EK FRANCE

EK France brings together 160 independent retailers specializing in tableware, home decoration and kitchenware, notably through Ambiance & Styles and Culinarion brands. 

What we do

EK France, a subsidiary of the cooperative EK Retail, has been supporting independent retailers in France since 1991. Based in Nanterre, EK France operates under a cooperative and associated trade model that combines the strength of a large organization with the flexibility of local entrepreneurship. Our mission is to provide member retailers with a comprehensive range of services – including marketing, finance, store concepts, IT/digital solutions, training, and supply chain support – while preserving their independence and local identity.

benefits


At EK France, we put friendliness and shared experiences first. We help retailers create inspiring, high-performing stores through expert support, tailored solutions, and continuous guidance – building a network where service and expertise are your strongest signature.


FABRICE BONTEMPS
CULINARION NIMES

Why you should join EK France!

Added Value through Collaboration

For Retailers

As a retailer at EK, you benefit from enhanced purchasing conditions, enabling more favorable price negotiations. Centralized billing reduces your administrative workload, while marketing support andaccess to relevant insights keep you informed and efficient.

For Suppliers

As a supplier within the EK network, you profit from increased sales volume through access to a larger network of retailers. Long-term contracts provide market stability, while efficient distribution and centralized billing reduce operational costs.

For Service Providers

As a service provider, partnering with EK means gaining access to a broad network of mid-sized, independent retailers. Our range of services supports retailers in procurement, marketing, logistics, and more, allowing them to focus on their customers.

Our Shop Concepts

Learn more about our two successful shop concepts in France.

EK France
For Passionate Home Chefs
Culinarion is a premium kitchenware concept designed for urban, food-loving customers - both men and women - who are passionate about cooking. The stores offer a carefully curated, multi-brand selection of high-quality, innovative tools across key culinary categories: cooking, preparation, cutlery, baking, cleaning, and storage. With a warm, “culinary workshop” atmosphere, Culinarion combines expert advice with professional-grade products. Stores average 120 m² in city centers, with no entry fees or royalties, and deliver strong performance with €4,500/m² in average sales.
Go to B2C Website
Elegant Living Made Easy
Ambiance & Styles offers a refined shopping experience focused on tableware, kitchenware, and home décor. Positioned in the mid-to-high-end market, the brand partners with top names to deliver stylish, multi-brand collections. With a strong emphasis on enjoyment, sharing, and conviviality, the stores attract a mostly female clientele through engaging events and interactive workshops. Store formats range from 250–400 m², with no entry fees or royalties, and strong sales performance.

Go to B2C Website

News from EK France

Find out the latest news from our members in France.

Nele Test

Kurz Elektrozentrum – Award – Boosting Customer Involvement Konijnendijk Mode – Award – Outstanding Customer Experience Kaufhaus Schäffer – Award – Excellence in Stakeholder Engagement…

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News from EK France

Find out the latest news from our members in France.

Nele Test

By Nele

Kurz Elektrozentrum – Award – Boosting Customer Involvement Konijnendijk Mode – Award – Outstanding Customer Experience Kaufhaus Schäffer – Award – Excellence in Stakeholder Engagement European Retail Award 2026_2 European Retail Award 2026_1 Culinarion Tours – Award – Achieving Growth through Customer Activation Auszeichnung für außergewöhnliche Händlerpersönlichkeiten: Bielefeld, 22.04.2026 – Sie sind Individualisten, Kümmerer mit…

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EK verleiht den European Retail Award 2026

By Ramoeller

Kurz Elektrozentrum – Award – Boosting Customer Involvement Konijnendijk Mode – Award – Outstanding Customer Experience Kaufhaus Schäffer – Award – Excellence in Stakeholder Engagement European Retail Award 2026_2 European Retail Award 2026_1 Culinarion Tours – Award – Achieving Growth through Customer Activation Auszeichnung für außergewöhnliche Händlerpersönlichkeiten: Bielefeld, 22.04.2026 – Sie sind Individualisten, Kümmerer mit…

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Profitability in Home Retail Is Under Pressure, but Data and Collaboration Offer a Way Forward

By Melina

“When I started in the furniture industry thirty years ago, pure commercial instinct was the key ingredient for success. Today, entrepreneurship in retail has become ten times more challenging. Retailers must not only be buyers, but also marketers, social media specialists, accountants capable of steering performance through KPIs and profitability metrics, and HR experts who…

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EK FUN schafft Lichtblicke für Handel und Familie

By Ramoeller

You are here: Home Share Share You are here: Home Die Händlerdelegation der EK mit 37 Teilnehmern aus vier Ländern. Einkaufs-Lust statt Krisen-Frust: Bielefeld, 13.04.2026 – Freude, die man teilt, verdoppelt sich: Deshalb bringt die Frühjahrsmesse EK FUN alles auf die Ausstellungsfläche am Standort Bielefeld, was sowohl dem Handel als auch der Konsumenten-Zielgruppe „Family“ Spaß…

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Presspost 2

By Ramoeller

You are here: Home Hier ist eine Platzhalter-Pressemitteilung mit 400 Wörtern: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum.  [Unternehmensname] gibt heute die Einführung eines bahnbrechenden neuen Produkts…

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Presspost 1

By Ramoeller

You are here: Home Hier ist eine Platzhalter-Pressemitteilung mit 400 Wörtern: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum.  [Unternehmensname] gibt heute die Einführung eines bahnbrechenden neuen Produkts…

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Unique collaboration between EK Living and Auping leads to the introduction of a new mattress brand: Topdream

, By Melina

16 February – EK Living and Koninklijke Auping are proud to announce a unique collaboration within the sleep industry. Together, they are launching Topdream, an exclusive circular mattress range developed specifically for the members of EK Living. The new range consists of three high-quality mattresses, each available in two firmness levels. The products are manufactured…

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De Binnenhuisadviseurs and EK Living join forces

, By Melina

De Binnenhuisadviseurs and EK Living have entered into a strategic partnership. The partnership will strengthen both parties’ position in the home textiles and home furnishings sector, with the entrepreneurship of independent home furnishings stores remaining explicitly central. De Binnenhuisadviseurs is a national collective of 29 specialized home furnishings stores that focuses on larger, ambitious entrepreneurs…

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Our Stores 

Get to know some of our french retailers.