Marimekko

Three years later I’m finally back and so looking forward to visiting the Marimekko factory outlet! So. very. disappointed. The store area is about ¹⁄₃ the size from when I first visited, the selection very limited and so are the sizes. Not to mention the prices are much higher, only 30% off the regular prices in general.
Half the shop is now designated to the current collection, ie no reduced prices at all and the same clothes and accessories you’ll find in the regular shops in Helsinki.
When we visit the outlet store certainly has more staff than customers and there is a certain feel of desolation in the air.
I may have bought something, but not at all for the prices I had expected. It feels awful to bump down the 5 star rating to 2 star, but apparently, what a difference 3 years make…

I always go here when I’m in Helsinki. It’s an easy journey from the city center, just several stops on the subway and then approximately 10 minutes walking (head toward the tower that looks like a flying saucer!). If you are looking for fabric, then you will be happily surprised by the choices. The prices vary; you’ll find great deals on some fabrics and on scraps and smaller discounts on others. If you’re after clothes, bags, or dishes, then you may or may not find what you’re looking for.
Before Christmas is the worst time, as it’s crowded and the good things get snapped up. I’ve had much more luck in the spring when the Finns aren’t buying gifts and there are no tourists like there are in the summer. I’ve found some great deals, including a scarf and bag that were half of retail price and were items currently selling in the US.
They also have a cute little café. It closes earlier than the store, so you may want to stop there first. All in all, the store is definitely worth a trip!

During my most recent trip to Helsinki, my aunt suggested I visit the Marimekko outlet store… Boy, do I wish I had known about this place sooner! I always have trouble settling on any single «souvenir» from Marimekko as I love all of their patterns, so we came up with the genius idea of making a quilt out of my favorite ones. Fortunately, I visited during their summer sale this past June and walked out with enough discounted fabric for a queen-​sized quilt (cost: roughly 105 euros). There were easily 150+ patterns to choose from. Really, a must-​see if you’re interested in Marimekko.
For those interested in this season’s merchandise, there’s a neighboring shop that sells at full-​price.