Birthday

Where did it all start and how are we doing now after four years?

Four years ago, Finland had just celebrated 100 years of independence and we were all very proud of our wonderful homeland. Before that, however, for decades we had all relied more and more on buying foreign goods, including goods made abroad that are also manufactured in Finland. We had been blinded by the ecstasy of cheaper prices. At the same time, the quality, origin and manufacturing methods of the products had been forgotten. Made in China, India, Vietnam and other low-cost countries were familiar manufacturing countries for all of our own goods.

While the world's companies, the Finns involved, had woken up to consider responsibility, production methods, the quality of materials and human rights in this unsustainable situation, Johanna and I thought it would be great if we could raise more products made in Finland.

Products whose material and origin are 100% known. Manufactured by Finnish companies that create jobs in Finland. Products that are perhaps made by a sole proprietor with a big heart. Products that use as many natural materials as possible. Organic products using recycled materials. Domestic products that may not yet be sold online at all.

After such consideration, we were ready to establish The Finland Shop online store, the entire selection of which would have been made in Finland. We summed it up in these words:

Quality - sustainability - Nordic nature inspired design. This winning combination creates the world's best products. From Nordic for You.

We started to contact the manufacturers and tell us about our idea. A pleasing number of companies believed in our business and immediately started cooperating with us. Thank you very much for that! Without these great brands, we would have nothing.

The first order in our shop came on April 27.4.2018, XNUMX. A big day! The customer bought Miikko from Tuusula an elkskin Jemma bag. Great product! Through legal deer hunting, surplus leather is created, from which Miiko makes fine leather products. Finnish products from start to finish and these are also of interest abroad.

Our selection has grown steadily over the years, it has been a pleasure to see how many new companies are being created in Finland every year. Like our trade What's new-the section says: Every moment, someone somewhere comes up with something beautiful, something new - something Finnish.

During these four years, awareness and appreciation of the domestic product has grown tremendously. Finland is on the right track! Even the manufacture of certain products that have already been exported has been brought back to Finland. The Finnish Labor Association does a great job with its Avainlippu campaigns for domestic products and services. We have been proud holders of the Key Flag badge for four years now. In our social media channels by the way, there is a lottery going on right now in cooperation with the Key Ticket (valid from April 24.4 to May 8.5.2022, 30). You can win a € XNUMX gift card in our store!

While there have been many challenges over the years, progress has been made. At first, Korona was scared, but in the end, it taught people to order even more from online stores. Now the war in Ukraine is mourning and it paralyzed sales at the end of February. However, there is hope for peace, even if nothing is restored. The world situation is more exciting than ever. Then a small positive thing feels great, be it one happy customer feedback, a new manufacturer into the assortment or a new collaboration in the field of marketing.

We also want to sell these wonderful Finnish products abroad. Due to Korona, foreign sales were interrupted for a while. However, there seems to be a demand, although not much has yet been marketed. If even Canada or Australia suddenly get an order, then it feels special. That's where the Finnish quality product leaves the world through us.

We have gradually started to contact companies as well, and companies have contacted us. Staff gifts are hoped to be domestic. That’s a great thing, the staff is listened to and they want to invest in domesticity. Our gift cards have been popular in both consumer and corporate shopping carts. Incoming email gift certificate is an easy, fast and versatile gift and it can be used for the complete assortment.

It is four years since the first Jemma bag was ordered and still the same deerskin bag is in our selection. Domestic, stylish, carefully made product made of natural material that supports Finnish work. Can there be more hope?

Towards the next four years,

Paulina