Marimekko Corporation PRESS RELEASE
14 October 2010 at 11 a.m.
THE MARIMEKKO SHOP AT CRATE AND BARREL OPENS IN NEW YORK CITY'S SOHO
Starting today, New York shoppers can experience the inspiring world of
Marimekko design in an exciting new setting, as The Marimekko Shop at Crate and
Barrel opens its doors to the public in the Crate and Barrel store in SoHo.
Dedicated exclusively to Marimekko textiles, accessories, bags, bed and bath,
kitchen, dining, and select apparel, the 1,775 square foot shop-in-shop invites
customers to explore the Marimekko design philosophy through the creations of
world-renowned Marimekko designers.
The Marimekko Shop at Crate and Barrel signifies an important ‘first' in the
forty-three-year relationship between Marimekko and Crate and Barrel. The two
companies are also exploring further opportunities for collaboration, including
additional US locations and ecommerce.
“Marimekko won the hearts of Americans in the 1960s and 1970s, when the brand
also established itself in Europe and Japan. Now we want to bring Marimekko to
the USA in the spirit of what we are today. I believe that with the authentic
and inclusive values emitted through the colourful and joyful everyday
aesthetics Marimekko will have a strong standing in the US market. We are
thrilled to deepen our long relationship with Crate and Barrel to a new level as
an important part of our endeavour in the USA” says Mika Ihamuotila, President
and CEO of Marimekko.
Adds Barbara Turf, CEO and President of Crate and Barrel, “From Crate and
Barrel's earliest days in the 60s, Marimekko has been a vital and vibrant
presence in our stores and in our lives, a part of countless special occasions
and company milestones. With this latest collaboration, our brands again stand
together, launching an innovative new retailing chapter that builds on our
shared design heritage and adds an exciting new design dimension to the Crate
and Barrel shopping experience.”
For more information on Marimekko, please contact Cathy O'Brien at
cathy@aammanagement.com or Kate Boothby at kateboothby@aammanagement.com or call
+1 212 661-1336.
For more information on Crate and Barrel, please contact Sarah Boyd at
Sboyd@hlgrp.com or Erik Perez at EPerez@hlgrp.com or call +1 646 460-8913.
MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Group Communications
Piia Pakarinen
Tel. +358 9 758 7293
Fax +358 9 755 3051
E-mail: piia.pakarinen@marimekko.fi
DISTRIBUTION:
Principal media
Marimekko's website: www.marimekko.com
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, jewellery and other accessories. When Marimekko was
founded in 1951, the unparalleled patterns and colours 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
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, as well franchises in Dubai in partnership with Al Tayer Group.
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
children's 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
