Australian Furniture Brand Coco Republic Opens Up First American Retail Location In San Francisco

American furniture brands have some new competition now that iconic Australian furniture company Coco Republic finally opened up its first United States retail location in the Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco. Founded in 1979, this was part of a greater international expansion for the brand, which also included an e-commerce launch in the fall of 2022. Executives are thrilled to have a retail presence in such a great city. “We’ve always been excited and inspired by California and the United States. Indeed, I’ve been traveling to the United States for many years and imported from many American manufacturers over time. The United States has always had a home at the heart of Coco Republic’s DNA and mine in particular,” says Anthony Spon-Smith, Creative Director.

“Over the past ten years, I’ve been concentrating on designing and developing our own unique range, some influenced by the Californian lifestyle. There are very distinct synergies in the way Californians and Australians live. A lifestyle that is light on its feet, casually cool, and connected to nature, I feel binds us subconsciously and our design ethos will resonate.”

55 Stockton Street

The building Coco Republic took over is across the street from Macy’s, making it a highly foot-trafficked area. Other distinguished neighbors include luxury retailers Louis Vuitton and Bvlgari. The building was previously home to Crate and Barrel, although customers would be completely unaware of this walking into the store. Upon entry, visitors are immediately greeted by a bartender making mocktails at a beautifully designed bar featuring libations from Lyres. “Lyres is an Australian brand known for its high quality and well-designed non-alcoholic beverages. We wanted to give our visitors something that felt special and different, a bit like us,” says Spon-Smith.

The store was transformed with all branding removed from the previous tenant. While the aesthetic is purely Coco Republic, which Spon-Smith describes as “Playful, internationally influenced yet distinctly Australian,” it took quite a bit of work to get everything together. He tells me, “We did a full interior re-fit of the site. This included reworking each level significantly, which included the installation of a new lighting system, dramatic panels, a bar, and a full outdoor gallery.”

An Array Of Furniture

At 40000 square feet, the store is not only considered a huge footprint by American big box retail standards but is also Coco Republic’s largest showroom. It is also the only showroom that has three sprawling levels. With 2000 different products, the amount of merchandise is astounding.

However, despite this abundance of inventory displayed on the floor, the space still feels large and open. From living room to bedroom areas and home office, everything is meticulously merchandised to feel as sophisticated and upscale as possible. It’s also a great source of inspiration that customers and design professionals will appreciate alike.

While the Coco Republic look easily integrates into most modern to contemporary homes, there really isn’t a major American equivalent to the brand. Still, most pieces have a footprint that’s undeniably on the larger side. This is particularly true of the sofas and sectionals, making these pieces ideal for standard large American homes. However, because much of the seating is modular, it’s easy to customize for smaller spaces such as apartments and condominiums.

There are so many things that make Coco Republic unique and a very welcome addition to the American market. While all each piece is designed to coordinate, the brand’s furniture doesn’t have that typical American matching “furniture set” feeling. Materials are sleek and plush yet comfortable and luxurious.

One of the most notable aspects of the showroom is the amount of outdoor furniture on display. This is essential to the California marketplace where the indoor/outdoor lifestyle is so much a part of local culture.

Design services are also conveniently available on-site. “Coco Republic enjoys the experience and professionalism of a well-respected team of Designers and Design Professionals who can assist with every aspect of one’s interior design needs. From one room to an entire home, Coco Republic’s Interior Design team can help you find that perfect piece to complete any room or outdoor space in your home,” says United States President of Coco Republic, Skye Westcott.

What’s Next For Coco Republic

The San Francisco showroom is just the beginning of the international expansion. There are plans for an additional showroom in Orange County, outside of Los Angeles, in Spring 2023. The Culver City location will also be fully renovated in Summer 2023. It is currently HD Buttercup, a brand that Coco Republic acquired in 2021. Internationally, Coco Republic currently has fifteen showrooms in Australia and New Zealand, with an e-commerce site servicing both those markets.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.