Leading Finnish Design House Marimekko Sets Foundation for Stronger Presence in the US

NEW YORK, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Marimekko, a leading Finnish design house founded in 1951, has announced plans demonstrating a brand expansion strategy surrounding the US market. The long-term objective for Marimekko is to strengthen its position in the US, which has been one of the key market areas for the company since the 1960s. Marimekko is revered for progressive design and bold artistry. Its unique infrastructure built around a large team of distinct designers yields strikingly inventive interior decoration, clothing, bags and accessories.

Marimekko has announced that it will found a new subsidiary in the US to manage and develop the local operations in collaboration with the brand management firm C2Group. C2Group is led by Lynn Shanahan, Karen Martin and Allison Niles. Each with extensive industry experience, the three formed their partnership after working together at Tommy Hilfiger, holding the roles of Group President of U.S. Wholesale and Licensing; Senior Vice President of Women's Design; and Senior Vice President, Merchandising, Design and Production, respectively.

With the new organization, Marimekko is setting a foundation for a stronger presence in the US market. A showroom will be opened in Manhattan in August 2010. In the long run, Marimekko's objective is to expand the distribution of its products in the US through high-end department and specialty stores as well as by increasing the number of Marimekko stores. The company's current retailers include Marimekko concept stores in New York, Cambridge and Miami.

In mid-October, a 1,775 square foot Marimekko shop-in-shop will be opened in home furnishings retailer Crate and Barrel's store in Soho, New York. Marimekko and Crate and Barrel are also exploring further opportunities for collaboration, including additional US shop-in-shops and ecommerce. The valued relationship between Marimekko and Crate and Barrel has spanned over 40 years.

About Marimekko

Marimekko is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design house. Through its timeless and individual designs, Marimekko wants to create 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, jewelry and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, the unparalleled patterns and colors of its printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are available in roughly 40 countries. In 2009, Marimekko's net sales were EUR 72.5 million, of which international sales accounted for 27.3%. Marimekko's shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com

About C2Group

C2Group is a brand management company that provides strategy and execution for growth for their client partners specializing in product design and development, marketing, licensing and retail.  The lead partners of C2Group are Lynn Shanahan, CEO, Karen Martin, Creative Director, and Allison Niles, Director of Product Development and Marketing, all having deep experience in the apparel and cosmetics industries.

About Crate and Barrel

Multi-channel home furnishings retailer Crate and Barrel was founded in Chicago in 1962 by retailing pioneers Gordon and Carole Segal. Working directly with European ateliers and factories to import their products, Crate and Barrel was among the first to make contemporary tabletop and kitchenwares designs affordable to American consumers. Today, Crate and Barrel is an industry leader, known for exclusive housewares and furniture designs, excellent value and superb customer service. In addition to a thriving direct marketing division, the company operates stores in most major North American markets, including Toronto and Calgary. Currently under the leadership of CEO and President Barbara A. Turf, the Crate and Barrel family of brands now includes its more modern off-shoot, CB2, and childrens' home furnishings retailer, The Land of Nod. Crate and Barrel is a privately held company owned by the Otto Group of Hamburg, Germany. www.crateandbarrel.com.

SOURCE Marimekko