Marimekko Corporation, Press release 24 October 2012 at 8.30 AM
Marimekko began building its e-commerce in the United States last year. The second stage of this is now complete, and online retailing in Finland starts today. International e-commerce augments Marimekko’s other distribution channels and is part of the company’s long-term growth strategy. The intention is to expand the operation to other countries in stages over the next few years.
The online store now being opened in Finland showcases Marimekko design on a broad front, and its product range is wider than that of most Marimekko stores. The range embraces interior decoration products as well as clothing, bags and accessories. All the treasures of the world of Marimekko are available, from new products to popular classics. The store will help Marimekko to serve customers also in areas where its products are not otherwise available and to reach new target groups. The service has been built to be as user-friendly as possible, and it features plenty of inspiring ideas. The social media are also figured into the service – you can easily tip off your friends, for example, about good finds.
“The United States is the world’s main market for e-commerce, and this is why we wanted to open our first online store there. On the basis of the experience we have gained, we have developed our online store concept, making it more functional. At the same time as we open the Finnish online store, we are also launching a new, global website in order to offer a strong, consistent and uniquely fresh brand experience,” says Sales Director Päivi Lonka, continuing: “Multichannel commerce is opening up a wealth of new opportunities. We can now introduce our large product range to a broader audience than before and in a wider variety of ways. The multichannel approach also enhances customer loyalty. Thus, e-commerce also indirectly boosts sales through other channels. Our goal is to build online retailing into a major new service channel, and the operation will also be expanded to other countries starting next year.”
The online store can be accessed through the Marimekko website and at www.marimekko.fi/verkkokauppa. Goods ordered from the store can only be delivered to addresses in Finland.
MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Corporate Communications
Piia Kumpulainen
Tel. +358 9 758 7293
piia.kumpulainen@marimekko.fi
DISTRIBUTION:
Key media
Marimekko is a Finnish textile and clothing design company renowned first and foremost for its original prints and colours. The company designs and manufactures high-quality household goods ranging from interior decoration textiles to tableware as well as clothing, bags, and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unprecedented printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in about 40 countries. In 2011, sales of the company's brands were some EUR 170 million with net sales of EUR 77 million. At the end of the year, there were 90 Marimekko stores. The key markets are North America, Northern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The Group has about 500 employees. Marimekko's shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com