Marimekko Corporation, Press Release 27 October 2011 at 11.30 AM
NEW MARIMEKKO STORES IN OSLO AND STOCKHOLM
Marimekko continues its expansion in Scandinavia, celebrating the opening of the first company-owned retail store in Oslo today. The store is in an excellent location in a modern standalone house at Hegdehaugsveien, an attractive fashion street in Majorstuen. In line with the company’s internationalisation strategy, the new store has an important role in boosting Marimekko’s profile and brand image in Norway. The range embraces all product lines, and the store will also serve as a showcase for new products. The store is based on the same concept as the several other new retail stores opened in the past year, in all of which particular attention is paid to inspiring and cosy atmosphere and memorable in-store customer experience.
In Stockholm’s Sturegallerian mall, a new Marimekko store was opened in mid-September. The range focuses on selected spearhead products and interesting new designs. This is the second company-owned store in Stockholm. The new store supports the operations of the main store at Norrmalmstorg and rounds out its offering. The main store was upgraded and substantially extended in 2009. In summer 2011, the company also opened its own retail store at Copenhagen’s Kastrup, the biggest and busiest airport in the Nordic countries.
“I am happy that we now have our own little “Marimekko house” on the charming fashion street of Oslo. This is a great step for us, and we want to continue reinforcing our position in Norway. Scandinavia has been like a second domestic market to Marimekko for decades. The opening of stores in Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen supports our growth in this market region, which is very important to us. In addition to Marimekko stores, our products are also sold by many other retailers. We see market growth potential both in the existing distribution network and in new partnerships which support the brand,” says Sales Director Päivi Lonka.
For images, please contact Minttu Kuoppala, Communications Coordinator, tel. +358 9 758 7375, minttu.kuoppala@marimekko.fi.
MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Group Communications
Piia Pakarinen
Tel. +358 9 758 7293
piia.pakarinen@marimekko.fi
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Marimekko is a Finnish textile and clothing design company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company designs and manufactures high-quality interior decoration items ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in approximately 40 countries. In 2010, brand sales of Marimekko products worldwide amounted to approximately EUR 150 million and the company's net sales were EUR 73 million. The number of Marimekko stores totalled 84 at the year end. The key markets in 2011 are North America, Northern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The Group employs around 390 people. The company’s share is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com
