Our history

With the mantra that Kaufmann is available when you need it, we have expanded the webshop kaufmann.dk, so you can shop our selection of menswear online whenever it suits you – outside of store opening hours.

Kaufmann’s employees are all part of continuing and shaping the story that in 2008 celebrated its 100th anniversary. 

Kaufmann’s ambition is to keep the traditions alive while continuing to offer customers both classic and fashionable menswear of high quality. A family dynasty like Kaufmann, with deep historical roots and proud family traditions, is something truly unique. 

The Kaufmann family has always valued a modest and diligent approach to business operations, and always allows for long-term thinking. This is possible for a 100% family-owned company, which does not have to answer to shareholders and private equity firms. 

“The expertise in men’s tailoring that we have built over Kaufmann’s 100 years of experience is used daily to guide our customers.” 

- Henrik Axel Kaufmann, CEO.

In 1998, Kaufmann celebrates its 90th anniversary – and yes, "It all started with flip collars and umbrellas"... 

At Kaufmann, we’re not shy about taking on the expert role. Our excellent service is based on a long-standing expertise in men’s tailoring, which has developed and evolved over time, ever since Axel Kaufmann revved up his Harley back in the 1920s. 

We take pride in sharing our specialized knowledge of menswear with our customers, thereby providing you with service of the highest caliber.

Axel Kaufmann passes away in 1970, and Axel Kaufmann Junior takes over the business. The company is still a successful family-run enterprise, managed by the 3rd generation of the Kaufmann family.

In 1968, Kaufmann celebrated its 60th anniversary. Three generations of Kaufmann were gathered for the 60th anniversary celebration in 1968. 

In the center, with a glass raised, Mr. Axel Kaufmann, to the right Axel Kaufmann Junior with his hand on his daughter Mette, and on the right, his son Henrik Kaufmann.

Today, Axel Kaufmann's grandchildren, Mette Kaufmann and Henrik Axel Kaufmann, lead the company as chairman of the board and CEO.

In 1959, Mr. Axel Kaufmann formed a partnership with High Court Attorney Axel Kaufmann Junior. In 1960, Junior received his business certificate, granting him permission to operate a business.

On the evening of February 22, 1945, in the final year of the war, the Kaufmann store in Guldsmedegade, Aarhus, was damaged by a bomb. It was the German terrorist group, the Peter Group, which had long been conducting counter-sabotage to remove the population's support for the resistance movement. 

Photo: The Occupation Museum

During World War II, Kaufmann protected the store facades from shockwaves caused by bombs – while also serving as blackout curtains.

The Harley soon set course for new destinations. Stores were opened in Aalborg, Kolding, Fredericia, and Viborg, and in 1935, Axel Kaufmann was able to open the doors to the large flagship store in Aarhus, Kaufmann Men’s Outfitters. A few years later, Kaufmann also made its way to the capital, where the Kaufmann store is now prominently located on Strøget in Copenhagen.

In 1926, Hotel Regina was built on what is now Strøget in Aarhus. Axel Kaufmann sold Flipcentralen to the store's first manager and instead opened the store Herremagasin Regina in the Regina building. Initially, the store was not very large, but gradually, he acquired more space – and eventually renamed the store to Axel Kaufmann.

In 1908, 18-year-old Axel Kaufmann opened Flipcentralen in Aarhus, which later became Kaufmann. It was actually somewhat of a coincidence that the young Axel Kaufmann became a store owner. 

He had planned to travel to Paris, but a stroll around Aarhus while waiting for the train changed his travel plans – a shop space was available for rent right across from the train station, and soon, his travel money went towards three months' rent and purchasing a batch of umbrellas and raincoats. 

This would become the foundation of what, many years later, would turn into a successful family business in men's outfitting.