Finnish retailer Marimekko is taking its brand to mainland China.

Marimekko will make its first step into the mainland by opening stores in Beijing and Shanghai this month. The retailer says it expects the purchasing power of Chinese to continue to grow.

“Many Western economists and bankers are worrying about the growth rate of the mainland economy. But even it drops down to five per cent, that is still a strong growth rate compared to Europe and the US,” says CEO Mika Ihamuotila.

Marimekko, whose designs are ‘communicative but not ingratiating,’ is confident its brand will appeal to the Chinese consumers.

“Many people no longer want to show that they are rich, wealthy and successful. Instead, they want to say, ‘This is who I am, this is my identity’,” says Ihamuotila.

The brand, through partner Hong Kong company Sidefame, opened its first store in Hong Kong last year.