LONDON (Kyodo) Liberty PLC, the London-based company famed around the world for its printed textiles, is planning to start selling its own brand of luxury products in Japan.
The company plans to launch Liberty of London merchandise in Japan in spring 2008.
Liberty has long had a close association with Japan. It was started in 1875 by London's Arthur Liberty, who sold fabrics and ornaments imported from Japan. The store's Tudor-style frontage has made it a London landmark.
Since 1988, Liberty has sold its printed textiles to wholesalers in Japan.
But the company is now hoping to expand its presence in Japan by selling its own range of luxury products for the home, as well as accessories. This will include everything from luggage, cushions and throws to candles, scarves and neckties.
A spokeswoman for Liberty said it was too early at this stage to say how many stores in Japan would be stocking the products.