Marimekko - Company Announcement

SEVERAL MARIMEKKO STORES TO BE OPENED IN CHINA

Marimekko Corporation, Stock Exchange Release, 30 January 2012 at 9:30 a.m.

SEVERAL MARIMEKKO STORES TO BE OPENED IN CHINA

Significant partnership aims to open 15 Marimekko stores in China and Hong Kong
by the end of 2016 

Marimekko has today signed a partnership agreement with Hong Kong-based
Sidefame Ltd who specialises in retailing a range of fashion and lifestyle
brands. The aim of the partnership is to open 15 Marimekko stores in China and
Hong Kong by the end of 2016. The stores will be owned by Sidefame, and their
location, visual aspects and local marketing will be closely in line with
Marimekko's policy. The first store will be opened in Hong Kong this year and
the next in Shanghai as soon as suitable store premises are found. The stores
will follow the same concept as other new Marimekko stores; they will feature
all of Marimekko's product lines and the best possible locations will be sought
for them. According to the agreement, Sidefame will have exclusive rights to
import and retail Marimekko products in China and Hong Kong. Marimekko will,
however, retain rights to e-commerce. 

Marimekko has had excellent experience with a similar business model in Japan
and South Korea, where there are currently 22 stores in all. From January to
September 2011, sales in the Asia-Pacific region grew by more than 50% and the
area became Marimekko's second-biggest market, overtaking Scandinavia. 

Sidefame is part of the Fenix Group, and it currently operates 79 stores in
China and Hong Kong for different brands, such as Furla, 45R, Anteprima and
Atsuro Tayama. Sidefame was also the first to bring Italian fashion brand Prada
to Hong Kong. 

Marimekko's President and CEO Mika Ihamuotila: “China is expected to overtake
the United States as the world's biggest consumer market in the next few years,
and we want to boost our recognition in time while the market still clearly has
room for new and attractive brands. We started long-term brand-building in
China in 2010 during the Shanghai World Expo, and since then we have been
studying the market and making Marimekko known in the media. Several retail
companies were interested in Marimekko. Sidefame is an excellent partner for us
because they have worked with the brands they represent on a long-term basis,
they understand Marimekko design and culture, and for some time they've had
success in selling our products in their Cocktail fashion shops. 

“We have a common vision with Sidefame on how to build the brand and position
of Marimekko in the Chinese market systematically and with a very long
perspective. I think there are some signs of overheating in the Chinese retail
trade, but we want to build our network of stores step by step on a firm basis
and without rushing. It will take years to achieve the position we're aiming
for, and results should not be expected too early. I am firmly convinced that
the 22 shops in Japan and South Korea will support our operations in China, as
many Chinese people find out about foreign clothing and interior decoration
brands in places like Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul.” 

Managing Director of Sidefame, Anthony Keung: “Marimekko is much more than a
brand, it's about an inspirational and quality lifestyle offering joyfulness
and timeless designs. We are very happy to have the opportunity of working
together with our partner to introduce this aspiring Finnish lifestyle to our
consumers in Hong Kong and China. Marimekko shall offer us an oasis in the city
with beautiful prints and vibrant colours as channels for people to find
happiness. We believe it will be loved and enjoyed by many. Given the
development of the Chinese consumer market and the growing appetite for
authentic brands, we at Sidefame see a huge potential for Marimekko in China.
Sidefame and Marimekko share same values and we look forward to building
together a strong presence for Marimekko.” 

For further information, please contact Mika Ihamuotila, President and CEO,
tel. +358 9 758 71 

MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Group Communications

Piia Pakarinen
Tel. +358 9 758 7293
piia.pakarinen@marimekko.fi

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 2010, brand sales
of Marimekko products worldwide amounted to approximately EUR 150 million and
the company's net sales were EUR 73 million. The number of Marimekko stores
totalled 84 at the year end. The key markets are North America, Northern Europe
and the Asia-Pacific region. The Group employs around 400 people. The company's
share is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com.