Sofia Zweygberg (company)
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| osakeyhtiö (1913→) | |
| Industry | textile wholesaler |
| Founded | 1868 in Viipuri, Grand Duchy of Finland |
| Founder | Sofia Zweygberg |
| Defunct | 1970s |
| Headquarters |
Viipuri, Lappeenranta; Grand Duchy of Finland (→1917); Finland (1917→) |
Oy Sofia Zweygberg Ab was a Finnish textile retailer and wholesaler that operated from 1868 until the 1970s.
The company was founded by Sofia Zweygberg in Viipuri, Grand Duchy of Finland. By time it grew the largest of its kind in the country. In the 1920s the company fell into financial problems but overcame the difficulties after effective restructuring.
After the Second World War the head office was moved to Lappeenranta.
After Sofia Zweygberg's husband Gustaf Zweygberg had disappeared in Saint Petersburg, she started selling textiles to make her living. She started as retailer of Tampere-produced textiles in Viipuri market hall. The company grew rapidly because she managed the business efficiently; by time the selection grew.
In 1878 Zweygberg became wholesaler and the company became reputable in Viipuri and whole east Finland; during many years she was the largest seller of cotton products in Finland. The most important area was the Karelian Isthmus due to Russian tourists. One of the most famous products was light blue textile called Sairaanhoitajatar ("nurse").
Zweygberg's daughter Emilia participated in the business since her early years. In 1879 she got married to Viktor Grönroos. The couple got five children. Following the death of Sofia Zweygberg, Viktor Grönroos took the company leadership. The couple walked together to work and back every day, and shared their work load and responsibilities. The shop became famous and reputable for its good service, which was provided to every customer irrespective to social class. However, due to the contemporary class society, as an established practice peasants visited the shop in mornings and high class during afternoons.
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Wikipedia