Savor Modern Design at Copenhagen Living
Family owned and operated, Copenhagen brings contemporary furnishings with timeless appeal to Gilbert.
Jorgen, Erik, Jens
Q: How and why did you start your business?
Jens Hansen, CEO:
“Opening the first Copenhagen in Phoenix back in 1970 was the beginning of it all. Our founders, Erik Hansen (my father) and Tony Christensen, both of whom immigrated from Denmark in the 1960’s and met in La Jolla, CA while working in furniture sales, identified a need in the Phoenix-area market for a more modern furniture option. There simply wasn’t anyone in Arizona offering modern or contemporary furniture design.
“The Copenhagen look was embraced by Arizonans, partly because of the light, simple designs that seemed to fit the architecture of the desert. That, coupled with an unusual and unexpected level of personal customer service where Erik and Tony did everything from sales to delivery, turned out to be a great combination.
“Copenhagen became a true family affair when my uncle, Jorgen Hansen, opened a store in Tucson in the late 70’s and over the decades, we opened six more stores across Arizona and Texas, with the Gilbert showroom debuting in 2021. Today, my mother, Lise, is still involved in the business and the second and third generations forge ahead with me as CEO, my uncle as CFO, my sister as Director of Operations, my cousin as Marketing Manager, and my nephews in purchasing and advertising.”
Q: How does being family-owned inform your approach to business?
Hansen: “We’ve been family owned since day one and there is no change in sight. It’s an integral part of everything we do, and it’s no more apparent than in our focus on customer service. But the family feeling extends beyond Copenhagen’s ownership, to thinking of our entire staff as part of the family. Naturally, the care we show our employees trickles down to customer service. Basically, the entire ‘family’ is here to serve our customers. It’s actually quite simple when it comes from the heart.”
Q: What is Copenhagen’s design philosophy?
Hansen: “Less is more, and simplicity is king of design at Copenhagen. Design elements of any piece must bring value and purpose to the finished product. In our minds, true design goes beyond surface ornamentation to speak to deeper functionality.”
Q: How does Copenhagen balance high quality with fair pricing?
Hansen: “Our family has built our business by focusing on design, quality, and price, all supported by a high level of customer service. Price is often the driving factor for customers, and we understand that, but there’s no reason that even the budget-minded shopper can’t have both design and quality as well. We carefully scrutinize all products added to the Copenhagen collection for their craftsmanship, durability, and longevity, so customers can rest assured that their furniture investment is well-warranted.”
Q: What is distinctive about Copenhagen’s shopping environment?
Victoria Avella, Store Manager, Copenhagen Gilbert:
“For the Gilbert customer, Copenhagen offers a special kind of retail experience. Walking through our showroom, customers will see clean, minimalist, and functional designs imported from all over Europe and the world. Furniture and decor are arranged in elegant, home-like vignettes that encourage clients to sit, linger, and imagine the items within their own space. Our Design Consultants foster a friendly, laid-back atmosphere where customers are encouraged to take as much time as they need.”
Q: What design services does Copenhagen offer?
Avella: “Customers have the opportunity to work with our experienced team members and can schedule a personalized consultation with one of our Design Experts. Depending on the customer’s needs, we offer in-home consultations, floor planning, and white glove delivery. We pride ourselves on our service from start to finish. Special orders are encouraged as this gives the customer a product unique to them and their needs – an investment that will last a lifetime.”
Q: Why do you love working with Gilbert customers?
Elizabeth Huerta, Design Expert, Copenhagen Gilbert:
“I really enjoy working with our Copenhagen clientele because they have a genuine trust in our blend of luxury, comfort, and contemporary style. They don’t just buy from us; they become true fans, proudly showcasing Copenhagen in their homes. It’s a joy to guide them in creating spaces they love.”
Q: Tell us about the unique rapport between Copenhagen and its client base.
Steve Vogt, Design Expert, Copenhagen Gilbert:
“What I’ve always appreciated about Copenhagen customers is how relationship-oriented they are. A lot of people who walk into the showroom aren’t just looking for a couch – they’re furnishing a first home, upgrading after the kids move out, or finally investing in pieces they’ve wanted for years. You get to be part of those milestones.
“Over time, you start recognizing families when they come back in. Many of them I had helped in the Tempe store many years ago. Maybe ten years ago, you helped them pick out a dining set, and now they’re back looking for something for a new house or sending their adult kids in. That kind of repeat trust means a great deal in continued relationships with people.
“Copenhagen customers also tend to really value quality and design. They’ll ask thoughtful questions about materials, construction, durability, and how something will live in their space long-term. That makes the job more rewarding because you’re having real conversations about craftsmanship and lifestyle instead of just price tags.
“It’s very satisfying to help people create homes that feel comfortable and personal. When someone comes back and says, ‘We still love that sectional you helped us choose,’ that can give you a warm and caring feeling that stays with you.”
Visit Copenhagen at:
2000 S Santan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ 85295, or shop online at www.copenhagenliving.com.