Finnish retailer Marimekko says it will continue to build on its strong position in Asia Pacific.

The company said the prospects for the economy and retail trade are good in Asia, and it sees growing demand in the region for its designer goods.

The plan for 2014 is to open at least six new Marimekko stores: two in Japan, two in Hong Kong, one in mainland China and one in South Korea.

Marimekko’s own store in Sydney, Australia, has performed well, and the company is currently seeking a location for a second store in Melbourne.

In the past two years, new markets have been opened up in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In mainland China and Hong Kong, it plans 15 Marimekko stores by the end of 2016. The openings are proceeding according to plan: four stores are already trading and three more will follow this year.

In Taiwan, it will open five stores and shops-in-shops by the end of 2018. The first of these was opened in Taipei in November 2013.

With the exception of Australia, all Marimekko’s stores in Asia-Pacific are retailer-owned. This model ties up less of Marimekko’s resources and guarantees an in-depth knowledge of the local market. The stores must comply with the same concept as Marimekko’s company-owned stores.

Marimekko has 133 stores in approximately 40 countries.