Google News
The illustrious Colombian brand, Frenchie Co., known for its premium wallets, bags, and business gear, has marked its first foray into the U.S. market by inaugurating its store in Connecticut. The store, nestled within the plush corridors of Westfarms on New Britain Avenue in West Hartford, amplifies the mall's luxurious ambiance.
Spanning an impressive 1,320 square feet, this establishment sits conveniently between Center Court and JCPenney on the mall's lower level. Frenchie Co. has a heritage of three successful stores back home in Colombia, showcasing their craftsmanship through premium Italian leather wallets, as well as unique carbon fiber and ballistic nylon offerings.
Their innovative spirit shines through in their patented line of self-adjusting and expandable backpacks, a testament to their commitment to functionality and style since their inception in 2015.
Frenchie Co.' s Ambitious U.S.
Vision
Notably, the brand had made significant waves in 2018 when featured on Colombia's adaptation of the popular television series "Shark Tank." Daniel Mejia, co-founder of Frenchie Co., voiced his vision, stating there exists "a pressing demand in the retail sphere for sophisticated yet practical products." Ambitiously, the brand is eyeing the launch of 30 stores across the U.S.
by 2025. Mejia also shed light on Frenchie Co.' s origins, highlighting their debut product's launch via crowdfunding, an innovative approach which clearly paid dividends. On the brand's addition to the Westfarms' repertoire, Elizabeth Ryan, the mall's general manager, expressed, "Our mission has always been to introduce distinct retailers for our discerning shoppers.
Frenchie Co. aligns perfectly with our ethos, seamlessly blending with Westfarms' lineup of luxury brands." Supporting this initiative to curate unique retailers, Westfarms' owner, Michigan's Taubman Centers, instituted the 'Emerge with Taubman' program in May 2020.
This endeavor fosters emerging brands, granting them a platform and facilitating their foray into affluent markets. The program's success is evident, with Westfarms having already played host to Impossible Kicks, a sneaker and athletic wear retailer, as its maiden 'Emerge with Taubman' tenant in January 2021.
They've since burgeoned to 17 stores nationwide, and now, with Frenchie Co. as its sophomore participant, Westfarms continues its commitment to unique, upscale retail experiences.
