Insjön facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Insjön
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The Åhlens Pavilion which relocated to Insjön after the Baltic Exhibition
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 Insjön
Location in Dalarna
Insjön
Location in Sweden
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| Country | Sweden |
| Province | Dalarna |
| County | Dalarna County |
| Municipality | Leksand Municipality |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.48 km2 (1.34 sq mi) |
| Population
(31 December 2010)
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| • Total | 2,149 |
| • Density | 618/km2 (1,600/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Insjön is a small town, also called a locality, located in Leksand Municipality in Dalarna County, Sweden. In 2010, about 2,149 people lived there. Insjön is known for being the birthplace of two very famous Swedish companies: Åhléns and Clas Ohlson.
Contents
Discovering Insjön: A Swedish Locality
Insjön is a charming place in the heart of Sweden. It's part of the beautiful Dalarna province. This area is famous for its stunning nature and traditional Swedish culture. Insjön itself is a quiet community. It sits by a lake, which gives the town its name. "Insjön" actually means "the lake" in Swedish!
The Lake and Its Surroundings
The lake near Insjön is a peaceful spot. It's a great place for outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing or just relax by the water. The surrounding forests offer chances for hiking and exploring. Nature is a big part of life in this Swedish region.
Insjön: Home to Famous Swedish Businesses
Even though Insjön is a small town, it has a big history in Swedish business. Two very well-known companies started right here. These companies grew from small beginnings into major brands. They show how big ideas can come from anywhere.
The Story of Åhléns
One of the first big companies to start in Insjön was Åhléns. It began in 1899 as a mail-order business. This means people ordered goods from a catalog. The items were then sent to their homes by mail. The company was first called Åhlén & Holm.
- From Mail-Order to Department Store: Åhléns grew very quickly. It became one of Sweden's largest department store chains. Today, you can find Åhléns stores all over Sweden. They sell everything from fashion to home goods.
The Beginning of Clas Ohlson
Another famous company, Clas Ohlson, was also founded in Insjön. This happened 19 years after Åhléns, in 1918. Clas Ohlson started as a mail-order business too. It focused on selling technical items and tools.
- Tools and Home Products: Clas Ohlson became a popular store for DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. Today, it sells a wide range of products. These include tools, electronics, and items for your home. You can find their stores in many countries.
Local Industry: Bergkvist Sågen
Besides these two retail giants, Insjön was also home to other important businesses. The sawmill named Bergkvist sågen was founded here. Sawmills are places where logs are cut into timber. This timber is then used for building and other purposes. This shows Insjön's history in traditional industries too.
Images for kids
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The Åhléns Pavilion, a historic building connected to the company's roots.
