The new store is set to open by the autumn and plans to reach to international markets.
We recently reported that Helsinki is missing a flagship store where to see and buy new Finnish design.
This has been the case especially since the Design Forum Shop, one of the key locations to buy Finnish design, closed down in August 2014. It had for over 20 years served as an important showroom and place to buy Finnish design, especially from young designers. A plan is now revealed to launch a new, international flagship store for Finnish design. Behind the concept are the experienced trio Tanja Sipilä, Lasse Laine and Teemu Suviala.
Their plan is to open in Helsinki a new store that focuses on lifestyle products and good design. The concept combines a physical store space, an online store and a community built around it. The focus will be on Finnish design, but international brands will also be part of the concept from the very beginning. The aim is also to reach out to international markets.
The founder trio have extensive experience in design, branding, business and retail.
Sipilä, herself a designer, was in charge of the final three years of Design Forum Shop. She believes in the contemporary concept that is built around the right expense structure and that invests in international operations.
Industrial designer Laine is an entrepreneur with a background in many design and furniture companies. He is the owner of ProtosDemos, a Salo-based carpentry and spatial design business, and a partner in furniture manufacturer Choice Ltd.
Suviala, who in Finland is known as the co-founder of design agency Kokoro & Moi, is now based in New York where he is Creative Director at the acclaimed branding agency Wolff Olins.
The new venture already has a number of significant investors confirmed from both Finland and abroad. The Helsinki store is set to open by the autumn.
Enquiries: ohyesopeningsoon@gmail.com. Contact person Tanja Sipilä / +358 400 776786.