Company Name: Finn Karelia

Brand: Finn Karelia

Established: 1945

Country of Origin: Finland

Turnover: € 31 million

Area: Either one for all Ireland or one for Eire and one for NI

Product Description: An established mature progressively evolving brand capturing an increasing share of the developing “jeans generation” market with a selection of quality town and country fashion, informal but smart, casual and leisure daywear, sporty easy to wear co-ordinates and separates suitable for every occasion at affordable prices in a size range 10 –28.

Sizes: 10-28

Average Prices: € 35

Commission: 8-10% negotiable

Collection Size: 150 - 180

Competitive to: Gerry Weber, Olsen, Bianca, Lebek, Gelco, Fisser, Adlina, Almia, Pola, Cavita, Frankenwalder, Toddy, Slimma, Sommerman, Hucke, Chianti, Oscar B, Doris Striech, Brax, Michele, Gardeur, Tony Dress,

Sits alongside: Some of the above plus Emreco, Poppy, Viz a Vis

Main Export market: Germany, UK&Eire, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Holland, Russia, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Canada – 26 in total

Exhibitions: All Major European exhibitions

Website: www.finnkarelia.com

Company Philosophy: Finnkarelia monitors and responds to the changing and evolving fashion trends by designing and offering seasonal collections to optimise selling opportunities for stockists by providing stylish high quality affordable fashion to satisfy individual life style needs with good fitting and reliable merchandise which will deliver lasting pleasure and feel good factor whilst respecting at all times environmental issues with an ongoing commitment to sustainable development.

My Comments: Perhaps one of the most well known names in Europe for commercial fashion, a “household” name to most retailers, with a name for good value and reliable quality.
In the last two years the company has changed its collection look, so they are more in line with current fashion trends, but with subtlety so as not to lose its core customer base.