EMKO Place, better known just as EMKO, is quite a small Lithuanian brand which seeks to empower furniture, to embrace and inspire positivity, and create a sense of belonging. With its start at imm cologne in January 2013, Germany still remains the biggest market for the brand's fresh Nordic design. All products are produced in Lithuania, a country with old traditions of woodworking. Aside from Germany, EMKO is proud to have partners in 28 countries altogether. After its launch, the brand was growing rapidly in sales, demographic and products. Nevertheless, EMKO was also affected by last year's recession, which was especially noticeable in the furniture industry.
Erika Markovska-MikulskienÄ—, Founder & CEO of Lithuanian furniture brand.
'Well, the market is slow, indeed,' comments Erika Markovska-MikulskienÄ—, founder and CEO of the company, 'however, we are managing and moving forward. In fact, the business is unpredictable and difficult since the start of pandemic in 2020, but we are working in both project and home markets and that allows us to land on our feet softer. At the moment we are concentrating on the circular economy and responsible production, whilst bringing added value and fresh (re-)design. The customer of EMKO is smart, educated and doesn't want cheap, polluting product, and instead focuses on honesty and responsibility.'
With manufacturing only in Lithuania, it is easier for the brand to maintain the highest quality of the products, while reducing CO2 impact during production, shipping and quality control. Also, the wood used is from European origin and certified. 'This has been very important for us from the very beginning of EMKO and now the customer becomes more and more conscious, which goes along with our values. So we are happy and being encouraged to work further with our vision', Erika says.
Alchemist Sofa family.
The recent larger product released by EMKO is the Alchemist Sofa family which includes three sizes of sofas, armchair and pouf. It's characterised by a beautiful wooden frame, and focuses, with a main fabric of recycled wool, on both the circular economy and sustainability. The strong construction of the sofa will surely live with few generations of family, or even longer.
Aside from larger products, EMKO is also releasing a selection of smaller items for younger design lovers. Starting with the small lively Momoko coffee tables, bringing raw but soft forms, completed by naturally scented Annunaki candles, and a beautiful, warm collection of wooden animals, I Piccolini. 'We decided to expand a little into that direction due to the interest of the younger generation, which are in love with EMKO design in general, but most of the items are too costly for them. However, they always come to the furniture fairs and other events which is great, as having positive feedback on your work is always encouraging and motivates you to move forward,' Erika says with a smile.
More information:
EMKO
[email protected]
www.emko-place.com
Lithuania