Fotex

In 1960, a new retail concept arrived in Denmark. Herman Salling, a merchant from Aarhus, had a vision for a different kind of store. He envisioned a place where Danes could buy both food and textiles under one roof, a novel idea at the time. He named it Føtex, a portmanteau of the Danish words for 'food' and 'textiles'. The first store opened on Guldsmedgade in Aarhus, introducing the supermarket concept to the country. The timing was perfect. Denmark was experiencing post-war prosperity, and consumers were ready for a more convenient, self-service shopping experience. Salling's model was an immediate success, offering a wider selection of goods than traditional specialty shops. This success caught the attention of A.P. Møller, the founder of the Maersk group. In 1964, Salling and A.P. Møller entered into a partnership, forming the Jysk Supermarked A/S, which would later be renamed Dansk Supermarked A/S. This partnership was the major turning point. With the financial backing and strategic insight of one of Denmark's most powerful business figures, Føtex had the capital to expand rapidly. It became a cornerstone of what would grow into Salling Group, Denmark's largest retailer. The acquisition and integration into this larger group secured Føtex's future and cemented its place in the Danish retail landscape. Today, Føtex stands as a testament to Salling's original, simple idea: to make shopping easier by putting everything customers needed in one place.