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Leading Japanese ethical fashion and handicrafts brand Titicaca opened its first overseas store in Hong Kong today (August 9), taking the first step in its expansion into Southeast Asia and Mainland China. The brand is contributing consistent efforts to establish its position in the ethical fashion industry.
The Titicaca store at WTC More in Causeway Bay offers a wide variety of apparel and accessories. Many of the materials are sourced from South American countries, hence the brand's namesake, the famous Lake Titicaca in the Andes. The designs derive from Japan and the apparel is largely handcrafted in different countries, in an attempt to preserve traditional technique.
The President of Titicaca, Mr Hitoshi Kinami said, "Our brand aims to inspire happiness in our customers through colourful handmade products embracing the values of traditional cultures worldwide. In turn, we hope to rally more support for traditional craftsmanship globally through the international platform of Hong Kong to conserve and revitalise these cultural legacies.
"As an international city which welcomes world cultures and appeals to tourists worldwide, we see Hong Kong as an ideal destination for setting up our first store outside Japan. Not only can its international profile consolidate our brand image but it can also enhance the global exposure of the brand to reinforce our message," he added.
In addition to the three-year plan to open 10 more retail stores in Hong Kong, Titicaca's sound foundation in the city will serve as a base for developing local sourcing and production management and expanding into the markets of southeast Asia and Mainland China, Mr Kinami said.
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Andrew Davis, congratulated Titicaca on the establishment of its first overseas store in Hong Kong. "Hong Kong's strategic geographic location within the region and its unique relationship with China are undoubtedly instrumental to the brand in communicating the value of traditional handicrafts to the world. Hong Kong's international hub status thus performs the springboard effect for the brand to target the global market," he said.
About Titicaca
Founded in 1977, the Japan-based Titicaca operates a retail and wholesale apparel, accessories and handicrafts business. Titicaca is a subsidiary of Village Vanguard Co Ltd (JASDAQ listing), which operates a trading business and runs three book and sundries stores in Hong Kong. Titicaca operates 90 shops in Japan. It aims to cultivate a harmonious and healthy lifestyle in its customers through its products and highlight the value of traditional cultures and handicrafts. For more information, please visit www.titicaca.co.jp.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As at June 2012, Invest Hong Kong had completed over 2,600 investment projects creating more than 30,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$67 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157630980106698.
Ends/Thursday, August 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:23
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