Global stationery brand, kikki.K has closed all of its UK stores, but has appointed The Little Birdy Group as its distributor in the UK who is now looking to work with retailers to stock the products.
Founded in Australia by Swedish-born Kristina Karlsson, who continues as its creative director, kikki.K has built up a strong following in over 147 countries through its own shops as well as its online presence and selling to other retailers.
Having opened three shops in the UK a few years ago – two in London and one in Guildford – the decision has been taken to close the stores and concentrate on building availability of the brand’s cards, stationery and gifts by wholesaling them to other retailers.
Already kikki.K’s distributor in the Middle East, The Little Birdy Group has now also been appointed to forge ahead with the brand in the UK. The company was founded by former retail buyer (of Toys R Us, Hamleys and Very) Jodie Thorpe, six years ago, Little Birdy has built up a strong reputation in the Middle East, representing a companies including Pigment, Portico Designs, Penny Kennedy and Wild and Wolf.
With a brand new showroom set up in St Albans, Jodie will now be spending more time in the UK to build Little Birdy’s business here, including a focus on kikki.K.
“It is great to have this opportunity to be part of kikki.K’s journey in the UK as well as in the Middle East working with retailers who share the brand’s ethos and appreciate its wonderfully designed products,” said Jodie.
Top: kikki.K’s St Pancras store in London which is now closed.