“Grand Sale! Grand Sale!” echoes in my mind. Those words are from Franco Cozzo’s iconic ads. Now, they adorn the roller door of this very building. We’re standing before the Franco Cozzo Mural in Footscray. It is a vibrant tribute to a Melbourne legend.
Franco Cozzo was more than a furniture salesman. He was a symbol of Melbourne’s multiculturalism. Cozzo arrived from Sicily in 1955. He had no money and didn’t speak English.
Before his showrooms, he sold appliances door-to-door. Eventually, he opened stores in Footscray and Brunswick. His ads were trilingual. He spoke English, Greek, and Italian. This endeared him to Melbourne’s diverse communities.
Cozzo even produced Australia’s first Italian-language TV program. It was called Carosello in 1968. His contribution to the community earned him a plaque from the local council in 1981.
This mural serves as a reminder of his impact. It was painted in 2015 on the side of his Footscray store. The store was his flagship for five decades. Note the “Grand Sale!” slogan on the roller door. It’s a clever touch, isn’t it?
Franco Cozzo loved music. His daughter Gisella is a singer. He supported local artists. Apparently he wanted to be a singer himself.
He was known for his elegant style. Often seen in a checkered jacket and vibrant tie. He was always ready, “pronto, and full of perfume.”
His Footscray store was sold in 2018. His Brunswick store has also closed. However, his legacy lives on. Many praised Cozzo for fostering belonging among migrants. He also employed Melburnians facing homelessness.
Even after his passing in 2023, people remember him fondly. Someone even wore a Franco Cozzo T-shirt as a tribute. Katie Hall, a state member for Footscray remembers Franco fondly. She remembers him sitting outside his shop during the 2016 AFL grand final week. He wore his Footscray scarf, waving at the traffic.
The Moon Dog brewery is planning a beer bar here. The mural will stay. They want to honor his legacy. This mural ensures that Franco Cozzo’s spirit remains. He will always be a part of Footscray’s identity. A true Melbourne icon.