What did Franco Cozzo say?

Late Franco Cozzo is remembered for saying “Grand Sale, Grand Sale”, in his English-Italian accent.

Who Was Franco Cozzo?

Franco Cozzo was an Italian-Australian luminary renowned for his charismatic television ads in English, Greek, and Italian, Cozzo was a trailblazer in promoting multiculturalism.

During his early years, he ventured beyond the area of the predominantly linked baroque furniture and sold a diverse array of products.

His inaugural store in North Melbourne was not limited to furniture; it also featured whitegoods, and, for a brief period, housed a Fiat dealership.

His crowning achievement was producing Australia’s first non-English TV show, “Carosello,” broadcast exclusively in Italian, showcasing his commitment to cultural diversity.

In the late 1960s, he pioneered the first Australian TV show not in English, featuring local Italian-Australian musical acts.

Simultaneously, Cozzo strategically established his flagship store in Footscray, later earning a local council plaque in 1981 for elevating the suburb’s profile.

Over 50 years, he evolved as a cultural icon, adapting to changing furniture tastes while steadfastly promoting unity in Victoria and championing multiculturalism.

Cozzo passed away on December 20, 2023, at 88.