Guest Post: Regional Director Satu Sikanen, A Responsible Deed

Responsible Virkkukoukkunen Makes Imatra Special

Virkkukoukkunen's Colors Shine Brightly and Carry the Message of Responsibility

Sustainability as a growing trend has been discussed in consumer markets for years. Nevertheless, fast fashion holds firmly to its ground and seasons change frequently. The glitter dress from last year's Christmas party will hardly be seen at the next year's festivities. In the challenging conditions of the domestic clothing and textile industry, Virkkukoukkunen's colors shine brightly and carry the message of responsibility. Virkkukoukkunen's products, born from South Karelian expertise and entrepreneurship for 30 years, are designed in Imatra and sewn in various locations in Finland. The company's product range has been expanded so that even leftover fabrics are utilized.

Virkkukoukkunen radiates Karelian joy and energy all around

In addition to creating jobs and tax revenue, as well as ecological responsibility, Virkkukoukkunen also nurtures sustainable culture. It is an excellent example of a business that draws from the local Karelian culture and simultaneously creates something new. Virkkukoukkunen radiates Karelian joy and energy around it. This is exactly the kind of creative business we need in eastern Finland. The closure of the eastern border is visible in many ways in South Karelia and especially in the streetscape of the border town Imatra. Fast fashion and services have disappeared from around Virkkukoukkunen's splendid boutique in Imatrankoski. What remain are the services of local entrepreneurs – ultimately those services that make Imatra distinctly Imatra: a distinctive and personal place for residents and tourists. A place that has special character and spirit. A reason to come, see, experience, and stay. In South Karelia, we want to do everything we can to ensure that local businesses like Virkkukoukkunen continue to thrive. Every consumer can also influence this through their own responsible choices.

Opportunity to Grow and Develop

I see in Virkkukoukkunen's joyful brand opportunities to continue to grow and develop. I dream of one day staying in Imatra in a hotel room decorated with Virkkukoukkunen products or even in Virkkukoukkunen's own hotel. There, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, one can let go and, borrowing Virkkukoukkunen's words: "Projects may be in progress, but otherwise everything is under control."

Joy, color, and roominess for spring to the people of Virkkukoukkunen and to us fans!

Satu Sikanen
Regional Director of South Karelia

Satu Sikanen, Regional Director, wearing Virkkukoukkunen's Luottoleninki in the Linkurat pattern