Finnish lifestyle brand Marimekko to enter Singapore this year

Finnish fashion and lifestyle brand Marimekko is set to make its Singapore debut with the first store and a cafe concept to open in the Ion Orchard shopping mall at the end of September.

The Singapore launch, which will also include the opening of a local online store, is part of the brand’s global expansion plan for the next four years. The country marks Marimekko’s seventh market in the continent after Japan, Mainland China, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.

“Asia is the most important geographical area for Marimekko’s international growth,” the company said. “Singapore is a key city in Southeast Asia, having a wider impact for building brand awareness and positioning in Asia.”

Marimekko will expand into Singapore in partnership with its Thai partner Tanachira, which has built the Marimekko brand in Thailand over the past eight years. Natacha Defrance, Marimekko’s senior VP of sales, region East, said Thailand is one of the fastest-growing markets for the brand in Asia.

The company expects its net sales this year to surge in Asia Pacific, Marimekko’s second-largest market region.

“The growing market, strong brand fit and proven track record with the loose franchise partnership model provide a good foundation for Marimekko for accelerating omnichannel growth in Asia,” the company said.