Finnish brand Iittala has opened its first standalone store in China, in Shenzhen.

The store’s opening marks a broader expansion plan within Asia. Over six years, Iittala has established a firm footprint in Japan and more recently taken its first tentative steps into China with 16 shops-in-shops.

In 2014, Iittala will launch the first products expressly designed with Asian dining habits in mind. Taika tableware, which has established its position as one of the key ranges of Iittala in Asian countries in particular, is extended with new parts that have been requested by consumers interested in Asian cuisine.

Besides the Shenzhen store, Iittala also opened a dedicated showroom and first shop-in-shop in Milan.

The Iittala store concept has been developed in order to show consumers around the world the possibilities in Iittala’s product portfolio. The retail environment helps consumers make their own choices and own combinations of Iittala products.

The first Iittala shop was opened in 2002 in Helsinki. Since then, focus has been on developing the international Iittala retail experience and today there are around 200 Iittala shops, shops-in-shops and outlets in Europe, Asia and the US.

The brand is owned by Fiskars, a supplier of consumer products for the home, garden and outdoors. Its portfolio also includes Gerber.