Marimekko drafting SEA expansion, by entering Vietnam and Malaysia

Finnish lifestyle brand Marimekko is accelerating its expansion plan in Southeast Asia, eyeing entering Vietnam and Malaysia this year under a franchise partnership with Jaspal Group.

The expansion, which will include the launch of online stores in both markets, comes after the brand disclosed its Singapore debut with the first store scheduled to open at Ion Orchard next month.

“These fast-growing markets provide interesting opportunities for Marimekko’s international growth and hence support our company’s objective to scale the Marimekko business in the upcoming years,” said Natacha Defrance, Marimekko’s senior VP of Sales, Region East.

While Marimekko’s first Vietnam stores are set to open in the Lotte Mall Westlake in Hanoi and Takashimaya shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh City later this year, the brand’s first stores in Malaysia will be located in Suria KLCC mall at Petronas Twin Towers and in The Exchange TRX mall.

Marimekko will join Jaspal Group’s portfolio of brands, including Diesel, Melissa and Asics. The Thai retail operator has a presence in four Asian countries.

“We see a growing interest in Asia towards the Finnish design house renowned for its bold prints and colours, so now is a good time to make Marimekko available to local consumers and tourists alike in Vietnam and Malaysia,” said Yosathep Singhsachathet, deputy CEO at Jaspal Group.

The Finnish lifestyle brand said Asia, where it has seen growing demand for its products, is its most important geographical area for international growth. The brand has 80 stores and shop-in-shops in Asia Pacific.