Marimekko Corporation, Press release 14 January 2011 9.00 AM
NEW MARIMEKKO FLAGSHIP STORE OPENS IN HELSINKI
Marimekko’s flagship store in the Kämp Galleria mall in Helsinki is being refurbished and will move into new premises on the corner of Pohjoisesplanadi and Mikonkatu. The relocation is part of a facelift and development project for the Kämp Galleria block. The two-storey shop with a floor area of 620 square metres will open to the public on 10 February 2011. The shop on Pohjoisesplanadi is particularly important for Marimekko; the company’s first flagship store opened on the same block back in 1974. The place has been carefully thought out, as its architecture, cultural background and central location make it one of Helsinki’s most prestigious properties.
“We are very happy that the new pride of our retail outlet network is to get splendid new premises in the very heart of Helsinki and that the opening ceremony of this historically important shop will launch Marimekko’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Our remodelled flagship store will become an experiential meeting place where Marimekko’s rich colours and design idiom will take the customer from one inspiring mood to the next. The selection will cover all product lines, and it is intended that the shop will serve as a stage for our new products in particular. The shop was designed by the Japanese architectural firm IMA together with our own shop design team. We have had highly positive experiences from the 20 Marimekko stores in Japan, and we are aiming with this team to combine the best in Japanese and Finnish aesthetics. I believe the concept is a winner,” says Sales Director Päivi Lonka.
In addition to the shop’s opening ceremony, Marimekko will hold a number of different kinds of 60th anniversary events – including unexpected ones – in Finland and the company’s main markets abroad. Marimekko has always been engaged in the Finnish and international debate on design, and the company believes that the shop on Pohjoisesplanadi will be a very popular place to visit in 2012, when a great number of both Finnish and foreign visitors will come to Helsinki, the World Design Capital.
Further information:
Sales Director Päivi Lonka, tel. +358 9 758 7430, paivi.lonka@marimekko.fi
MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Group Communications
Piia Pakarinen
Tel. +358 9 758 7293
Email: piia.pakarinen@marimekko.fi
Marimekko is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design house. Through its timeless, individual, practical and beautiful designs, Marimekko aims to provide aesthetic experiences for every moment in life for people of all ages. The array of Marimekko design embraces interior decoration items ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags, jewellery and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, the unparalleled patterns and colours of its printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. In 2009, Marimekko's net sales were EUR 72.5 million, of which international sales accounted for 27.3%. Marimekko products are available in roughly 40 countries. The company has roughly 370 employees. Marimekko's shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com
