Marimekko's visions, objectives and strategy

“Marimekko’s visions for the future are being forged through young designers, just like in Marimekko’s early years in the 1950s. We have faith in young talented designers, both from Finland and abroad; we trust that they will boldly create something new and avant-garde. However, we are committed to Marimekko’s basic philosophy – design is inspired by beautiful everyday life. We have a dual strategy: we create top design, but the designs must also be financially profitable.”

(Kirsti Paakkanen, 2004)

Marimekko’s objective is to grow and succeed in the international arena as a Finnish design company that has a strong identity. Business development primarily focuses on organic growth. The brand is built in a controlled manner. When expanding into new product and business areas, the company is committed to its core business idea.

- Maintaining superior and innovative design expertise as a factor that strengthens competitiveness.
- Product range development that is committed to the core business concept.
- Developing and expanding distribution channels that support the brand’s image in both Finland and abroad.
- Maintaining a strong market position and steady growth in Finland.
- Expanding exports and international operations by slightly over one-fifth annually compared with the previous year.
- Stable dividends policy.
- Fostering an inspiring corporate culture that values the expertise of each and every employee.

Financial Objectives

Ensuring profitable growth
- annual growth in consolidated net sales over 10%
- operating profit as a share of net sales 10%
- return on equity over 15%
- equity ratio 60%

Stable dividends policy
- the objective is to distribute dividends each year
- dividends from earnings per share at least 50%