Marimekko to expand global store count

Marimekko is undergoing a dynamic phase of internationalisation. In 2013, the goal is to open a total of 15 to 24 new Marimekko stores and shop-in-shops. Of these, 4 to 6 stores would be Marimekko-owned and the remainder will be retailer-owned stores and shop-in-shops. Over half of the openings have already been confirmed and the dates for the rest will depend on finding suitable retail premises.

In Northern Europe, the aim is to open 4 to 6 new company-owned stores this year: 2 to 3 in Finland and 2 to 3 in Scandinavia. Sales in the region will also be underpinned by the expansion of Marimekko’s online retailing to Sweden. In addition, there are plans to open 3 new shop-in-shops in Finland.

Marimekko’s long-term strategic aim in North America is to expand distribution through high-class department stores and specialist retailers as well as to open new Marimekko stores. In 2012, Marimekko invested strongly in its network of company-owned stores in the United States by opening four new stores: three in major cities on the East and West Coast – Boston, Palo Alto and Beverly Hills – and one in Manchester, Vermont. The purpose of the company-owned stores is also to attract the attention of classy department stores and other retailers to our products. So this year, the main thrust in North America will be on actively enhancing partnerships with department stores. A number of new Marimekko shop-in-shops are being opened in Canada and Mexico.

The aim of a partnership contract signed by Marimekko and the modern furniture brand EQ3 in 2012 is to open a total of 10 Marimekko shop-in-shops in Canada by the end of 2014. The first of these was opened in September 2012 at EQ3’s new flagship store in Toronto. EQ3 intends to open 4 to 6 Marimekko shop-in-shops in its stores during the first half of this year.

Marimekko also signed a partnership contract in 2012 with the leading Mexican department store chain El Palacio de Hierro. The department store chain aims in 2013 to open 3 to 4 shop-in-shops focusing on Marimekko’s interior decoration products.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the trend in sales has continued to be very strong. During 2012, China was opened up as a new market when Marimekko signed a partnership agreement with Hong Kong-based Sidefame. The objective is to open a total of 15 Marimekko stores in China by the end of 2016. The first of these was opened in Hong Kong in May 2012 and this year it is intended to open 2 to 3 stores.

In Japan, Marimekko’s local partner Look Inc. intends to open two new Marimekko stores this year in addition to the 23 stores already open. Marimekko has also invested more than before in Australia, where it opened two company-owned retail stores in 2012.