Marimekko's local distributor in Japan, Look Inc., set up a new Marimekko concept store (156 sqm) in Hokkaido, Sapporo on 23 February 2008. This is already the eleventh Marimekko store in Japan. The other Marimekko concept stores or shop-in-shops in Japan are located in Hakata (Fukuoka), Kobe, Kumamoto (Kyusu), Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo (three stores) and Yokohama. Run by independent retailers, Marimekko concept stores are shops that sell exclusively Marimekko products and carry a comprehensive selection of merchandise from all the different Marimekko lines: clothing, interior decoration and bags. Developing and anchoring the concept store idea based on Marimekko's lifestyle thinking represents an important part in Marimekko's internationalisation strategy. The address of the Sapporo concept store is: Fes Sapporo 1F, 3-11-5 Minami nijyo nishi, Chuou-ku, Sapporo city, Hokkaido, Japan MARIMEKKO CORPORATION Group Communications Marja Korkeela Tel. +358 9 758 7238 Fax: +358 9 759 1676 E-mail: marja.korkeela@marimekko.fi Marimekko is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design company that was established in 1951. The company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality clothing, interior decoration textiles, bags and other accessories under the Marimekko brand, both in Finland and abroad. Marimekko products are also manufactured under license in various countries. In 2007, the company's net sales amounted to EUR 77.3 million. Exports and income from international operations accounted for 26.5% of the Group's net sales. The Group employs about 400 people. The company's share is quoted on the OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki. For further information, visit www.marimekko.com