Franke Launches New Retail Concept in Dublin, California
Author:Lindsey ShookFranke, the world’s leading stainless steel kitchen sink manufacturer and a leading name in kitchen faucets, has opened a new retail experience in the California Bay Area. The first-ever Franke Design Boutique opened November 29, 2017 just outside of San Francisco, in partnership with The Plumbery, a leading California plumbing showroom. The 1,000-square foot space, designed in partnership with renowned Italian architect and designer Carlo Colombo, emphasizes the art of entertaining through the breadth of Franke product on display.
Franke leadership joins the showroom team from The Plumbery to mark the opening of the first-ever Franke Design Boutique.
Franke Design Boutiques incorporate curated product vignettes to highlight how Franke products impact the functionality of the larger kitchen system.
“For both architects and consumers, the abundance of product in a traditional plumbing showroom setting can make the selection process a challenging one,” says Oliver Bahr, President of Franke Kitchen Systems, North America. “The Franke Design Boutique is inviting; it eliminates the chaos of choice and empowers people to quickly envision living with Franke in their own homes.”
Daniel Schwab, VP Sales Franke Kitchen Systems, welcomes guests to the Franke Design Boutique.
Each Franke Design Boutique delivers an immersive brand experience focused on the Franke culture, its Swiss heritage, and commitment to quality engineering and design.
Recognizing the importance of a “touch, feel, live” interaction in the selection of high-end kitchen components, vignettes curated by Colombo elevate the shopping experience and highlight how Franke products impact the functionality of the larger kitchen system. Luminaries showcased include the Chef Center Workstation, Pescara Collection, and Absinthe Faucets.
The new retail concept comes as part of a larger two-year expansion plan to substantially strengthen the brand’s presence in the U.S.– one the European leader has identified as having tremendous opportunity. Throughout 2017 and 2018, Franke will open five Design Boutiques located in markets known for strong bases of professional designers and architects and design enthusiasts.
Ali Grosslight, Daniel Schwab, Mary Jo Bowling
Jen Werner (Mead Quin Design), Guest, Carolyn Rebuffel (Carolyn Rebuffel Designs), Mead Quin (Mead Quin Design)
Curated product vignettes eliminates the chaos of choice during the product selection and specification process.
“Our new Franke Design Boutiques have been designed to truly foster and strengthen relationships with the North American architecture and design community,” said Bahr. “We are thrilled to open the doors of our California Bay Area Franke Design Boutique with our esteemed partners at The Plumbery, and to commence a year of exciting growth and development across the United States.”
