Mamas & Papas sign distribution deal to open Japanese market

Jun 27 2009 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Akio Okoshi, president and chief operating officer at the Pigeon Corporation, said: “We are very pleased with this business opportunity to enter into the exclusive distribution agreement with Mamas & Papas who are highly valued and respected in the UK.

“We believe that the fashionable and well-designed products by Mamas & Papas would be readily accepted by Japanese consumers and I expect that this partnership between Mamas & Papas and Pigeon will produce new growth for both companies.”

Mamas & Papas, founded in 1981 by David and Luisa Scacchetti, is renowned for creating maternity wear, cots and bedding, prams and pushchairs boasting “Anglo-Italian” styling. It has won numerous awards for its business success and product design.

Mr Faulkner said Mamas & Papas was enjoying buoyant sales in the UK despite the economic downturn – expanding its stores to 36 with a further four stores planned to open before the end of 2009.

The company’s target is to have 50 stores in the UK in the next 18 months. Recent openings in Belfast, Cardiff, Medina and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia bring the Mamas & Papas retail estate to 51 stores worldwide.

Mamas & Papas is also expanding its internet and home shopping sales. And it continues to supply more than 2,500 independent retailers and UK brand giants, including Argos and Littlewoods.