Marimekko - Company Announcement

MARIMEKKO EXPANDING TO THE MIDDLE EAST

Marimekko Corporation, Stock Exchange Release, 5 June 2014 at 10 AM

The aim is to open eight Marimekko stores in the region

Marimekko is embarking on an important new partnership with the aim of opening
a total of eight Marimekko stores in the Middle East by the end of 2019. The
first store will open in Dubai in September 2014, followed by two in Dubai and
Abu Dhabi, most likely next year. It is intended to extend operations in the
years ahead to include Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 

Marimekko has today signed a partnership contract with BinHendi Enterprises,
which has more than 40 years of experience in retailing international fashion
and lifestyle brands in the Middle East and India. The company also owns and
operates restaurants and cafés in Dubai. The first Marimekko stores will be
opened in the United Arab Emirates, and the intention is to further extend
operations later on to Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The stores will be owned
by BinHendi Enterprises, and their location, visual aspects and concept as well
as local marketing will comply with Marimekko policies. 

The first store will be in the new Al Wasl shopping mall in Dubai, scheduled to
open in September 2014 in the stylish Jumeira district. It is also intended to
open a Marimekko café with the store. The next two stores will open in Dubai
and Abu Dhabi after suitable retail premises have been found. "I am delighted that we have succeeded in building Marimekko into a brand able
to attract retail-sector players throughout the world. We have concentrated in
our expansion into the international market primarily on regions with plenty of
growth potential. The UAE is an attractive market for us, famous for its
excellent shopping opportunities - the entire spectrum of the world's leading
brands are represented there. The region has a great deal of local purchasing
power and a strong tourist flow. Dubai is particularly interesting because it
is a busy shopping destination for tourists, attracting visitors from around
the world. For these reasons, the brand's recognition factor can be cultivated
there on a very broad front," says Mika Ihamuotila, President and CEO. "BinHendi Enterprises is an excellent partner for us as they have over 40 years
of experience in importing international brands to the Middle East and India.
Together with them, we are setting out to seek a foothold for Marimekko in what
for us is a totally new market area. As with our other international partners,
we will build a network of stores step by step on a solid foundation. This is
long-term work, and achieving the position we are aiming for will take several
years," Ihamuotila continues. 

“I was very impressed by the products, colours and collections of Marimekko
when I first saw them in Los Angeles and New York. Marimekko will certainly add
value to BinHendi Enterprises, and we are glad to offer the residents of Dubai
the great opportunity to enjoy its vibrant collections. With our broad
experience of dealing with top international brands in the Middle East, we are
confident to say that Marimekko will be a unique addition to the retail sector
in Dubai,” notes Mr Binhendi, President of BinHendi Enterprises. 

As a result of the partnership, the market area of Central and Southern Europe
previously referred to in Marimekko's financial disclosures will be known as
EMEA (Europe and Middle East Area) starting from the Q2 interim report for
2014. 

Further information:

President and CEO Mika Ihamuotila, tel. +358 9 758 71
Chief Sales Officer Päivi Lonka, tel. +358 9 758 7430


MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Corporate Communications

Piia Kumpulainen
Tel. +358 9 758 7293
piia.kumpulainen@marimekko.com

DISTRIBUTION:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd
Key media


Marimekko is a Finnish textile and clothing design company renowned for its
original prints and colours. The company designs and manufactures high-quality
interior decoration items ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well
as clothing, bags and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951,
its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity.
Marimekko products are sold in approximately 40 countries. In 2013, brand sales
of Marimekko products worldwide amounted to approximately EUR 191 million and
the company's net sales were EUR 94 million. The number of Marimekko stores
totalled 133 at the year end. The key markets are Northern Europe, North
America and the Asia-Pacific region. The Group employs around 500 people. The
company's share is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com