retailer specializing in selling products at lower prices; offers a wide range of goods, including fresh produce and everyday items, at reduced prices.

Lidl is an international discount chain known for its affordable prices and unique European goods; offers both food and non-food items.

City Gross is a chain of hypermarkets offering a wide selection of food and household products.

Hemköp are supermarkets focused on quality products and high-level service; offer local and organic products.

In Sweden, there are many large online stores that offer a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, furniture, and pharmaceutical products. Here are some of the largest and most popular online stores in the country:

Apotea  apotea.se — the largest online pharmacy store in Sweden, offering more than 24,000 items, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs. The store serves thousands of customers every day and is a leader in the field of online pharmaceutical trading.

H&M  hm.com — an international fashion retailer with a strong presence in the online space. Besides clothing, H&M also sells home goods and cosmetics.

Elgiganten   elgiganten.se — one of the leading online electronics stores in Sweden. The store offers a wide range of household appliances, electronics, and gadgets.

IKEA  ikea.com — a world leader in the sale of furniture and home goods, actively developing online sales, providing users with the ability to order products for delivery.

NetOnNet   netonnet.se — a major online retailer of electronics and household appliances, offering products at competitive prices both online and through their physical stores.

Mathem  mathem.se  — one of the leading online supermarkets in Sweden, where you can order groceries for home delivery. This is a convenient option for those who prefer to shop without leaving home.

PostNord — the national postal operator, providing courier delivery services throughout Sweden and beyond; offers urgent delivery services for letters and parcels, as well as international shipments. In post offices, you can not only send letters or parcels but also use financial and government services, such as paying bills, arranging insurance, or applying for a passport.

DHL — one of the largest international courier companies, offering express delivery, international and local transportation, as well as e-commerce solutions.

FedEx — an international courier company specializing in express delivery of documents and parcels worldwide.

UPS — another large international courier service operating in the Swedish market, offering fast and secure parcel delivery services both domestically and internationally.

Bring — a Scandinavian courier company providing parcel delivery services, especially for business and e-commerce.

In Sweden, telecommunications services (internet, television, mobile, and fixed-line communication) are provided by several major operators.

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Internet

Sweden is one of the leading countries in terms of internet penetration, with coverage exceeding 94% of the population. Most users are connected to high-speed internet through fiber-optic networks, providing speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. Leading internet providers:

- Telia — offers both fixed internet via fiber optic and mobile internet; there are packages with television and mobile services.

- Ownit — one of the best internet providers, offers reliable connection with good customer service.

- Telenor — another major operator, offers packages with mobile internet and television.

Television

Telecom companies offer both traditional television and streaming packages via the internet. Television services are usually provided in combination with the internet. Among the providers:

- Boxer — offers basic TV packages with the option to add sports and entertainment channels such as Premier League or HBO.

- Telia — provides a wide selection of channels, including both Swedish and international (BBC, Discovery, and others), along with the ability to add streaming services.

Mobile Communication

Main mobile operators in Sweden: Telia, Tele2, Telenor, and Tre. These companies offer both traditional voice call plans and plans with unlimited internet at 4G and 5G speeds. All operators also have roaming offers within the EU.

Foreigners can purchase a SIM card at any mobile operator's store, supermarkets, kiosks, or even at gas stations. Many shops also sell SIM cards from providers like Comviq, Hallon, and Lycamobile, which often offer cheap rates and good conditions for international calls.

Usually, purchasing a prepaid SIM card does not require any documentation. However, for contract plans or long-term registration, the following documents may be needed:

- Swedish personal identification number — required for entering into contracts with operators.

- Passport or another identity document may be requested when purchasing a SIM card with a contract.

SIM cards are usually activated automatically upon first use. However, in some cases, activation through the operator's website or a call to customer support may be necessary. You can also register the card online by providing your details (sometimes a personnummer may be required for full activation).

Thus, for tourists or temporary residents, it is easiest to purchase a prepaid SIM card without the need to sign a contract.

Telecom companies in Sweden offer a wide range of packages that can be tailored to various needs: from simple mobile internet to comprehensive solutions for home with internet, television, and telephony.

MatHem

One of the largest online grocery delivery services; offers a wide selection of items, including fresh products, household chemicals, and children's goods.

Foodora

One of the most popular food delivery services in Sweden, which also offers grocery delivery; you can order dishes from numerous restaurants, as well as groceries from stores such as ICA and Coop. The service operates in many Swedish cities, including Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

Wolt

Another major player in the food and goods delivery market. It covers many cities and provides access to a wide selection of restaurants and stores; also delivers household goods and groceries.

Kavall

This service offers ultrafast grocery delivery — within just 10 minutes; it operates in major cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, and ensures the delivery of fresh goods from local stores.

Coop and ICA

In addition to their physical stores, these major retailers also offer online grocery delivery through their apps. At Coop and ICA, you can order both fresh foods and household goods with the option for fast home delivery.

In Sweden, the opening hours of stores and services may vary depending on the type of establishment and its location.

Regular shops and supermarkets:

- On weekdays: Most stores, including supermarkets (e.g., ICA, Coop, Hemköp), operate from 07:00 to 21:00-22:00.

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- Saturday: Stores are usually open from 9:00 or 10:00 to 16:00-18:00.

- Sunday: Many stores are open but with shorter hours — from 11:00 to 16:00 or 17:00. However, in some areas, stores may be closed on Sundays.

Shopping Centers:

Shopping centers have longer opening hours:

- Daily: Usually open from 10:00 to 21:00, including Sunday, although Sunday hours may be reduced to 18:00.

Holidays:

On major holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Midsummer, most stores are closed, or their hours are significantly reduced (until 16:00 on the eve of the holiday).

These general opening hours may vary depending on the region, so it is recommended to check the stores' websites before visiting.

In Sweden, banks generally operate on weekdays from 10:00 to 15:00 or 16:00, although in large cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg, some branches may be open longer — until 17:00 or 18:00. On Saturdays and Sundays, banks are usually closed, though there may be exceptions with more flexible schedules in airports and large shopping centers.

During public holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, Midsummer, and others, most banks are closed, and the working day may be shortened on the eve of holidays.

For convenience, many banking services are available through online banking and mobile apps, making access to accounts and transactions possible at any time.

In Sweden, both local and international brands are represented, playing an important role in the country's daily life and culture. Here are some of them:

Local brands:

H&M – One of the most famous Swedish brands, specializing in affordable fashion for men, women, and children. In addition to clothing, H&M also offers home goods.

IKEA – A world-renowned brand of furniture and home goods that started its history in Sweden. IKEA has become a symbol of affordable and functional design.

Fjällräven – A brand specializing in outdoor products, including backpacks, clothing, and camping gear.

Volvo and Scania – Leading brands in the automotive industry. Volvo is known for its safety, and Scania for the production of trucks and buses.

Systembolaget – The state monopoly on alcohol sales in Sweden, controlling all sales of strong drinks in the country. In Sweden, the sale of alcoholic beverages is strictly regulated by the state. The main feature is that strong alcohol (with an alcohol content of more than 3.5%) can only be purchased in specialized Systembolaget stores.

Age restrictions. To purchase alcohol in Systembolaget, you must be over 20 years old, and over 18 in restaurants and bars. When buying alcohol in stores, you must present an ID, and sellers strictly monitor compliance with these rules.

Opening hours. Systembolaget operates Monday to Friday until 18:00–19:00, and on Saturdays until 15:00. The stores are closed on Sundays and holidays.

Sale of low-alcohol beverages. Drinks with an alcohol content up to 3.5% can be bought in regular grocery stores, and for this, you only need to be over 18 years old.

International brands:

Zalando – A European online shopping platform offering a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Apple, Nike, and Adidas – These global brands are widely represented in Sweden, especially in large shopping centers and through online stores.

McDonald's and Starbucks – Popular international fast-food chains that have numerous locations across Sweden.

The Swedish market is a combination of local brands focused on functionality and environmental friendliness and international brands offering product variety and accessibility.

Shopping and etiquette features in Sweden reflect the country's cultural values, such as respect for personal space, environmentalism, and equality. Here are the key points to consider when shopping:

Payment and cash registers

Sweden is rapidly moving towards a cashless economy, and most stores prefer card and contactless payments, such as Swish and Apple Pay. Cash is rarely used, so it is always advisable to have a card for payment.

Queues and personal space

An important part of Swedish culture is respecting personal space. In queues at stores or cash registers, Swedes maintain distance and wait their turn calmly without pushing. This applies to both supermarkets and small shops, as well as bus queues.

Self-Service System

Many stores offer self-service terminals where you can scan and pay for items yourself. This is a popular and convenient option for those who prefer to shop without interacting with staff.

Sustainability and Use of Plastic Bags

Swedes take ecology seriously. In many stores, you need to buy plastic bags or use your reusable bags. This reflects a commitment to reducing plastic use and caring for the environment.

The Concept of "Lagom"

Swedes adhere to the concept of "lagom," which means "just right." This applies to both shopping behavior and product choices: Swedes value balance and avoid excessive displays of wealth or extravagance. They choose quality and functional products, often paying attention to their sustainability.

Fika

A special part of Swedish culture is fika — a coffee break with pastries. It is not only a tradition but also a way to relax and socialize. Many stores have cafes where you can enjoy this moment.

Thus, shopping in Sweden is not only about purchasing goods but also reflecting cultural values such as respect, sustainability, and attention to detail.

Winter Sales. They start right after Christmas, usually from December 26th and continue until the end of January or even February. This is a time when stores offer significant discounts on clothing, electronics, and other goods.

Summer Sales. Summer discounts usually begin at the end of June and continue through July. This is also an excellent time to buy clothing and accessories at reduced prices.

Apart from these key periods, there are also discounts during various holidays such as Black Friday in November and Valentine's Day in February. These days are especially popular for buying electronics and gifts.

To plan shopping effectively, immigrants are advised to keep track of holiday and sales schedules, as many stores close on certain days, such as Christmas and Midsommar.

Sweden's household waste disposal and recycling system is one of the most efficient in the world, with almost 99% of waste being recycled. The main features of this system include strict sorting, recycling, and using waste for energy production.

Waste Sorting: Residents are required to sort their waste into categories: plastic, paper, metal, glass, food waste, and hazardous materials. In most settlements, containers are provided for each type of waste, or collection is organized directly from the doorsteps. There are municipal collection points for bulky and hazardous waste.

In Sweden, specific colored containers are used for waste sorting to help residents easily differentiate the types of waste.

Green – for glass bottles and jars.

Yellow – for plastic.

Brown – for organic waste (food waste).

Blue – for paper and cardboard.

Metallic or gray – for metal.

Black – for non-recyclable waste.

This color-coding system varies depending on the municipality but is standardized throughout the country in most cases for easier sorting.

Practically all recycled materials are reused. Sweden actively uses waste-to-energy systems. More than 50% of garbage is incinerated at plants, generating heat and electricity for entire neighborhoods.

Each municipality in Sweden develops its waste management rules and plans, including local fees for disposal.

The local disposal fee is a mandatory payment that residents of Sweden pay for the collection and recycling of household waste. This fee is collected by the municipality and is intended to cover the costs of organizing and maintaining the waste disposal system, such as purchasing containers, collection, transportation, sorting, and recycling of garbage.

Fines

In Sweden, fines are imposed for failing to adhere to waste sorting regulations. Major violations include mixing recyclable waste with household garbage, improper disposal of hazardous waste, or refusal to sort organic waste.

The amounts of fines for non-compliance with waste sorting rules in Sweden can vary depending on the specific municipality and the nature of the violation. However, the exact amounts of fines are rarely disclosed publicly, as they are set at the local level.

Typical examples of fines may include:

Warning or fine – for the first violation, a warning may be issued, but for repeated offenses, fines may be imposed. Fines can range from 1000 to 5000 Swedish kronor (approximately 90 to 450 euros), depending on the region and frequency of violations.

Increased disposal fees – instead of a direct fine, some municipalities apply higher waste collection rates for households that do not properly sort their waste.